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Happy multiracial group of high school students working together, sitting at library with notebooks, writing and using a laptop to search information. Young teenagers studying exams at university

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This school year, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) introduced an innovative academies program for high school students, offering 34 career paths designed to align with their future aspirations. Ahead of high school, middle schoolers at Patrick Henry K-8 are now participating in a pilot program to explore careers early on.

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The program, involving more than 200 students in grades 6 through 8, provides hands-on experiences in various professions. Students, aged 11 to 14, get the chance to try out careers before committing to specialized courses in high school.

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At Patrick Henry K-8, students recently explored the role of a data center technician using virtual reality headsets. Through this immersive technology, they learned about providing tech support, maintaining server functionality, and troubleshooting technical issues.

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The pilot program is designed to spark interest and give students a head start in understanding career options, helping them make informed decisions when they transition to the high school academies program. This early exposure aims to prepare students for a successful academic and professional future.

Source: The DMV Daily

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