ITEP Makes it Work
ITEP makes high school work.
With its career-themed academies, ITEP propels students to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed for international trade. Would-be dropouts work to become entrepreneurs and previously disinterested students aim for college under ITEP’s Ten Point Plan. It’s a new approach to education that works, again and again.
THE NEED
Our region’s key industries –international trade, transportation and logistics –are hard-pressed to find qualified employees who can effectively compete in an increasingly globalized economy.
With shrinking budgets and mounting needs, public high schools are challenged to graduate students job-ready and college-prepared. Drop-out rates are high, and student motivation is low.
THE PROGRAM
By connecting industry, high schools and colleges, ITEP creates a learning community that is dedicated to the effort of saving schools and changing young people’s lives. ITEP partners with industry and educators to deliver a multi-year program of student enrichment opportunities that includes in-class speakers and mentors, team-building field trips, job-shadowing and internships.
ITEP currently supports eight academies in five high schools in Southern California and the High Desert, serving approximately 1,500 students annually.
THE RESULTS
ITEP's results speak for themselves. Through our Academy programs, schools have demonstrated:
- Higher graduation rates: 30% improvement
- Increased API scores: increase of 130 points
- Improved grades, attitudes and attendance
“The Academy gave me direction for life. It helped me get through high school…” -Student
“The challenge for high schools is to serve students who enter lacking appropriate academic skills and life-expectations. To meet this challenge, we must provide these reluctant students with concrete proof that (1) school is a place where they will be positively supported, (2) a high school education will result in economic and other benefits, and (3) the community and colleges around them truly want them to succeed. This is what ITEP programs do.” -Principal
“Before ITEP, I felt very alone and overwhelmed with the task of getting students ready for college and the working world. The support, wisdom, knowledge and friendship of the Academy Board of Advisors is a tremendous boost for Academy teachers and our students.” -Teacher
“The future of our industry lies within our local school system. Our maritime industry must be completely integrated within the community to grow, and this starts with supporting the local school system.” –International Trade, Transportation & Logistics Leader