U-46 to highlight high school academies at open house:
Elgin Area School District U-46 will host an open house to highlight the district's five high school academy programs, their application and acceptance process.
The open house is designed for eighth-grade students and their parents and will take place at each high school with presentations at 7 and 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Each high school will present an in-depth preview of the academy program housed there.
Eighth-grade students in good standing living within U-46 attendance boundaries are eligible to apply for the programs, which offer hands-on, industry-specific training, state-of-the art technology, and an opportunity to get a head start on higher education.
The five academies are:
• Bartlett High School: Science, Engineering and Technology Academy offers state-of-the-art laboratory setups in place of traditional classrooms, providing students with accelerated math and science curriculum, advanced placement opportunities, and experience using next generation technologies. Students can take advantage of robotics and STEM workshops and competitions, Project Lead the Way curriculum, courses for college credit, and STEM-focused internships.
• Elgin High School: Gifted and Talented Academy provides a rigorous, innovative academic environment challenging the intellectual and creative abilities of gifted and talented students. Students are encouraged to maximize their potential through independent study, mentorships, and internships.
• Larkin High School: Visual and Performing Arts Academy provides a comprehensive arts-based education. Students are offered honors curriculum in dance, drama, instrumental music, visual art and vocal music.
• South Elgin High School: BEACON (Broadcast, Education and Communication Networks) Academy provides students with hands-on experience in audio and video production, broadcast journalism, webcasting and web design. Students can benefit from industry training with media professionals, interviewing state and world leaders, and produce commercials for corporate clients.
• Streamwood High School: World Languages and International Studies Academy students pursue special interests in history, language arts, foreign language and business through an integrated honors program. The program prepares students for further studies and successful employment in a global economy with the opportunity to earn the equivalent of six years in Chinese, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish.
Completed academy applications are due on or before Oct. 9. For information, visit u-46.org and click on Departments and Programs and select High School Academies.
MCC launches program to train unemployed young adults: McHenry County College is seeking to train unemployed young adults for jobs in manufacturing or health care.
Anyone between 17 and 24 years old without a high school diploma can receive free training with "Find Your Future - Fast," a new program offered by MCC's Division of Workforce and Community Development.
The program is supported through a $100,000 grant from the McHenry County Workforce Network and provides free education, training and an internship program in the health care or manufacturing industries.
Students in this one-year program can earn their GED, attend sessions at MCC to learn about a career in manufacturing or health care, and receive career readiness and life skills training with a personal success coach. Students who successfully complete the program will earn a National Career Readiness Certificate and multiple industry-recognized credentials sought by employers. Students also will gain experience and make connections through job shadowing and local internships.
Books, materials and supplies are provided at no cost. Childcare and transportation vouchers also may be available.
Classes begin in October and space is limited to 25 students. To apply or for more information, call the McHenry County College Continuing Education Department at (815) 455-8559 or email dsullens@mchenry.edu.