Comstock's magazine 0319 - March 2019 | Page 7

Gateway Community Charters BUILDING A PIPELINE TO SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS AND BUSINESSES Gateway Community Charters, a system of K-12 public charter schools, is lifting youth from lower socioeconomic circumstances to success, and creating the educated, skilled and prepared workforce of tomorrow. The first Gateway school opened in 2003 with 300 students, and today, nine schools serve a total student body of 4,700. G ateway Community Charters supports stu- students greatly benefit from even a single day of learn- dents, parents and the community through ing at a business. Each fall and spring, SAVA’s CTE Job innovative, high-quality educational options Shadowing Days enable students to spend a day receiv- across the Sacramento region. “We serve all students ing industry-level experience in a field that interests regardless of background, and give them high academ- them. These experiences are critical in creating a con- ic and behavior expectations to help them fulfill their nection between school and the real world. “We want to academic and social potential,” says Jason Sample, expose students to as many career paths as we can, but Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. also want business leaders to understand that we are According to Superintendent/CEO Dr. Cindy Petersen, the connection to their future workforce,” Sample says. “Each of our schools has a different and unique focus. Another option for students looking to the future is Fu- Community Collaborative Charter School (K-12) is an tures High School, with a pre-engineering curriculum independent study program serving primarily credit focused on preparing students for STEM careers. Lo- deficient and students ‘at-promise.’ Community Out- cated at a beautiful state-of-the-art campus completed reach Academy (K-8) and Futures High School (9-12) in August 2018, Futures benefits from this highly inno- have a college preparatory and English language learn- vative educational space. “The new campus reflects the er emphasis. Sacramento Academic and Vocational latest in tech-industry workspace design, collaborative Academy (7-12) is an independent study program with spaces and colorful, flex furniture, and a two-story cohe- an emphasis on careers and workforce development. sive layout rather than the sprawl of traditional regional Finally, Gateway International School, Empowering schools.” Also housed at the new campus is Higher Possibilities International Charter and Higher Learning Learning Academy (K-8), an IB school with an emphasis Academy are International Baccalaureate (IB) schools on strong family involvement and lifelong learning. serving grades TK-8th. We are pleased to offer these quality public school options in such different ways to best meet the unique and diverse needs of students in our communities.” “We welcome students from any background, and with the partnership of local businesses, will give them the opportunity of a strong, successful future,” Sample says. “Please contact us to take part in Job Shadowing One of those options is the Sacramento Academic and Day on April 30 — you may be hosting a future out- Vocational Academy, one of Gateway’s nine schools, standing employee for the day.” with a mission of teaching students a vocational trade as they also earn college credits while working toward their high school diplomas. Already partnered with an array of regional community colleges and businesses, SAVA is looking to connect with more businesses to of- fer job shadowing and internships to more students. Though internships may be the pinnacle of opportuni- ty for vocational students, Sample points out that those 5112 Arnold Ave, Suite A | McClellan Park, CA 95652 | 916.286.5129 | gcccharters.org