Benson High School Career Academy Plan

On February 4, 2015, Omaha Benson High Magnet Principal, Anita Harkins, presented a plan to the Omaha Public Schools Board to revitalize the school through the pursuit of a complete Career Academy Plan.   The cost of the project is $1.5m.  All of the Academy programs have been structured to meet the National Career Academy Coalition Standards of Practice.

These include: Freshman Academy: a horizontal cohort of 2 teams with Social Studies, English, Math, Science, GPS and a Special Education cohort; Health Professions: Vertical cohorts of core areas and Foundations; Business and Entrepreneurship: Vertical cohorts of core areas and Foundations; and Construction and Design: Vertical cohorts of core areas and Foundations.  12th grade is still being designed based on student choice and availability of work-based learning experiences, including internships.

The latter three academies include dual enrollment opportunities.  Health Professions has partnered with the University of NE Medical Center.  Business and Entrepreneurship will do work-based learning with the high school store, First National Bank and the Mastercraft Scooters Coffee Shop. Construction and Design will have work-based learning opportunities with area skilled labor unions/firms.