Blog

Branson Online School Students Receive Industry Certification In Web Design and Paid Internships – Press Release

Steve Waddell • Aug 18, 2015

Branson, Colorado February 19, 2016 – Two Branson School Online students are the first BSO High School students to complete the new Web Design course and to receive the Certified Web Designer industry credentials.

Both Branson Online students have already been offered a paid internships with companies. The official announcement of the internships will be released later this month. These internships are not requiring the students to leave home but are allowing them to connect virtually and gain experience with their
new skills and credentials.

Branson School District Superintendent Brad Caldwell spoke. “It is with great pride that I announce the success of two of our on-line students, Kiara Kapple and LAndon Mapp. These students, after completing Mrs. Kimberly Schor’s Web Design class, took and passed the industry exam designed for adults
entering the profession.” bso-logo-2013-a (2)

BSO High School is in its first year delivering this Web Design with HTML5 standards course. The educator responsible for this success is Kimberly Schor.

Mrs. Schor teaches a number of Business, Career and Technical Education courses including Mobile Application Design, Coding & 3D Video Game Design.

When asked about her experience, Mrs. Schor said, “This is a brand new class for myself and the students. I am honored that I was asked to teach this class.

Through our partnership with CTE Learning, we have had the opportunity to provide our students with worthwhile skills that are opening doors to
exciting STEM careers. All of us here in the Branson School District are extremely proud of both of these students.”

Kiara Kapple, one of the newly credentialed students said, “”The Web Design Course was everything I needed to test the waters and get a solid foundation in something I enjoy.

While the main career I’m pursuing is in the fashion industry, the core knowledge I obtained in this class as regards to coding in HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript helped me to immediately start my own online business website, ‘Thimbles & Thread Boutique’ to sell the hand sewn and hand crafted gifts that I make.

The course itself is presented in a format that is easily understandable. While I was nervous to complete the test (Industry Exam) at the end of the class, as I am with all tests, I was confident that I had been equipped with the beginner experience and training I needed to succeed. I was ecstatic to find out that I had passed the certification exam as I know it is one more part of my education that can help me secure a stable
career in something I love.”

Certification by WebProfessionals.org

The certification earned by the Branson students is delivered by WebProfessionals.org , the premier industry association for Web Design, IT and Connected App developers. WebProfessionals.org’s Chair Bill Cullifer and Co-Chair Mark DuBois were key to the creation of the Certified Mobile Application Design credentials.

The industry certification is an optional element for this course. Many students take the course for only High School credit. Those who want to gain the coveted industry credentials must receive a minimum course grade, meet all project performance requirements as required.

Meet all career portfolio and presentation requirements. Exhibit professionalism in all class activities. Finally, receive a recommendation of their educator to sit for the industry credentials exam.

“This truly exemplifies our Live Rural, Learn Rural and Work Global push,” spoke Steve Waddell, the founder of CTe Learning. “There is no reason for students, wherever they live, to not get the opportunity to discover their passions and talents for these high-demand STEM careers.

Years ago, the wisdom of the day was that if you wanted to work in these types of technology careers, you had to leave the rural community and move to suburban/urban space. Those days are long gone and have been for a while. Kim Schor’s Branson Online students are helping us prove it.”

“We are very proud of the BSO students. Branson is delivering great career prep opportunities thanks to a forward thinking administration and amazing teachers. We love seeing students make these first steps towards high demand STEAM / STEM careers.” commented Donna Goodman, CTeLearning.com’s Director of Professional Development.

 

CTe Learning | I Support Learning, Inc. is an award-winning educational company specializing in innovative career and technology (CTE) oriented courseware. Courseware and systems designed to support educators tasked with ensuring students meaningfully engage, learn and meet Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) standards (also known as STEAM = STEM+Art). CTeLearning.com is proud to work with thousands of students in hundreds of brick and mortar schools, online institutions, colleges and vocational schools across the United States.

 

The Branson School Online Administration Office is located in Branson, Colorado. Branson is located in the southeastern corner of the state, just 1 mile north of the New Mexico border. BSO’s goal is to work with families through technological innovation to provide the best possible educational services and curriculum available.

BSO staff members believe that every child in Colorado deserves the highest quality educational opportunities, regardless of his or her zip code. To this end, BSO has invested tremendous resources towards developing the finest distance learning school in the state, where service, advocacy, and educational excellence are priorities every day. http://www.bransonschoolonline.com/

Get in touch with us today!


You can book a demo directly using Calendly, call us directly at 913-764-4272 or 877-828-1216, or submit the form below and we will reach out to you.


We look forward to helping you and your students.

students with STEM certifications

Most Recent Posts

By Steve Waddell 25 Apr, 2024
As school choice gains traction across the United States, an increasing number of parents are exploring educational options that extend beyond the traditional public school system. In addition to public schools, private, parochial, charter and Christian schools are increasingly recognizing the shift in student interests away from four-year universities towards more career-oriented education pathways that mitigate the risk of debt. This trend is driving parents towards schools that offer robust career and technical education (CTE) programs alongside the traditional core curriculum and character education found in charter, private, religious, and schools supported through school voucher programs. Career and technical education, when done right, is highly multidisciplinary. Technical skills are merged with history, math, and science and wrapped with the soft skills to better prepare learners for a more complex job market and future. Every career requires technical skills to get hired, but soft skills is what keeps professionals employed and allows them to move up the career ladder. Studies show that a lack of hands-on career exploration in high school is a critical gap, leaving many students unsure about their future paths and more likely to require significant adjustments to their educational trajectories post high school. How We Help At CTeLearning, we specialize in offering a diverse array of CTE courses designed to address these challenges. Our courses are ideal for schools of choice who are looking for easy to facilitate curricula taught by their educators so they can maintain their educational standards. CTE differs from traditional education by focusing on practical, hands-on experiences tailored to specific career pathways. This approach helps bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping learners with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the workforce. Our courses enable schools—including private, parochial, charter and Christian institutions—to provide engaging CTE curricula that expose students to potential career pathways, starting as early as middle school. Our courses include the technical skills and soft skills that industry expects. Each of our curricula include two soft skills modules: Ethics in the Workplace and Critical Thinking in the Workplace. These two interactive modules help fill gaps that many students seem to have in core career skills. To help students get career and college ready, these modules enable your learners to earn industry micro-credentials they can add to their resumes or a college entrance application. Our experience working with students and teachers shows that the project-based learning (PBL) approach is important. The best way to amplify PBL is to emphasize experiential learning and hands-on practical engagement. We enhance PBL by weaving in industry professionals who introduce important concepts and give context to the work and experiences the curriculum offers. By offering students direct engagement with industry professionals and real workplace environments, CTE programs enhance learning retention and deepen students' understanding of how theoretical concepts apply in practical settings. Our curricula are designed to allow students to learn at their own pace while building real-world projects and gain firsthand experience. Students beginning to identify their interests and career goals early on is crucial for making informed decisions in their educational journeys. Families of students in CTE programs report high levels of satisfaction, noting the effective guidance in career readiness that CTE provides, in stark contrast to traditional education pathways. Furthermore, CTE programs contribute to higher graduation rates, with students more likely to graduate on time compared to their peers in traditional settings. These programs also close the skills gap in the U.S. economy by aligning curriculum with workforce needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for high-demand occupations in fields like web design, game design, coding, sustainability, animation, marketing and robotics. Our approach allows educators to better prepare and future-proof their students. Industry studies tell us that soft skills, ethics, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management and personal leadership are what industry needs, yet these skills seem to be harder and harder to find in graduating students. Taking the time to develop critical thinking within a career context prepares students not just for specific jobs but any career pathway. The world as we know it has a high rate of change and seems to be accelerating. This makes it seemingly impossible for educators to keep up. The turbulence of change makes curricular choices for educators more and more stressful. Our teachers know they can trust us to make sure that they remain on the cutting edge of what industry is looking for, continually updating curricula to reflect the latest industry trends and practices. Teachers and parents around the country are looking for ways to stand out and show more options for learners who may have varied educational trajectories. Foundationally, all parents want their children to learn in an environment that builds their character, confidence, knowledge and readiness for their futures. They want their kids to be adaptable, resilient and independent. Overall, the continual growth of school choice is closely linked to the growing appreciation for CTE as a vital educational pathway. This approach not only meets the immediate training needs of students but also prepares them for long-term career success, making it an attractive option for parents and students alike who are seeking practical, debt-free education alternatives. It is tough being a parent these days. It is tough being an educator these days. Let us make things easier for your school, your teachers and in turn better for your students. Contact us today to find out how we can help by clicking here or calling us at 913-764-4272. Interested in learning more? Check out our recent blog post on the importance of career and technical education.
By Joshua Frisch 18 Mar, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, revolutionizing industries, improving efficiency, and shaping the future of work. Against this backdrop, the decision to pursue a career in AI has become increasingly appealing for aspiring professionals. Our Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics course teaches a new level of understanding of systems, coding, biology, and behavior to middle school and high school students interested in learning the soft skills and hard skills that will be in demand for decades to come. In this article, we'll explore the compelling reasons why AI is not just a good career choice but a smart one. Unprecedented Growth Opportunities The AI industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and other AI subfields. According to market research, the global AI market is expected to reach a value of $190 billion by 2025, with AI permeating almost every sector, from healthcare and finance to retail and transportation. This rapid expansion translates into abundant job opportunities for AI professionals, ranging from data scientists and machine learning engineers to AI researchers and algorithm developers. With AI becoming increasingly integral to business operations and innovation, the demand for skilled AI talent is expected to continue surging in the years to come. Lucrative Salary Prospects AI professionals command some of the highest salaries in the tech industry, reflecting the scarcity of talent and the critical role of AI in driving business success. According to industry reports, AI specialists, including machine learning engineers and data scientists, can earn six-figure salaries, with compensation packages often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. This financial reward not only reflects the high demand for AI expertise but also underscores the value that companies place on individuals who can leverage AI to drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver tangible business outcomes. For aspiring professionals seeking a lucrative and rewarding career path, AI offers unparalleled salary prospects and financial stability. Diverse Career Opportunities One of the most attractive features of pursuing a career in AI is the diverse range of career opportunities it offers. AI encompasses various subfields, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and reinforcement learning, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Whether you're passionate about developing cutting-edge algorithms, building intelligent systems, or applying AI to solve real-world problems, there's a niche within AI where you can thrive. Moreover, AI professionals have the flexibility to work in diverse industries, from tech giants and startups to healthcare organizations and research institutions, allowing them to pursue paths that align with their interests, skills, and aspirations. Impactful Work with Global Reach AI has the potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, from healthcare and education to climate change and poverty alleviation. By harnessing the power of AI, professionals can develop innovative solutions that improve lives, enhance productivity, and drive positive societal change. Whether it's developing AI-driven medical diagnostics, optimizing supply chains, or combating climate change through data-driven approaches, AI enables professionals to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. The opportunity to work on projects with real-world significance and contribute to the greater good can be immensely rewarding for individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology for positive change. Continuous Learning and Innovation AI is a rapidly evolving field, characterized by constant innovation, experimentation, and discovery. As an AI professional, you'll have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, staying abreast of the latest developments, and honing your skills. Whether it's mastering new algorithms, exploring emerging technologies, or collaborating with experts from diverse disciplines, the journey of learning in AI is both challenging and fulfilling. Moreover, AI offers ample opportunities for creativity and innovation, allowing professionals to push the boundaries of what's possible and develop groundbreaking solutions to complex problems. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and innovation, AI professionals can stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Start Your Career Today As AI continues to reshape industries and transform the way we live and work, the demand for skilled AI professionals is only expected to grow. For aspiring professionals seeking a rewarding and future-proof career path, AI presents a compelling opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation and shape the future of intelligent systems. By leveraging their skills, expertise, and passion for AI, professionals can embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and impact, making AI not just a good career choice but a smart one. To set up a free demo of our AI and Mobile Robotics course or any of our other courses, call us at 913-764-4272 or schedule directly using Calendly .
school using video game design curriculum
By Joshua Frisch 08 Mar, 2024
Learn about how one teacher is using engaging video game design curriculum to get her students excited about STEM career pathways.
Share by: