Louisiana High Schools to Offer ‘Fast Forward Initiative’
Imagine that your high school student could take advantage of their junior and senior years, and be completely ready for work the day they graduate? Even if that new job required some higher education.
That will soon be possible according to the Louisiana Department of Education. Beginning next fall, Louisiana high school juniors and seniors will be able to capitalize on a new pilot program allowing them to "Fast Forward” their education. In a report from the Louisiana Radio Network, we learn that Superintendent Cade Brumley said the Fast Forward program allows students to be better prepared for life after high school while still in school.
“The opportunity to pursue those first two years of college or the ability to get an apprenticeship where they can come out of high school ready to go to work on the next day,” said Brumley.
“Or substitute it out for courses that meet the requirements of an associate degree in college through dual enrollment opportunities, or they meet the requirements of an apprenticeship, such as an electrician,” said Brumley.
Brumley added that entry point into the career field is an associate degree, a certificate in a technical craft, an apprenticeship, or a four-year degree. According to Brumley, “We just have to be more deliberate with the four years that we have students in high school making sure they’re prepared for that next step.”