Award presentation to take place April 28 in Baltimore
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has selected the Biomedical Sciences Program at Bel Air High School to receive the 2015 Career and Technology Education (CTE) Outstanding Secondary CTE Program of Excellence. The Division of Career and College Readiness is recognizing the program for its work in preparing students for careers and further education.
The annual CTE awards event recognizes outstanding programs, student organizations, change agents, business partnerships, distinguished service, and national award winners. Outstanding CTE programs at the high school and community college levels are judged in four areas: program description, learner outcomes, program outcomes, and integration with systemic reform.
“This program exemplifies a quality CTE program because it combines a rigorous curriculum, motivated students, dedicated teachers, and strong administrative support. This is a powerful blend of factors that ultimately prepares students for their next steps towards college and careers,” said Susan Garrett, supervisor of Career Programs and Art for Harford County Public Schools.
Bel Air High School’s program, in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), is designed to address the impending critical shortage of qualified science and health professionals and is for the motivated and serious student who desires rigorous post-secondary education and training.
At Bel Air High School, students begin the program in their 9th grade year and take one subsequent course each year after. The course sequence for the program includes: Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Intervention and Biomedical Innovations. To enhance the program, guest speakers, extra labs and study halls are offered to all students. Guest speakers have included nutritionists, neurobiologists and respiratory therapists.
Some of the Biomedical Sciences program highlights include:
More than 200 Bel Air High students participate in the program
100% passing rate on the Biology HSA
Biomed students’ GPAs are on average .6 points higher than the school and class GPAs
Students in the program complete mentorships and internships with industry professionals
Students have been invited to local, state and national conventions to present their work and represent the Biomedical Sciences program at Bel Air High School
Biomed graduates have garnished more than $11 million in scholarships offered
Former Biomed students have been published and/or are currently working on being published and obtaining patents for their work
The program was one of 16 in the nation and only two in Maryland to be given the honor of becoming a PLTW Model School
The award presentation will take place on April 28 at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor Hotel in downtown Baltimore.
