EmpowerU programs accepting applications

January 19, 2021 | 12:06 am

Updated January 18, 2021 | 9:49 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Two of the Daviess County Public Schools’ EmpowerU programs — the Engineering Academy and Life Science Academy — began accepting applications today, for classes to begin in August 2021. Courses are available to students enrolled at Apollo, Daviess County, Owensboro, Owensboro Catholic, Trinity and Hancock County high schools.

Engineering Academy

  • Engineering Academy students meet daily on Apollo High School’s campus; morning courses begin at 7:50 a.m. and afternoon courses begin at 2 p.m. Students attend this program one period a day.
  • The Engineering Academy is part of Project Lead the Way, which is a nationally recognized provider for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculums. Learn more at pltw.org.
  • Students enrolled in the Engineering Academy have the opportunity to take Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Computer Programming and Aerospace Engineering.
  • Visit the Engineering Academy website at apollopltw.weebly.com to learn more and to apply online.
  • Applications will be accepted through June 1 for Fall 2021 courses. Students must apply online and select the tier under which they are eligible to apply. See below for a tiered system of acceptance for Engineering Academy.

Engineering Academy Tiered Acceptance (students will apply in the tier for which they are eligible):

  • Tier 1 – Composite ACT score of 17 or higher and grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  • Tier 2 – Enrolled in Geometry as a freshmen and have GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Tier 3 – Enrolled in Algebra 1 as a freshman and have GPA of 3.5 or higher

Life Science Academy

  • Students meet in the Science Building at Owensboro Community and Technical College’s main campus for one period a day Monday through Thursday. Classes begin at 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Students enrolled in the Life Science Academy take Human Body Systems, Medical Intervention and Biomedical Science courses, which incorporate Project Lead the Way curriculum. Learn more by visiting pltw.org.
  • Visit the Life Science Academy website at lifescienceacademy.net/ to learn more and to apply online.
  • Applications will be accepted through June 1 for Fall 2021 courses. Students must apply online and select the tier under which they are eligible to apply. See below for a tiered system of acceptance for Life Science Academy.

Life Science Academy Tiered Acceptance (students will apply in the tier for which they are eligible):

  • Tier 1 – Composite ACT score of 18 or higher and grade point average of 3.5 or higher; essay requirement and recommendation from core content teacher
  • Tier 2 – GPA 3.5 or higher, essay requirement and core teacher recommendation
  • Tier 3 – GPA 3.0 or higher, essay requirement, core teacher recommendation and Google Meet interview

Students who need to register for the ACT may do so at actstudent.org. Students may be eligible for acceptance to the Engineering or Life Science programs without ACT scores (see tiered acceptance requirements listed above).

“Both of these programs are an excellent way for students to begin taking college credit as a high school freshman,” said Amanda Jerome, DCPS college and career readiness coordinator. “College credit for both programs is offered through Owensboro Community and Technical College. Our classes are rigorous, problem-based courses and offer career exploration and hands-on learning in a high quality, college-level atmosphere. We invite families to explore these options and we encourage eligible students to join us in one of these amazing programs. We know you will not be disappointed.”

Engineering and Life Science academy classes are typically offered in person, but have been transitioned to an online/virtual format this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure student safety.

“We look forward to getting our students back into our lab spaces as soon as it is safe to do so,” Jerome said.

The Early College and Agriculture Academies also open their applications today. Interested students may find those applications on the DCPS webpage at dcps.org or go directly to that page here.

EmpowerU academies encompass all of the dual credit programs available to DCPS district students. In addition to Engineering and Life Science, other programs include Advanced Placement, Agriculture, Code Pathway, Early College, Technical Education and General Dual Credit.

Each year, DCPS assists hundreds of students with dual-credit opportunities, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school, which saves families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

For more information about EmpowerU academies and pathways, or to learn more about DCPS dual credit opportunities, visit click here or contact DCPS College and Career Readiness coordinator Amanda Jerome at [email protected] or [email protected].

January 19, 2021 | 12:06 am

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