SPS' virtual classroom expands through state partnership

Springfield Public Schools' Launch program is expanding its services through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development.

Launch, a statewide, fully virtual K-12 school, is implementing a workforce initiative through which students will have the opportunity to take career-focused courses designed to better prepare them for the workforce after graduation, according to a news release.

“Launch has had career-focused virtual education courses on our roadmap for quite some time,” said Nichole Lemmon, Launch virtual learning director, in the release. “We’re excited to see further development coming to fruition through a partnership with the state.”

Through the initiative, dubbed Launch Missouri’s Workforce, students will be able to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials in 11 workforce pathway industries. They are agribusiness, biosciences, construction, education, energy, financial and professional services, health science, hospitality and food service, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.

Courses are launching in four pathways initially, with the rest to be developed over the next three years. Starting this fall, new courses will be offered in teaching as a profession, marketing, introduction to business and advanced placement computer science.

“Missouri is proud to partner with Launch to help more students earn valuable credentials and certifications during high school,” said Mardy Leathers, the state's director of workforce development, in the release. “We’re excited to see the impact these virtual learning opportunities have in the lives of students and for Missouri employers.”

Currently in its 10th year of virtual programming, Launch has partnerships with 270 school districts statewide.