NCAC expands reach into Pacific Rim with Tiyan High School’s Model Academies in Guam

GUAM—The National Career Academy Coalition is proud to announce the successful implementation and recognition of its first three model academies outside the 50 states at Tiyan High School in Guam. This significant milestone marks NCAC’s expansion into the Pacific Rim and sets a new standard for excellence in career-focused education in the region.

Tiyan High School’s academies, which include the Transportation, Logistics, & Construction Academy, the Health & Human Services Academy, and the Business, Arts, & Information Technology Academy, have all achieved model status according to NCAC’s rigorous National Standards of Practice. This recognition underscores the school’s commitment to providing a relevant and rigorous educational experience that prepares students for success in their future careers.

Empowering students through specialized pathways

The success of Tiyan High School’s academies can be attributed to the dedicated leadership of principal Sophia SN Duenas and College and Career Academy coordinator Dr. Rachel Pocaigue, along with a team of committed educators and guidance counselors. Each academy offers specialized pathways that cater to diverse student interests and career aspirations:

Tiyan High School’s academic achievements are a testament to the strong support and collaboration from the local community and various partners, including the Guam Community College, the Guam Chamber of Commerce, the University of Guam, the Guam Police Department, and many others. These partnerships have provided invaluable resources such as guest speakers, curriculum development, student work experiences, and mentoring programs.

National Career Academy Coalition president Jay Steele praised Tiyan High School, stating, “Congratulations to the Tiyan High School staff and community partners for becoming Guam’s first school to have three model college and career academies. The school’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional career-focused education is truly inspiring. This achievement underscores their hard work and dedication to preparing students for future success.”

A proven model for success

Since 2015, Tiyan High School has been refining its career academy concept, drawing inspiration from NCAC’s best practices and other successful models like Waipahu High School in Hawaii. Through continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, Tiyan High School has overcome challenges related to funding, stakeholder engagement, and data collection to become a model institution for career academies.

Quotes from key stakeholders

Keira Perez, 12th grade visual arts student, said “Once students utilize the programs in the academies, the change and growth are immediate. I was truly able to use the career academy structure to the fullest during my senior year at Tiyan High School.”

Xaiver Baza, 12th grade fitness student, said “Career academies have given me more insight into the professional development of my interests and provided opportunities to explore different career paths without changing my academic life.”

Elijah Mesubed, 12th grade AF JROTC student, said “Students feel a lot more prepared for life after high school and get more exposure to industries and careers that are actively in demand.”

“Career academies offer students a unique pathway to success, integrating rigorous academics with practical, hands-on training in specific industries. This approach fosters deeper engagement in learning and boosts graduation rates as students see the direct relevance of their education to their future careers,” said principal Duenas.

The importance of college and career-connected education in high schools

As education evolves to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy, college and career connected education is becoming increasingly essential in preparing students for college, career, and life. By integrating rigorous academics with practical, hands-on training, career academies provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. NCAC is at the forefront of this educational movement, serving as the global thought leader and support organization for new and existing college and career connected education programs in high schools.

NCAC’s vision for the future

NCAC’s expansion into the Pacific Rim and the success of Tiyan High School’s academies represent a significant step toward realizing NCAC’s vision of becoming the premier international organization partnering with schools and communities to facilitate sustainable and transformational change through the academy model. As NCAC continues to grow its reach, Tiyan High School’s Model Academies will serve as a showcase for other schools seeking to improve their educational systems and better prepare students for the future.

For more information about NCAC and its work in transforming education through career academies, visit www.ncacinc.com.

NCAC is dedicated to supporting the development and implementation of career academies across the United States and internationally. Through its collaborative process and the National Standards of Practice, NCAC helps communities transform their education systems to better prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. (PR)