New Bedford High School Academy of Information Technology Achieves Distinguished Status – New Bedford Guide

“New Bedford High School’s Information Technology program receives NAF recognition.

The New Bedford High School Academy of Information Technology, affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), has been recognized as a National Distinguished High School Program, it was announced at the NAF National Summer Conference in Dallas, Texas.

The IT Academy, one of many programs within New Bedford High’s Professional Technical Education (CVTE) offerings, joins Finance as the school’s second NAF Academy to be recognized as a Distinguished Program. The designation was determined based on an assessment and visit to the NBHS by NAF officials during which they reviewed facilities, interviewed school stakeholders, reviewed documentation and observed classes. .

“I am thrilled that our Academy of Computing has been recognized as Distinguished, a milestone made possible by the work of our outstanding faculty, students and computing industry partners,” said Bernadette Coelho, Director of New Bedford Highschool. “Having two distinguished academies demonstrates the dynamism of our CVTE programs, and we appreciate the NAF’s continued recognition for our innovative practices.”

The Distinguished designation represents the highest level of achievement for an NAF Academy. The New Bedford High School Computer Academy was one of 181 recognized programs nationwide, according to the recent NAF press release announcing the nominees. The process to determine the distinguished level includes assessments and an on-site visit to assess the quality of the program. NAF officials spoke with a cross section of teachers, students, financial industry advisory board members and administrators during the NBHS visit.

“Our recent visit to the NAF site allowed the IT Academy to showcase its innovation, creativity and advanced technical skills,” said CVTE Programs Manager Chris Cummings, noting that teachers from all subject areas met with NAF officials to discuss how they collaborate with IT Academy staff to develop and implement projects across multiple disciplines. “Reviewers were impressed by the richness of the interdisciplinary integration,” he added.

One of the criteria for determining a distinguished NAF program is an active advisory board of industry representatives and post-secondary faculty. During their discussions with NAF officials, the committee – made up of 16 members representing industries in New Bedford, Providence, Boston and other regional communities – shared how they engage with staff and students at the NBHS to provide program advice and internship opportunities.

“We are fortunate to have very committed advisory board partners to support our IT Academy,” Cummings said. “Their active participation and support were essential for us to receive this most prestigious recognition,” he added.

The IT Academy is part of New Bedford High School’s vocational technical education program offerings. In addition to computer science, the school offers career path programs in finance, health sciences, engineering, early childhood education, and hospitality, as well as two Chapter 74 professional programs in business technology and broadcasting and broadcasting. For more information about vocational and technical education at New Bedford High School, please contact Christopher Cummings, Director of CVTE at (508) 997-4511, ext. 20799.”