Wake Opens Vernon Malone College and Career Academy

From the Wake County Public School System

In partnership with the Wake County Public School System andWake Technical Community College, Wake County opened theVernon Malone College and Career Academy at 2200 S. Wilmington Street in Raleigh. The academy prepares Wake County high school students for high-demand, technical careers as part of their high school graduation credits. It will also serve as instructional space for Wake Tech during the evening hours.

“Through the years the Wake County Board of Commissioners has understood the importance of investing in quality public education,” said Wake Board of Commissioners’ Chair Phil Matthews. “Our public education is considered top notch, which has resulted in families moving to the area, which in turn, helps our local economy grow and thrive.

Built in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, the school can accommodate 700 students. In addition to traditional classrooms, the school includes labs for ten technical training programs like biopharmaceutical technology and cosmetology, a dining commons, a multipurpose space and common areas.

“Opening this school shows the powerful impact we can have for our community when we work in partnership,” said Wake Board of Education Chair Christine Kushner. “This school provides a place for our high school students and community college students to build skills and earn college credit.”

“It’s critical that we help students build the skills they need to get jobs – good jobs, in fields that are in high demand and will continue to be,” said Dr. Stephen Scott, President of Wake Tech. “This Academy will prepare students for college, while giving them a jump start on a rewarding career.”

The academy is named after long-time educator and community leader, Vernon Malone. Malone served as Vice-Chair of the Interim Wake Board of Education and was named Chair of the first merged Wake County Board of Education in 1976. Malone was elected to the Wake County Board of Commissioners in 1984 and served until 2002, serving as chair for five years. He served as a member of the North Carolina Senate for four sessions of the General Assembly where he was on the Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education and the Committee of Education/Higher Education.

More Links:

Vernon Malone College and Career Academy

News & Observer: Wake’s new high school aims students toward jobs

Triangle Business Journal: Wake County Schools opens its first college and career academy

Wake County Public School System

Wake Tech Community College