Career Technical Education
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- Monroe County School District
- IT Elite Pathway
Overview
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Printable flyer outlining the program
The IT Elite Program is an educational pathway designed to equip students with essential IT skills for success in the post-secondary world. Beginning in middle school, students start earning Level I certifications, which provide a foundational understanding of IT concepts. As they progress to high school, they can earn Level II and Level III national certifications, each advancing their IT expertise and knowledge.
Throughout the IT Elite Program, students are incentivized to excel; for every certification they earn, they receive incentive dollars to support their educational and career goals. This structured progression ensures that by the time students graduate, they are well-prepared and highly qualified for various IT careers or further education. Plus, a little richer!
IT Elite is for everyone. The skills that students learn will be relevant in college or a career. The mission of the IT Elite program is to give equal access to every student by removing barriers and offering incentives and rewards to become experts in technology. It is our belief that every student should possess the technical skills which are increasingly becoming mandatory to face the challenges in an ever-changing world.
Middle School Students
How do I start?
You can start earning in middle school by signing up for any elective IT course that is offered in your school. These certifications will be embedded in these classes. There is no limit to how many certifications you can earn. Your teacher will help guide you through the registration and course work required. To sign up for an elective IT class, please see your school counselor. Course names will vary at each school.
What are the certifications?
The current list of middle school certifications (Level I) is linked here. The list of certifications include a wide range of skills for you to master, from basic Digital Literacy to Programming and Logic and Artificial Intelligence. Check off each certification as you earn them. As new certifications are approved, we will be adding more to the master list.
Middle School Certification Planner
How much money do I earn?
For every Level I certification you earn, you receive $50 incentive dollars in the form of a gift credit card. Pass them one-by-one and watch your earnings grow! With over 15 certifications on the master list you can earn more than $800 in just middle school!
High School Students
How do I sign up for this program?
You must be enrolled in a IT elective course. There are many courses that will offer the IT Elite certifications. Look for IT courses like Digital Info Tech, IT Systems and Applications and Web Technology. Also AP Computer Science and Digital Video courses are included. Your counselor has a list of the exact courses that are available at your high school that offer IT certifications.
What kind of national certifications will I be earning?
The current list of high school IT certifications is linked here. The list is extensive and offers two different levels of certifications.Level II certifications range from Word Press to Fundamentals of Software Development, Python Code, Networking and Cybersecurity. Level III certifications are the most challenging, and also the most rewarded. Level III certifications include all the ADOBE bundles, Java and Java Script, Entrepreneurship, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office Master Specialist and many more. The master list will be updated as new certifications are approved.
High School Certification Planner
How much money does each certification earn?
Level II certifications earn a reward of $150 each! For the higher Level III certifications, that dollar amount doubles to $300! There is no limit to how many certifications you can earn. Check them off one by one and watch your earnings grow!
IT Elite Bonus Incentive
Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, there is more! As an additional bonus, achieve 3 or more Level III certifications and receive an extra cash payment at graduation up to $1500!
SILVER IT ELITE AWARD Pass 3 Level III certifications, earn 9 college credits, and receive $900 at Class Night.
GOLD IT ELITE AWARD Pass 4 Level III certifications, earn 12 college credits, and receive $1,200 at Class Night.
PLATINUM IT ELITE AWARD Pass 5 Level III certifications, earn 15 college credits, and receive $1,500 at Class Night.
Contact:
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Caroline Bleske
Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Phone: 305-293-1400, 53389
Email: caroline.bleske@keysschools.com
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Information for Parents:
This is a unique opportunity for your children to earn national industry certifications at no cost to you or your child. These certifications are integrated into the IT course curriculum, ensuring they are both current and relevant to the industry. This program is generously funded by the Golden Fleece Foundation, which provides the incentive money needed to prepare our students for both career and college readiness.
Students can begin this program as early as 5th grade in some Monroe County schools, with every middle school offering a program starting in 6th grade. It’s never too late to start; students can join the program at any time.
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to help your child build a strong foundation for their future.