Isle Maritime Trades Academy is a partnership between Paul D. Camp Community College and Isle of Wight Public Schools. This initiative is designed to enhance the learning, life, and career path for students. The program serves 11th and 12th graders, with the intent to have students commit to two years – their junior and senior high school years.
Mission Statement
The Isle Maritime Trades Academy educates and trains a significant and sustainable number of students in maritime trades annually, through innovative, integrated, experience-and project-based career technical education, so that academy graduates are workplace ready upon high school graduation.
Vision Statement
The Isle Maritime Trades Academy will have a significant impact on students, families, community, and the maritime industrial workforce by preparing students for immediate employment in high-demand skilled trades with regional maritime employers, in career pathways that provide a family sustaining income and opportunities for additional career advancement through further education or training after school.
Information for Families
The Isle Maritime Trades Academy will prepare students to be career ready in either Welding or Electrical. Students will take dual enrollment courses at the Smithfield Center and take their career pathway courses at Smithfield High School or Windsor High School. Our partnerships are Isle of Wight County Public Schools and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding.
We will operate our first year with a maximum of 40 students, then our second year moving forward will be a maximum of 80 students. Since the program is for 11th and 12th grade students, you can begin planning appropriately for this program in the 9th or 10th grade by speaking with your school’s guidance counselors.
Lab School Application
To apply to the program, you can scan the QR Code, click the link, or pick up a copy at your school.
https://forms.gle/WCA4Y1MUdG28vjBv5
Location
Smithfield Center
253 James Street
Smithfield VA 23430
FAQ- Basic Need to Know
1. What is a Lab School?
A "College Partnership Laboratory School”, or “Lab School” means a public school established by a public institution of higher education, public higher education center, institute, or authority; or an eligible private institution of higher education as defined in § 23.1-628.
2. Who does our Lab School Serve?
Our Lab School will serve 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in pursuing either welding or electrical careers.
3. How does a Lab School benefit its students?
A lab school gives students the opportunity to experience and grow in the areas of project-and-experience based learning, collaboration, integrated learning, and critical thinking skills to utilize in their career path. Upon completion of the program, students will graduate with their high school diploma and an Associates of Applied Science degree.
4. Who is eligible for Lab School?
If you are a rising junior, you are encouraged to apply to the program. We do encourage students to have a 3.0 and to have passed at least two SOLs.
5. How do I apply for the Lab School?
You can apply using the link, QR Code, or picking up a copy from your guidance counselor.
Lab School Director
Lakishia Banister is the Isle Maritime Lab School Director. She has experience as a high school English teacher and Assistant Principal. Lakishia received her education from Salisbury University, B.A in English Literature; University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Master of Arts in Teaching; Regent University, M.A Prek-12 Admin and Supervision; and currently working on her Doctorate of Strategic Leadership.
Lakishia desires to see students succeed while they are in school and after graduation. For questions, you can reach her at lbanister@pdc.edu.