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Through virtual academy, MN high schoolers get sneak peek of the trades

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Thursday, January 30, 2025   

Choosing a career path can be hard for high schoolers, especially if their district can't provide additional learning opportunities that move them in a certain direction. But Minnesota's largest online public school gives students more options.

The Minnesota Virtual Academy offers required courses from preschool to 12th grade and is weaving in more elective courses. Since 2020, it's teamed up with the Local 49 Operating Engineers union in providing curriculum steeped in the construction trades.

Jenny Winkelaar, director of workforce and community development, Operating Engineers Local 49, said students start off by learning online about tasks such as heavy equipment operation and then get some chances at hands-on experiences.

"There's a desire to learn this, and we have figured out a way to do this and maximize the benefit to the student, their family, the industry," she said.

These students can start earning credits for a registered apprenticeship, or credits with North Hennepin Community College. They don't have to be full time with the virtual academy -- they're allowed to take the online class while still attending their regular high school. Enrollment for this program has grown steadily, with 333 students from around the state currently participating.

The Minnesota Virtual Academy operates through Houston Public Schools in the southeastern part of the state.

Mary Morem, superintendent of Houston Public Schools, says expanding the scope of online options sends a message to students that educational leaders want to meet their needs. She added this setup is perfect for situations when the home district doesn't have enough teachers for an elective.

"We want to create opportunities for what kids are passionate about," she said. "There's a huge need, especially in small rural schools, to have supplemental coursework."

Winkelaar said offering these career experiences much sooner provides a spark for students really struggling to set their future course.

"We had a student say, 'You mean I could take this as a class? OK, I was thinking about dropping out, but this is what I would like to do,'" she continued.

A challenge that still needs addressing is a legislative change to ensure districts, that might see a student spend part of their day with the virtual electives, don't feel the burden of lost state aid.


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