SF Academy Marks First Year with Awards Ceremony

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024 – Santa Fe College's Academy of Science and Technology students have completed their first year in the program. The inaugural class will be honored with an awards ceremony in the Lyceum on SF's Northwest Campus on May 22. The ceremony celebrates not just academic success but also the class's unity and resilience.

"Our staff set a tone of high expectations," Principal Bill McElroy said. "Classroom processes, procedures and instruction started on day one."

The Academy welcomed its first class on August 10, 2023. Despite not knowing each other initially, students rallied together, embracing the culture of dignity and respect promoted by the Academy and Santa Fe College. However, the Academy encountered some challenges during its launch, but they were ultimately minor setbacks.

"When we had to replace a staff member in the first week," McElroy said, "it was a seamless transition. Our students and families were so very patient and understanding during that time."

The Academy also marks its first year by expanding its physical footprint to accommodate its continual growth.

Opportunity Awaits

Santa Fe College's Academy of Science and Technology provides its students the tools needed to be successful in the 21st century workforce through academic excellence, technical training, and strong partnerships with SF and local industry leaders. The program aims to assist students in earning their Associate in Science degree and industry certifications while completing their high school graduation requirements at no cost to the students or families.

The only requirement is that the student must be eligible for ninth grade placement at the beginning of the academic year. Students can pursue pathways into biotechnology, surgical technology, computer information technology and more.

The Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Learn more at www.sfcollege.edu/academy or call 352-395-4444.