SANFORD, NC - Lee County High School (LCHS) and Southern Lee High School ( are both home to four NAF Academies which are nationally recognized academic courses of study designed to help high school students “Be Future Ready.”
NAF Academies in Lee County Schools are tailored to career areas of focus in growing industries and the needs of the local workforce. At each high school, students have the opportunity to pursue career-focused courses in Engineering, Business & Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, and Health Sciences.
Students participating in one of the four NAF Academies at their school receive rigorous instruction that provides work-based learning experiences, such as internships and mentorships, to complement the academic learning experience.
Gary Hart is the Director of Career & Technical Education at Lee County Schools and he described the NAF Academies across the district as one of the greatest opportunities for students who have aspirations in these fields. “The NAF Academies truly give our students the opportunity to explore topics they are interested in while gaining a base knowledge set and soft skills that set our students apart from their peers when they apply to their next educational step or for entry to the workforce. These courses really empower students to be their own advocate and to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to get results in these industries.”
Academies of Engineering
The curriculum for the Academies of Engineering is centered around giving students a broad-based knowledge in principles of engineering while exposing them to content in the fields of electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil engineering, and architecture. These courses help students have broad background knowledge to assist them in a transition to higher education where they can specialize in an area of interest within the engineering field.
Academies of Business & Finance
The coursework in the Academies of Business & Finance aligns with key competencies identified by industry partners, professional organizations, and postsecondary institutions as essential for success in college and career. It includes focused coursework in Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Insurance. It is not uncommon to find students in this academy completing financial literacy programs and business design projects designed to help fuel their aspirations and imagination of what could be possible for their career.
Academies of Hospitality & Tourism
Students in this academy path are focused on attaining an understanding of foundational principles such as customer service, event planning and marketing with a global perspective. Learners build future ready skills through hands-on learning experiences with behind-the-scenes tours of hotels, tourist attractions, and other tourism-connected businesses. They also participate in mock interviews, resume writing workshops, and internships that provide connections to industry professionals.
Academies of Health Sciences
As one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, the Academy of Health Sciences is a small group learning community designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous course of study that prepares students with the subject knowledge and competencies needed to thrive in college and career. Students in this academy receive instruction in Anatomy, Physiology, Biotechnology, Global Health, and Health Careers Exploration. They get the opportunity to participate in clinical experiences with hospitals and physicians offices while participating in health care simulation days and other opportunities designed to expose them to the near endless possibilities of careers available in the industry.