Natrona County Schools Celebrates Pathways Innovation Center’s 2019-2020 Certifications

Press release from Natrona County Schools:

June 10, 2020

The Natrona County School District is excited to announce at this time, 244 students have, or will soon complete, certifications at Pathways Innovation Center for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

We would like to congratulate all the students at Pathways Innovation Center who worked so diligently to obtain their certifications.

Pathways Innovation Center (P.I.C.) is an extension of Natrona County’s high school system. Pathways courses of study include college–preparatory curriculum, industry certifications, portfolio development, and internships. P.I.C. offers advanced and professional coursework in the 11th and 12th grades which build on introductory experiences. Experiences are aligned to student interests that fulfill community needs.

Pathways Assistant Principal, Ron Estes, offered his appreciation for the opportunities Pathways provides students, “PIC is a great opportunity for students. Some of my favorite memories are having provided open houses to students and families in our community. I have visited with incoming freshman parents who often said, “this is what my child needs, hands-on and certifications”. I loved observing the daily work and accomplishments of students as they successfully participated in their CTE area! The staff at PIC is passionate about what we do and together with high school and District leadership teams, the Board of Trustees, our industry partners, and the entire community we have worked together to build the awesome opportunities for students at Pathways Innovation Center.”

At P.I.C. students and teachers work together to meet Wyoming State Standards and Hathaway requirements. Students obtain real-world applications focusing on industry standards and college or career readiness. Sequences of courses are offered, starting with entry-level courses at home schools, grades 9 and 10. Advanced level courses are offered for only 11th and 12th graders at PIC, resulting in industry certifications and or portfolio development. All students from each of the four high schools have the choice to attend their home school for a half-day and the other half at PIC.

• Heavy Equipment Operator – 8 students participating and due to building closures as a result of COVID, they are finishing certificate requirements this week.
• Nursing students- 33 perspective CNS certifications, due to COVID – they will complete the remainder of testing in July.
• Basic Life Support – 55 student certifications.
• HeartSaver- 5 student certifications.
• American Welding Society, (AWS) – 9 student certifications.
• Vet Science – 8 student certifications.
• ASE Auto – 34 student certifications, 8 of whom have already been successfully hired into the automotive field upon completion.
• Serve Safe, (culinary) – 26 student certifications, (21 at the food handler level, and 4 at the managerial level).
• FAA Remote Pilot, (drones) – 2 certifications.
• Construction OSHA 10 hour – 64 student certifications.

Congratulations to each student on this tremendous success, you are without a doubt ready for your next step towards continued success after high school.

The Natrona County School District is committed to creating learning systems where all of our students can succeed in school, become prepared for graduation, and ultimately become valuable, contributing members of our global society.

This press release was produced by Natrona County Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.