The Career Academy provides area high school juniors and seniors with the unique opportunity to earn college credit through skills-based technical courses while still in high school. The center's curriculum serves as an extension of the high school curriculum by providing students with hands-on training in technical fields.

The Career Academy has three primary goals which define its purpose:

• To aid students in making an informed career choice. Students select a technical program based on their interests and aptitudes. Their experiences in the program help them to make career choices.
• To prepare students to enter the workforce upon high school graduation. The programs provided Career Academy students lead to certificates of proficiency from SAU Tech which equal marketable job skills.
• To encourage students to continue their education after high school. When Career Academy students sucessfully complete concurrent credit classes through SAU Tech, they receive both high school and college credits. Students can finishtechnical programs with as many as 16 hours toward an associates degree at SAU Tech or an advanced certification program.

Programs Offered:
Automotive Service Technology
Computer Engineering
Construction Technology
Cosmetology Technology
Medical Professions
Radio/Television Broadcast & Production
Welding Technology

Services:

Advising: SAU Tech Career Academy students are advised on academic and career matters individually and in groups during recruitment, admissions, and registration processes. Students may also access individual advisement by request.

Kuder Career Planning System: Kuder is an online career planning system that allows students to assess their career related interests, skills and values. The Kuder Career Planning System also provides students access to an online database that can assist them in  creating and maintaining a career portfolio. This portfolio can be used to develop a personal resume.Career Academy students have access to a site that was specifically developed for students in Arkansas providing useful links to information related to Arkansas jobs, continuing education programs, and financial aid / scholarships.

SkillsUSA: Students participating in SAU Tech Career Academy programs are eligible for membership in (Skills USA). SkillsUSA is a national organization that serves high school and college students who are enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled and service occupations. The organization builds student character and self-confidence through educational experiences in leadership, teamwork and citizenship. Its activities emphasize total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills and life-long education.

Terry Starkey
Director of Career Academy
870.574.4421

Patricia McElroy
Career Academy Coordinator
870.574.4487

Candy Lambert
Administrative Specialist II
870.574.4423