News Room Media Inquiry
MINNEAPOLIS—(Oct. 25, 2018)—Entrust Datacard, a leading provider of trusted identity and secure issuance technology solutions, today announced that the company has agreed to champion the Shakopee Public Schools Academy of Science and Technology. The Academies of Shakopee are small learning communities of students and teachers organized around areas of interest. Academy Champions mentor students and help give them the competitive edge necessary to help ensure they are college and career ready. The 2018 – 2019 academic year marks the inaugural year of the Academies of Shakopee.
Inside the six individual academies, students are able to connect with other students who have similar aspirations and with teachers who can make meaningful connections to their plans for the future. As an Academy Champion, Entrust Datacard has committed to support the Academy of Science and Technology by providing time, talents and treasures to the school through professional mentoring, involvement in course development ensuring relevant skills are being taught, sharing industry knowledge, internships, teacher externships, as well as industry-related equipment and monetary donations.
“Through our partnership with the Academies of Shakopee we are able to support the learning and development of the next generation of technologists,” said Anudeep Parhar, chief information officer for Entrust Datacard. “These aspiring students are the future of our industry and by offering them, and their educators, with a variety of opportunities to connect with and learn from the business community, we are setting them up for future success.”
The Academy of Science and Technology reflects the modern needs of our global society and prepares students to successfully utilize skills that will contribute to the fields of technology and science. During their course of time in the academies program, students get a variety of real-world, authentic learning experiences including inquiry learning, internship opportunities, individualized learning plans and personalized learning, 1:1 technology integration, teachers learning from and planning with industry experts, and programs of study with an in-depth sequence of courses.
“We are extremely grateful to Entrust Datacard for their leadership and support of our students, staff, and academy model,” said Ed Cox, Academy Principal of the Academy of Science and Technology at Shakopee High School. “Through this partnership, our teachers will work closely with Entrust Datacard to provide our students with a wealth of knowledge in this industry and to help prepare them for the workforce. We are excited about the endless opportunities for both our staff and students.”
To learn more about Entrust Datacard, visit www.entrustdatacard.com/careers. To learn more about the Academies of Shakopee, visit www.shakopee.k12.mn.us.
About the Academies of Shakopee
The Academies of Shakopee are small learning communities of students and teachers organized around areas of interest. Inside the academies, students are connecting with others who have similar aspirations and with teachers who can make meaningful connections to their plans for the future. Research supports positive outcomes from small learning communities to include improved attendance, reduced behavior issues, increased sense of belonging, increased graduation rates, and achievement gains for all students. There are a number of Minnesota school districts that have implemented or are looking to implement some aspects of the academy model. There are six academies: Arts & Communication, Business & Entrepreneurship, Engineering & Manufacturing, Health Science, Human Services, Science & Technology and the Freshman Academy.
About Entrust Datacard Corporation
Consumers, citizens and employees increasingly expect anywhere-anytime experiences — whether they are making purchases, crossing borders, accessing e-gov services or logging onto corporate networks. Entrust Datacard offers the trusted identity and secure transaction technologies that make those experiences reliable and secure. Solutions range from the physical world of financial cards, passports and ID cards to the digital realm of authentication, certificates and secure communications. With more than 2,200 Entrust Datacard colleagues around the world, and a network of strong global partners, the company serves customers in 150 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.entrustdatacard.com.