Dale County Schools Bridge Academy Starts Its Second Year Stronger Than Ever

Dale County Bridge Academy (DCBA) welcomed students to the start of its second full school year earlier this month. The Ozark-based career center is a collaboration between the Dale County Board of Education, multiple community and technical colleges, and several local businesses. Students can participate in dual enrollment programs that give them hands-on experience and training ahead of their future careers.

“Every student has an aptitude for something and every student is hopefully going into the workforce,” says Lisa Welch, Career Tech Director at Dale County Schools. “Career technical education (CTE) can guide them to where they are going or help them explore other fields.”

Bridge Academy is available to students at all three high schools in Dale County and is just one part of the CTE programs supporting workforce development within the school system. Learn how Dale County better prepares students for their future careers. 

Bridge Academy Offers Seven Dual Enrollment Programs

High school students who are ready to explore their career fields can sign up for dual enrollment through Bridge Academy. This allows them to earn college credit while they are still in high school. Dale County currently offers seven career pathways to choose from:

• Aviation maintenance and repair
• Emergency medical services (EMS)
• Child development
• Computer tech
• Criminal justice
• Mechatronics 
• Welding

Through Bridge Academy, students can also learn about agriculture, health sciences, and business education. They can enroll in Bridge Academy and participate in dual enrollment in 10th grade and beyond. Most students take two dual enrollment courses at a time, but some can take three.

“Students have so many options after they graduate high school, but they aren’t always sure what they are,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “Dale County Schools shows students that they can choose the best career path for their needs, whatever that looks like.”  

Students Participate in Counseling and Career Exploration Before Their Coursework

Bridge Academy is an excellent resource for students who know what career field they plan to enter. However, many high school students aren’t sure what they want to do after graduation. Dale County Schools has career tech guidance counselors and career coaches on staff to help kids and teens discover their options.  

“Our students need opportunities to participate in career exploration so they know what area they want to go into,” says Lisa Welch. “They are still going to enter the workforce and need skills to be successful.”

Educators at Dale County Schools have developed a curriculum to help students learn about different career paths and what various jobs entail. This curriculum, along with the career coaches, helps students pick the best courses that match their interests and goals. 

Bridge Academy Has Grown Quickly Since January 2023

When you tour Bridge Academy, it feels like the program has been around for decades. The educators are passionate about their subjects and several community partners have stepped in to support students. However, this is a brand new part of Dale County Schools.

Bridge Academy opened in the middle of the school year 2023. Welch and her team met with students and parents to discuss the programs and encouraged them to enroll. Local colleges, including Enterprise State Community College, Alabama Aviation College, and Wallace Community College supported the dual enrollment programs and agreed to work closely with Dale County Schools.

Bridge Academy is entering its second full school year stronger than ever. Demand is high for these courses and the district is adding new classrooms and programs.

Bridge Academy has particularly benefited students who have difficulty in traditional classroom settings. Not only can these students connect with something they enjoy, but they can also make friends with students from other high schools with similar interests. They have a place to succeed both academically and socially.  

Bridge Academy Has a Mutually Beneficial Relationship With Local Businesses

Welch speaks highly of the local business community, which has helped her develop Bridge Academy. Various companies in different industries have offered training resources to the school system and provided insight into what students need to learn to succeed.

“Businesses are very receptive,” she says. “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a business turn us down.”

This community buy-in is mutually beneficial. It allows Dale County Schools to better meet workforce demand in the area. When students graduate or seek employment while taking classes, they already have the necessary skills to take on specific roles. In the world of economic development, Dale County can celebrate its local student body and highlight how graduates are ready to work.  

“We always encourage our students to come back to Dale County to help us maintain what we have,” says Welch. “After students attend college or complete additional career training, they can return to the community and start their own families.” 

Discover the Quality Education Opportunities in Dale County 

Bridge Academy is just one way Dale County Schools shines. The school system consistently earns “A” ratings on the State Department of Education reports and students of all ages can learn from quality teachers who are passionate about what they do. Education is a priority in Ozark-Dale County.  

Learn more about relocating to Dale County and discover why this corner of Alabama has such a high quality of life. Bridge Academy prepares students to enter the workforce and supports local businesses, but the greater community makes Ozark a place where people want to live.