its strong carpentry and construction programming to include electrical training and, more recently, a masonry pathway launched last year. The masonry program has seen immediate student enthusiasm and early recognition, strengthened by the recruitment of an experienced former industry leader who transitioned into teaching. The district views these programs not as electives, but as strategic workforce development tied directly to the county’s long-term stability. DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH A UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE One of the district’s strongest postsecondary partnerships, Russell offers, is with Wilkes Community College, located close enough to the high school that students can walk to campus. This proximity supports a robust dual enrollment model that allows students to earn college credits, certificates, and, in some cases, an associate degree while still in high school. A key barrier to participation, cost, has been removed through support from the Educational Foundation, which covers textbooks, making dual enrollment effectively free for students. In addition to degree pathways, students can pursue short-term certificate programs aligned to workforce needs, strengthening employment readiness even for those who do not plan to pursue a four-year degree. Russell notes that this model also allows the district to broaden offerings without overextending resources. When a program cannot be delivered at the high school due to cost, staffing, or scale, the community college partnership fills gaps. After the district lost a highly valued welding instructor and saw credentialing capacity reduced, Wilkes Community College expanded welding pathway access. The college has also added HVAC programming, allowing students to continue skill development in trades that the high school currently cannot offer in-house. STEM, TECHNOLOGY, AND EARLY CAREER EXPOSURE Alleghany County Schools is a one-to-one district, providing every student with a Chromebook, 309 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 ALLEGHANY COUNTY SCHOOLS
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