EdisonLearning / NorthStar Academies and FMU Prepare Students for Jobs

FOR RELEASE: August 18, 2021 - NorthStar Academies, Inc., a Florida-based, not for profit network of alternative education charter schools managed by EdisonLearning, Inc., and Florida Memorial University (FMU), a private historically Black university (HBCU) in Miami Gardens, have established several career-related educational programs to advance the post-high school graduation career opportunities for students enrolled at or graduating from NorthStar Academies.

FMU, through its Continuing Education and Professional Studies department, will welcome selected NorthStar students, and/or its graduates, to enroll in training programs in the following high-demand career areas aligned to the economic needs of the region: Home Health Aide, Digital Marketing Analyst, Construction Trades, and Commercial Real Estate.

“The educational pathway to a meaningful job can be an obstacle course for countless young people, especially for those who are Black, Latino, Hispanic, and low income,” said Thom Jackson, President and CEO of EdisonLearning.  “Now, thanks to the vision displayed by one of America’s premier historically Black universities, NorthStar students throughout Florida will have access to high-quality work-based learning.”

NorthStar Academies serve students in grades 6 through 12 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Osceola school districts; and is operated by EdisonLearning, the nation’s largest minority owned education services provider.  NorthStar Academies are managed by EdisonLearning, Inc., the country’s largest, wholly-minority owned education services provider serving over 15,000 students each year in over 200 school across more than 10 states.

Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, President of Florida Memorial University said, “FMU welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with NorthStar Academies to help students development job-ready skills, and assist them with internships, on-the-job training opportunities and job placement assistance.”

“Most importantly,” Dr. Hardrick said, “we will help to instill in the NorthStar students the importance of becoming global citizens through life-long learning, leadership, character, and service, which will enhance their lives and the lives of others.”

Through FMU's Continuing Education and Professional Studies department, NorthStar Academy students will be permitted to enroll in the following programs:

 -United Homecare Learn and Work Program: specifically for NorthStar students residing in Broward and Miami-Dade counties who complete 40 hours of instructor-led training, approved by United Homecare, and receive a certification of completion will be eligible for employment by United Homecare as a Home Health Aide.

-Verizon/Generation USA Digital Marketing Analyst Program: FMU will offer the Digital Marketing Analyst Program to students who graduate from NorthStar Academies. After completing the Digital Marketing Analyst Program, which includes passing a written exam, students will earn their Google^® analytics IQ and Facebook^® Blueprint certification.

 -Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee & Lennar Foundation Construction Trades Program:  FMU will offer the Construction Trades Program to students of NorthStar Academies, who are at least 17 years of age and are residents of Miami-Dade County. After successful completion of the Core Construction Trades Program, students will have the ability to receive a certification in the Electrical or HVAC trades in addition to the following certifications: OSHA 10 and NCCER Blue Card. Students also will receive a Program Completion Certificate from the Associated Builders and Contractors. 

 -The Foundations of Commercial Real Estate Training Program offered by FMU through the Urban Land Institute: Offers graduates of NorthStar Academies a solid understanding of the fundamentals of commercial real estate.  The classes include 5 on-demand modules with 30 hours of content. Successful completion of each module and the accompanying exam will allow the participants to earn the certificate in the Foundations of Commercial Real Estate.

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About NorthStar Academies
NorthStar Academies is a network of seven alternative education charter schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Osceola school districts serving students in grades 6 through 12, who are over-age for their grade in middle school or are at substantial risk of dropping out of high school.  With a reputation of commendable schools, NorthStar Academies focus on career and technical education, on-the-job training, community relationships, and individual, purpose-driven careers where passions turn into successful futures.  Learn more at: https://northstaracademies.com/.

About Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University, a private, coeducational, historically Black University related to Baptist Churches and traditions, is one of the oldest academic centers in Florida. The University grants baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and serves a culturally diverse student population through programs in liberal and professional education, which are designed to prepare students to function in a highly competitive, technological and global society.  The University is dedicated to academic excellence, to the pursuit of knowledge and truth, to the free exchange of ideas, and to the transmission and preservation of African-American history and heritage.  Learn more at: www.fmuniv.edu

About EdisonLearning
EdisonLearning, the nation’s largest wholly minority-owned education services company, has been at the forefront of some of the most dramatic changes in America’s public education for more than thirty years. Its focus is to shape a world in which every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstance, has access to an excellent education and the ability to attain life skills that unlock their potential to powerfully impact our global society. Its virtual learning solutions have supported a variety of virtual, blended, and alternative learning programs, and EdisonLearning continues to expand offerings to traditional brick and mortar classrooms throughout the country.