Real-World Learning

Hickman Mills C-1 School District Off Campus Programming

Hickman Mills C-1 Schools is excited to offer several off-campus programs as part of its Real-World Learning program. The Herndon Career Center, Summit Technology Academy (STA), and various specialized programs provide high school students with hands-on, career-focused learning experiences across multiple industries. These programs, offered within the Raytown School District, Lee’s Summit School District, and in partnership with local colleges and businesses, allow students to gain real-world skills, earn dual credit, and obtain Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) in fields such as healthcare, engineering, business, technology, law enforcement, and skilled trades. Whether through half-day programs, early college coursework, or internships with industry leaders, students can explore their career interests while preparing for future college or workforce success.

Herndon Career Center

Herndon Career Center and Southland CAPS are located within the Raytown School District and is focused on students who are interested in a variety of CTE (Career & Technical Education) fields. Students attend for a half day program (daily) during their senior year. Students can earn dual credit or an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) upon successful completion of the program. Program offerings include:

• Automotive Collision
• Automotive Technology, & Diesel
• Industrial & Agriculture Mechanics
• Construction Technology
• Welding Metal Fabrication Technology
• Industrial Engineering
• Advertising & Graphic Design
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Foundations of Nursing
• Law Enforcement/Police Science
• Emergency Medical Technician

Southland CAPS

• Animal Health Science
• Education Exploration
• Environmental Planning and Awareness
• Technology Solutions

Summit Technology Academy (STA)

Summit Technology Academy is located within the Lee’s Summit School District and offers capstone experiences for 11th/12th grade students interested in a variety of careers. All programs include dual credit and/or industry certifications, as well as real world learning experiences. Program offerings include:

• Digital Electronics
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Aerospace Engineering
• Engineering Design & Development
• Network Engineering
• Computer Software Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Medical Intervention
• Professional Nursing
• Allied Heath
• International Studies
• Teacher Educator Academy
• Business Finance/FinTech
• Digital Media Technology

MCC - BTC Pre-Engineering Early College Program

The BTC Pre-Engineering program is for 11th/12th grade students interested in a possible career in Engineering. Students receive (paid) dual credits - up to 9 possible per semester that they attend.

Avila Teacher Prep

This is a 6 credit hour program for students interested in possible careers in education.  The program is open to students in grades 11/12 and currently meets on the Ruskin campus, taught by a university professor.  In addition to the coursework, students are also assigned to an elementary/middle school to shadow teachers.

Cerner Tech Pathways

This program is open to students in grades 11/12 and meets for a half  day on the Cerner campus. It is for students interested in technology careers. Students receive 3 college credit hours in an introductory Computer Science course through UMKC. During second semester, students are assigned to work with a Cerner team on a real world project. Upon completion of the full year, students are eligible to apply for an internship at Cerner.

Business & Finance Institute

The Business & Finance Institute is for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in a possible career in a business pathway. Throughout this program, students visit various business/industry partners in Kansas City, go on college visits, have assigned business mentors, can participate in an intensive summer experience, and may earn some dual credit sponsorship. This program, sponsored by Prep-KC, is supported heavily by Metropolitan Community College and State Street and American Century.

Health Start

Health Start is an intensive program for students in grades 10-12 interested in Health careers. Health Start Academy students earn dual credit through MCC Penn Valley and often leave the Ruskin campus during their junior/senior year to take courses. Students also have the opportunity to earn an Industry Recognized Credential as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Pharmacology Tech.

Design Academy

Students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to apply to be a part of our Pathways to Design Academy, offered in partnership with Prep-KC, Center School District, and Grandview School District. This program is for students interested in marketing, graphic design, or even journalism. This will be a half day program and students will attend class at an area design firm.

Additional information about each program can be found in our Career and Educational Planning Guide (CEPG) and/or from the Ruskin Counseling Department.