Providing increased opportunities to earn Industry Based Certifications (IBCs) has been a key part of Jefferson Parish Schools’ (JP Schools) strategy to ensure students are prepared for a career and college upon graduation. A key indicator of success, JP Schools announced today that high school students attained 9,435 IBCs during the 2021-22 school year, surpassing the previous district record set in 2020-21 and exceeding the district’s strategic plan goal of 9,156 IBCs for the second year in a row.

“When students graduate career ready, the entire community benefits from a more skilled, better educated workforce,” said Dr. James Gray, Superintendent of JP Schools. “By taking advantage of IBC and Career and Technical Education opportunities during high school, students can fast track their career path and increase their long-term earning potential.”

During the 2021-22 school year, JP Schools Jump Start Career and Technical Education programs expanded opportunities for students by introducing coding, forklift certification, and an introductory food handling pilot for students with disabilities. 

Students earned advanced IBCs in target career occupations including Engineering,  Medical Assistant, Digital Media/Graphic Arts, Carpentry/Welding, Industrial Machining, Auto Tech, and Computer Coding. 

JP Schools continues to partner with local industry groups and post-secondary schools to ensure IBC offerings align with industry needs, thus fueling the local workforce and preparing students for high-wage and high-demand careers. For more information on JP Schools’ career readiness programs, visit jpschools.org/CareerReady.