Programs

Union County Public Schools is offering students an opportunity to explore and engage in one of the fastest-growing industries in the state and region. Agrotechnology (AgTech) is the integration of technology in the agricultural industry. Agriculture careers involve more than farming. Agricultural education prepares students for over 300 careers in agriculture, such as production, financing, processing, marketing, veterinary medicine, robotics, automation and agricultural product distribution. 

AgTech is offered at East Union Middle, Fairview Elementary, Forest Hills High, Marshville Elementary, New Salem Elementary, Piedmont Middle, Piedmont High, Union Elementary, Unionville Elementary and Wingate Elementary. 

Why AgTech? 

• Interest in AgTech is growing and it supports other district offerings such as culinary, automotive and health sciences. 
• Union County’s agricultural production accounts for 55% of its land mass (186,626 acres). While agriculture occupies the bulk of the land, few students know the great potential and range of options that agriculture and/or agricultural-related fields can provide for their future. 
• There are several career options in agriculture, yet there is a labor shortage. 

Key partners 

Union County Public Schools is thankful for the support of partnerships including the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University. 

Union County Public Schools offers students the opportunity to explore and engage in the high-demanding and fast-growing healthcare industry. Health Sciences Academy offers many ways for students to explore health sciences in the healthcare industry. These courses focus on the exploration of a variety of health science-related fields and careers.

Schools within the Health Sciences Academy (HSA) include Walter Bickett Elementary, East Elementary, Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle and Monroe High. Our unique partnership with Atrium Health, which began in 2017, allows us to provide an aligned K-12 curriculum that engages our students at each grade level.

Mission

To prepare students to become active contributors to their community and shape students for a successful future by providing them with experience in health sciences careers and pathways, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school.

Partnerships

Union County Public Schools is thankful for the support of partnerships including Atrium Health, South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University. Atrium Health provides healthcare specialists who are dedicated to each level of the academy, including elementary, middle, and high. Their presence in our building helps ensure connectivity, collaboration and relevance to the industry and job market.

Why Health Sciences Academy?

• There is a need for diversity in the workforce due to the industry's growth.
• Opportunity: students can pursue degrees at South Piedmont Community College, Wingate University, other post-secondary institutions, earn certifications while in high school and begin their careers.
• There are many career options that include emergency medical technician (EMT), pharmacist, physical therapist, nursing, imaging and medical assisting.

Founded on the belief that everyone has the potential to lead, Leader in Me is a comprehensive PK–12 framework that nurtures student leadership, fosters a culture of trust and boosts academic success. This proven approach empowers students, educators and families with essential leadership and life skills, preparing them to excel.

Lighthouse Schools

• Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts
• Indian Trail Elementary School
• Porter Ridge High School
• Prospect Elementary School
• Rocky River Elementary School
• Sandy Ridge Elementary School
• Shiloh Valley Elementary School
• Shiloh Valley Primary School
• Sun Valley Middle School

Leader in Me Schools

• East Union Middle School
• Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle School
• Marvin Elementary School
• Parkwood Middle School
• Walter Bickett Elementary School

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is excited to announce Next Stop: TeachUCPS, a teacher pipeline program for students in partnership with Wingate University and South Piedmont Community College (SPCC). This new strategy will help UCPS to grow its own teachers and provide a roadmap that removes financial barriers for pursuing a teaching license.

Next Stop: TeachUCPS has three pathways for high school students. Students can begin taking classes in ninth grade, earn an associate’s degree from SPCC and then enroll in the Road to Wingate program to earn a college degree.

“When I enrolled in the Teaching as a Profession class, I expected to learn the basics of how to be a teacher,” said Mia Anderson, a senior at Weddington High School. “I learned so much more in this class than I ever had in mind.  I gained new insight on how different ages of children act, how to curate a classroom that is inclusive, how each student has a unique learning style, and that a classroom is made up of several different parts, not just academic instruction.” 

Interested?

Contact your school counselor and review the UCPS Program of Studies. Learn more about the Teaching as a Profession pathway and apply. 

Union County Public Schools offers students an opportunity to explore and engage in a fast-growing industry in our state, region and nation. Sustainability is all about using energy sources that will not run out or harm the environment. It comes from resources that naturally renew themselves, like the power of the sun, wind and water.

The Sustainability Academy will teach students in the Parkwood Cluster (Prospect Elementary, Western Union Elementary, Waxhaw Elementary, Parkwood Middle and Parkwood High) about energy efficiency, sustainable resources for energy and food production and new energy technologies.

Why sustainability?

• The Energy Efficiency sector employed 2,164,914 people in the design, installation, and manufacturing of energy efficiency products and services in 2021.
• Companies connected with energy efficiency operations anticipate a 10 percent job increase.
• North Carolina leads nationally in installing and generating solar power.
• Biofuel jobs have increased by 6.7 percent.
• North Carolina ranks among the top 10 states with the highest electricity consumption, which stresses the importance of finding sustainable energy solutions to meet our energy needs while minimizing the impact on the environment.

How will sustainability classes be offered?

• The academy aims to enhance awareness about sustainable resources and energy efficiency among students from K-12. This will be achieved through a curriculum that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as providing student leadership opportunities and incorporating outdoor classrooms at the elementary level.
• It also provides exposure to agriculture, natural resources and robotics in middle school.
• At the high school level, the academy will provide specialization in sustainable agriculture, engineering and marketing.

How will teachers make sustainability relevant to students?

• The Sustainability Academy will offer a range of programs and initiatives that can lead to improved academic achievement and post-secondary career opportunities.
• The lessons will range from marketing and business leadership to construction and carpentry to sustainable agriculture.

How will students benefit from the Sustainability Academy?

• Students will have an opportunity to explore career options available in related fields and it will assist them in planning for a future career.
• Students will also have credential/certification opportunities, internship experiences and pre-apprenticeship programs available to them.
• Students will have a competitive advantage in the local and global economy.
• Real-world connections and hands-on experiences will help students get a deeper understanding of sustainable energy.

Key Partners

Union County Public Schools is thankful for the support of partnerships with Crossroads Ford, Union Power Cooperative, South Piedmont Community College, City of Monroe and Duke Energy