Bayonne High School students are getting a jump on their college careers and business professions through a new learning academy and the auxiliary programs it provides.
On Dec. 8, the Academy for Professional Studies (APS) was officially opened with a dedication and tour of the newly renovated APS wing.
The new Business and Technology Education curriculum is designed to prepare students to succeed in 21st century business and finance.
The business academy wing is the school’s third academy. Performing arts opened in 2013 and science and technology in 2015.
The APS goals are to prepare students to enter a college business program or go right into the business world to begin their careers.
“Students will develop effective communication, time management, technical, and analytical skills, collaborate in real-world business scenarios, and develop financial responsibility,” said Timothy Craig, director of fine and performing arts and business education.
Students will learn fashion design, clothing creation, and electronic game design, among other disciplines. A stock market and investments club will help students hone their business acumen.
Work study and cooperative education opportunities also will be offered.
The academy will partner with the New Jersey City University School of Business. “Bayonne High School students have the opportunity to earn college credit from NJCU through dual-admit courses in business, finance, and mathematics offered at Bayonne High School,” said Schools Superintendent Patricia McGeehan.
The college-level courses will be taught by Bayonne high-school teachers. NJCU will certify teachers to assure the classes are taught to the university’s standards.
Graduating Bayonne seniors could accrue as many as 21 college credits before they leave high school.
About three or four dozen students are involved in the college-level courses.
“I find it very interesting; I like it,” said junior Nicholas Sadek. Though he plans to work in health care, he thinks it’s important to take the accounting class through NJCU.
Senior Rachel Macklin is taking three NJCU business courses.
“They all play into each other; it’s good that I have taken all of them,” she said.
The new Business and Technology Education curriculum is designed to prepare students to succeed in 21st century business and finance.
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Students who want to pursue college and career opportunities in business, finance, and entrepreneurship can benefit from on-site applications to the NJCU School of Business Honors Program, which offers several four-year, full-tuition scholarships and multiple study-abroad opportunities.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.