DCPS Empower U Academies holding Expos for interested students

January 22, 2022 | 12:07 am

Updated January 21, 2022 | 6:47 pm

Amanda Jerome

Students interested in Daviess County Public School’s Empower U Academies — the dual-credit program with individually tailored academic experiences — can attend one of two Expo events featuring demonstrations of learning projects being done by current students.

The first Expo is from 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 27 at Apollo High School, and the second is from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Daviess County High School. The programs are open to all current 7th- and 8th-grade students and their families.

The Empower U Expos are designed for students who are interested in biology, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers or biomedical fields of study; agriculture and agribusiness; code pathway and computer programming; as well as Advanced Placement, Dual Credit and Early College opportunities.

In addition to choosing from pathways in Agriculture, Engineering, Life Sciences, Early College, Coding, Advanced Placement or Technical Courses, students may also customize their plan by mixing and matching from these options. Students will graduate from Empower U programs “with knowledge and awareness of a career path and are prepared for success after high school graduation,” according to a release from the school district.

“This is a great opportunity for students and their families to see all the exciting things happening in our Empower U Academies and decide if this is the right pathway for them as they enter high school,” said Amanda Jerome, DCPS College and Career Readiness coordinator. “These academies offer a challenging college-level experience for students in grades 8-12.”

Both events will feature a brief informational presentation. Visitors will tour a variety of student-led booths showcasing the projects students have worked on this year. Instructors will be on hand to answer questions from parents and students. 

Life Science Academy demonstrations will highlight students’ expertise in specific anatomical systems through heart, kidney and brain dissections, as well as blood analysis. Students will also share an easy-to-understand demonstration of the role of insulin and sugar in diabetes. Visitors will learn about DNA and actually see the extraction of DNA from human cells and plant (strawberry) cells.

The Engineering Academy showcases will feature reverse engineering, computer programming, robotics and marble sorters. Students will share their projects with guests and explain the design and development processes behind them.

The Agriculture Academy booth will feature agriculture projects students have developed this year. Students at this booth will also be able to discuss leadership options available through chapter involvement with FFA.

Students in the Early College Academy will be on hand to discuss their involvement in the full-time college program, and share with future students the steps they need to take to be successful in earning their associates degree.

Learn more about Empower U here.

January 22, 2022 | 12:07 am

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