Who is eligible for Career Academy?

High school students who will be Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors in the upcoming academic year. Career Academy students are interested in exploring careers within the construction, architectural, culinary, hospitality, animal care, and health care fields.

Which career tracks are offered? 

Students choose between four classes:

• Construction Technology includes architecture, structural/civil engineering, rough carpentry, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, concrete, masonry, and landscape architecture are just some of the careers you will try on for size. The construction of a tiny home is an integral part of the class!

• Culinary Arts & Hospitality covers culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, restaurant management, business & marketing, hotels & lodging. This includes learning fundamental cooking and baking techniques in our professional kitchen.

• Animal Care program will provide connections with professionals and businesses within the animal care industries. Students will receive exposure to veterinary medicine, animal control and training, anatomy and physiology, animal diseases and the veterinary business.

• Health Occupations students will learn about careers in physiotherapy, nursing, dentistry, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), optomology, public health and others.

• COVID-19 guidance: Youthentity will follow guidelines set forth by Garfield County Public Health and the Roaring Fork School District. Please contact Kirsten with any specific questions regarding Youthentity’s social distancing measures or distance learning in our programs.

What are the benefits of participating in the program?

• Get a head start on your career while still in high school.

• Meet students from area high schools.

• Learn from successful industry professionals who may become your future employers. 

• Earn credits for graduation.

• Opportunity to build your network of professionals who can help make connections, helping you succeed.

• Understand which industry you’d like to build your career in and which careers in that industry you’d enjoy the most.

• Learn how to make wise financial decisions regarding training and education after high school so that you don’t take on more debt than you can reasonably handle while achieving your desired but a realistic lifestyle. 

• Learn the different ways you can acquire training or education after high school to help you succeed in your career. 

• Connections to scholarships, earn certificates, and college credits (college concurrent enrollment credits are offered in Culinary/Hospitality and Construction).

• This unique opportunity is scheduled during school hours so you can participate in after-school activities and commitments. 

Q: Where and when will the Youthentity Career Academy be held? 

A: . The Hospitality program will be held at Youthentity in Carbondale during periods 4 and 5 on the block schedule. The Construction Management program will be held at Bridges High School during periods 4 and 5 on the block schedule. Animal Care (Fall) and Health Occupations (Spring) class locations are held at Youthentity in Carbondale on Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:30, fields trips are required throughout these courses.

Q: Will transportation be provided? 

A: At this time the school district is not providing transportation; however, Youthentity will provide RFTA bus passes to those who need them. 

Q: How long is the Youthentity Career Academy and how many credits will I earn? 

A: Both Construction and Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management students run for the entire school year. Students will earn 15 general elective credits and 5 math core credits per year.

Animal Care and Health Occupations run for one semester each and students will earn five credits per session.

Q: Is there a program fee? 

A: A $200 lab fee is required from each student for the culinary and construction tracks. This fee helps contribute to the actual costs of the programs in a small way. The actual cost per student for the Hospitality academy is $6,000; for the Construction Technology track, it is over $2,000. The lab fee for Animal Care and Health Occupations is $50. Youthentity engages in fundraising and applies for grants to pay for the difference. (Students who would like to enroll but lack funds for lab fees should contact us to discuss options)

Q: How many spots do you have open for the Youthentity Career Academy program every school year? 

A: We have 12 openings for the Culinary & Hospitality track; the number of openings for the Building Industry track is 14 per session. Safety and maximum engagement of each student is a top priority and as a result, keeps classes relatively small.  Animal Care and Health Occupations, each have 14 spots available.

Q: How do I sign up for the Youthentity Career Academy? 

A: First, determine whether your school schedule allows your participation by speaking with your school counselor or contacting Career Academy Director Greg Beachey. Then complete your online application. Youthentity will review all the applications and provide a list of recommended students to the schools for their input too. Youthentity may schedule an in-person interview with you at your school to discuss the program in more detail. When the rosters have been finalized, your counselor will add it to your schedule for next year. The final step is to have your parents complete the parental release form and parent/student contract. We’ll get the information you’ll need to complete this last step to you. 

Q: Can I or my parents speak to someone at Youthentity directly about my questions? 

A: Of course. We have additional information posted on our website, but you may also call us at 970.963.4055 or email our Program Director, Greg Beachey.