"High School Inc." Empowers Students With Real-World Job Skills, Prepares Them to Succeed in a 21st Century Workplace

SANTA ANA, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2013) - High School Inc. is creating the future workforce of America, equipping high school students to succeed far beyond the classroom. Based in Santa Ana, Calif., the innovative non-profit was founded in response to the growing skills and language gap threatening local communities and businesses nationwide. Today, through its six academies at Valley High School, High School Inc. is equipping students with hands-on, real-world skills that directly correlate to today's hottest job opportunities. The organization prepares youths to enter the workforce or college seamlessly, while providing businesses with a more skilled, highly trained labor pool. 

"Our vision is to be a catalyst for social and economic change," said Donnie Crevier, president of the High School Inc. Foundation. "High School Inc. truly provides students with the education of a lifetime. They gain skills that are highly attractive to employers after graduation, and these businesses in turn benefit from increased productivity and profitability. The organization has the potential to become a national model that benefits teens and our economic future."

High School Inc. students are prepared for jobs, entrepreneurial start-ups, college and university -- all leading to sustainable employment. They attend core, academic classes and also receive hands-on training from one of the six academies at the heart of High School Inc., which form the acronym CHANGE: Culinary Arts & Hospitality; Health Care; Automotive, Transportation & Logistics; New Media; Global Business; and Engineering/Construction/Manufacturing. The academies partner with numerous community, city and business leaders of Santa Ana.

While the program was established with the common goal of preparing high school students for today's workplace, High School Inc.'s signs of success are more far-reaching and indicative of its significance. Students graduate at an accelerated rate; graduating seniors receive a higher percentage of internships; and students entering the workforce report more confidence and clarity in goals. In addition, according to a Fortune 100 business report, hiring a High School Inc. graduate means less down time and more productivity overall. These results can also boost the local Santa Ana economy and bring new light to modern education.

"The goal of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education is for all students to be college and career ready and equipped to compete in a global society. Through the partnership that the District has with High School Inc. Foundation and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, we are able to collaboratively offer students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the full array of opportunities that await them after high school," said José A. Hernández, J.D., SAUSD Board President and High School Inc. Foundation Board Member.

For information on how individuals and businesses can get involved with High School Inc., visit www.highschoolinc.info.

About High School Inc.
High School Inc. is a collaborative effort between High School Inc. Foundation 501©(3), the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Ana Unified School District. High School Inc. seeks to empower youth and strengthen communities through education and business partnerships. For more information, visit High School Inc.'s website at www.highschoolinc.info.