What is Gateway Academy to Innovation and Technology?
Gateway Academy to Innovation and Technology is a locally-operated career and technical center. In the past few years, Gateway Academy has expanded course offerings to ensure scholars gain essential skills so they can achieve Academic Readiness and/or Technical Readiness.
Scholars interested in a career in engineering may apply for enrollment in the engineering program at the end of their eighth grade year. The engineering classes utilize curriculum from Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Courses include Introduction to Engineering Design, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design and Development, and Digital Electronics. We are currently looking to expand our offerings to possibly include Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Robotics Design Essentials and Systems. Scholars also have the opportunity to co-op through the engineering program. Scholars will have multiple opportunities to present to various audiences and participate in leadership activities.
Scholars interested in becoming a RN, LPN, NP should consider applying for the health science program. The health science courses are Principles of Health Science, Emergency Procedures/Medical Terminology (which can be taken as dual credit), Body Structures and Functions, Allied Health Core Skills, and Medicaid Nurse Aide which is a dual credit course. All of these courses can help scholars work towards earning certification that allows them to enter a nursing program in a school in the state of Kentucky or employment upon graduation. Along with the Medicaid Nurse Aide certification, we offer EKG Technician, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician certifications within this program.
Our culinary arts scholars work in Foods and Nutrition and Culinary I and II. In addition to providing meals for Hopkinsville-Christian County Youth Leadership on occasion, these scholars also cater various meeting and community events.
Another opportunity that is very exciting at Gateway Academy is available through our industrial maintenance program. Scholars in industrial maintenance gain valuable hands-on experience through blueprint reading, applied machining, and machine tool courses.
Blueprint reading, gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and cutting processes are just a few of the things our welding scholars become proficient in as they move through our welding program. Scholars also utilize their welding skills to create works of art and other items that can be purchased.
Scholars in our biomedical science program never know what they will encounter when they walk into their biomedical classrooms! Curriculum for the biomedical science program also comes from PLTW. In the beginning course, Principles of Biomedical Science, scholars will work all year exploring the concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. The second year in the program leads scholars through the human body system as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Scholars will follow the life of a fictitious family in the third course, Medical Interventions, as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Biomedical Innovation, the final course, provides scholars with the opportunity to work on an independent project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution. Scholars address topics from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology.
We have added computer programming to our Information Technology department. Scholars have the opportunity to take AP Computer Science and possibly earn college credit with a passing score of three or higher on the AP exam. We also offer help desk and systems support management through our IT department. Scholars gain the knowledge to troubleshoot various computer issues. These scholars work closely with the district IT staff and sometimes travel to other schools in the district to help resolve computer issues.
In the transportation education program, scholars learn about every part of an automobile. Times are changing in this area as car maintenance systems are becoming more computerized. An understanding of technology along with the basic knowledge of how to change the oil is a must now for someone interested in this field. In our efforts to continue to provide our scholars with more opportunities, we are in the process of gaining ASE certification for this program.
Graphic Design allows scholars to apply skills that focus on the principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas, information, and packaging products to business and consumer audiences both in digital and other formats.
Our Residential Maintenance Carpenter Assistant pathway introduces scholars to skills useful in keeping a building functioning and in servicing a variety of structures including commercial and industrial buildings as well as mobile homes.
Gateway Academy to Innovation and Technology is a facility that changes to meet the job demands of our community and state. It's not your Grandpa's trade school anymore!!