Bishop O’Connell High School has the unique opportunity this fall to pilot two new learning opportunities for its students. Although both courses are in the Arlington school’s Technology and Business Department, they came about in very different ways.
First, economics teacher Bill Betthauser began working last year with the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America in Washington, to be one of two high schools in the Washington metro area to pilot a dual credit course in entrepreneurship. He will teach this new yearlong class with a curriculum developed by the university’s Catholic Entrepreneurship and Design Experience program.
“Through this class, our students will not only earn college credit, but they will learn how business can be a force for good in our world,” said Betthauser. “The goal is for students to find a way to live out their own vocation and make a positive impact in the workplace and beyond.”
At the same time, cybersecurity teacher Eva Gonzalves applied on behalf of O’Connell to be one of the first high schools in the country to participate in the College Board’s “Career Kickstarter” pilot program in cybersecurity.
“This national program is designed to accelerate high school students on their paths to in-demand careers,” said Gonzalves, who will follow a yearlong curriculum that covers cybersecurity fundamentals and aligns with the Industry Recognized Certification CompTIA Security.
“It’s exciting for us as a school to be able to participate in these kinds of pilot programs,” said Dean of Academics and Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Catherine Hill. “We have many students who hope to become business leaders, and I appreciate the extra steps these teachers have taken to provide these opportunities for their students.”
