Academy Offers Students the Basics of Business

Gardena sophomore Richard Jones is getting up for school early these days to learn all he can about computers. He is learning the basics along with the how-to’s of writing a business letter and resume. These are skills, he says, that he will need to open his own veterinarian practice one day.

Like many of his classmates, Jones has become excited about school since Gardena High School opened its Southern California International Business Academy, a school within a school that is preparing students for careers in business. The academy started up when school opened last month and was unveiled to the public Thursday.

“Already we can see that this has made our students more enthusiastic about school,” Principal Richard Morley said.

“They are taking more pride in their school and their confidence has increased now that they can see the future that lies ahead.”

Nearly 140 students, grades 10 through 12, have signed up to take courses in the academy such as accounting, bookkeeping and introduction to business. In addition, students are coming to school early to work in the computer lab and to attend monthly power breakfasts that feature a speaker from the business community.

“These are my favorite classes,” Jones said. Gardena joins a number of high schools statewide that have started academies to expose students to real-world opportunities. Susan Tidyman, a director for the state high school learning division, said nearly 150 academies have opened statewide since Sequoia Union High School in Northern California opened the first academy in 1984.

Each academy has a different focus, such as health or business, and a business partner in the community. Gardena’s academy is sponsored by Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson and several area businesses including Toyota Motor Corp. and Ralph’s grocery stores.

Together the corporate sponsors have contributed about $100,000 to start up the academy. Cal State Dominguez Hills will give academy students college credit and provide staff for lectures, while area businesses will develop internships for students once they have completed basic business courses.

Academy Director Pat Muecke said she expects the business program to help a number of students whose families own local businesses.

“The program will give them the help they need to take the business further,” she said, “and stay ahead.”