What is CPA?
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CURRICULUM focused on a career theme and coordinated with related academic classes.
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VOLUNTARY student selection process that identifies interested ninth graders.
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TEAM OF TEACHERS who work together to plan and implement the program.
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MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITIES with private sector involvement to encourage academic and occupational preparation, such as integrated and project-based curriculum, mentor program, classroom speakers, field trips, and exploration of postsecondary and career options.
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WORKPLACE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES such as job shadowing, student internships, and work experience.
The Academy Model
​The Partnership Academy Model is a three-year program, grades ten through twelve, structured as a school-within-a-school. There are currently 340 funded programs throughout California. The model, originating with the Philadelphia Academies in the late 1960s, spread to California in the early 1980s. Academies incorporate many features of the high school reform movement that includes creating a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education, and establishing viable business partnerships. Emphasis is also placed on student achievement and positive postsecondary outcomes. Academies have been carefully evaluated and shown to have positive impacts on school performance.
Mentor Program
In the eleventh grade, Academy students are matched with mentors. Mentors are usually employees of participating businesses who volunteer to be a "career-related and/or caring adult" in the student's life.
Internship Program
After their junior year, students performing well enough to be on track for graduation are placed in internship positions. Students apply for these positions as they would in the open market; i.e., they prepare resumes, complete job applications, and have interviews. Companies make the hiring decisions.