About the Academy of Construction & Design at Cardozo Senior HIgh School

The Academy serves students in grades 10 through 12. High school students from all Wards of the District are encouraged to apply for admission.

Students learn about architecture and design, carpentry, electricity, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning/refrigeration (HVACR) through academic studies, technical content, applied learning and field experiences.

Program graduates earn certification leading to apprenticeship and job opportunities, including carpenter helper, HVAC technician assistant, sheet metal apprentice, electrical technician, steam fitter apprentice, HVAC installation technician, HVAC equipment sales person.

Students: Download a printable application for the Academy of Construction & Design

Cardozo Academy encourages students to stay in school and graduate by introducing them to education, employment, entrepreneurship and career development strategies.

Student Benefits

• The National Center for Construction Education and Research provides transcripts and documentation of students’ training accomplishments through NCCER’s National Registry. This documentation gives graduates a gateway to full-time employment and advanced placements as registered apprentices with construction firms.
• Capable students who excel at hands-on learning or who want to do applied work after graduation benefit from the Academy’s well-designed vocational education program.
• Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter apprenticeship training programs sponsored by local builder associations or by local union-management committees, or to pursue two or four-year college programs.
• The Academy creates a pool of applicants who are trained in specific trades to address the shortage of industry workers in the Washington metropolitan area.

Academy Curriculum

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, a nationally accredited construction training program, provides the basis for learning and assessment at Cardozo Academy.

Foundation Course – Building and Construction Overview
An introductory course designed to give students hands-on experience and information about career paths in the construction industry with emphases on carpentry and HVAC. Students then decide on a trade area and career pathway.

Pathways
Students pursue a carpentry, electrical or HVAC-R pathway in a 2.5 year program with 5.5 semester credits in coursework and an internship in their pathway. Students are trained using the Contren Learning Series designed by subject matter experts in the construction industry. The curriculum is modular in format, competency-based and includes written and performance evaluations.

Each pathway offering is designed to meet the requirements of the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program for the State of Maryland and the D.C. Apprenticeship Academy program for the District of Columbia. Student transcripts and documentation of industry training are registered through NCCER Accredited Sponsor.

Academic Foundation Certificate (AFC)
Students who successfully complete the program receive an in-house Academic Foundation Certificate (AFC) or a Certificate of Initial Mastery

Partnerships

• D.C. Habitat for Humanity
• ACE (Architects, Contractors & Engineers) Program
• Architects In the Schools
• Blue Skye Construction