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CHARLOTTE, NC:Β 12 year old Zoria Jones wants to be a dentist when she grows up. Β But first, the 8th grader has to make it through high school. Β She plans to attend the Entrepreneur High School next year, which is one of 9 new charter schools set to open in Mecklenburg County in 2014. Β Her mother likes the program because in her words, “Back in the day when we went to school, a high school diploma meant a lot. Β Today it means really nothing. Β You need a trade or a degree.”
Β Β Renee Bundick sees EHS as a place where her daughter Zoria can learn a trade and prepare for college. Β She says, “This gives here an opportunity to pay for her own College and it takes the stress off of me and her and her father.”
Β Dr. Hans Plotseneder is the Principal at EHS. Β He says the program is modeled after dual education programs that are common throughout Europe. Β Dr. Plots as he’s called says,”What we are focusing on is getting ready for a career. Β Getting ready to make money.” Β
Β Β Plotseneder says, there will be certified teachers, teaching College prep courses in addition to specific trades. Β But he says, the classes at EHS will have a twist. “We actually provide the other subjects as they’re needed for the career. Β For example, instead of algebra, business math.”
Β Β Β Renee Bundick sees the whole idea as a win – win for all involved. Β “This is something that’s good for the kids. Β They don’t just stop at high school and say oh, I didn’t get my high school diploma, I’m out here in the street trying to grasp for a minimum wage job, they can take a trade.”
And as Dr. Plots says, start making money, right out of high school.
