- JEFCOED Signature Academies
- Academies

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Shades Valley High School students will have the opportunity to participate in 6 Signature Academies, either at Shades Valley High School or one of the Eastern Zone schools.
If a student enrolls in an academy at another school, JEFCOED buses will provide transportation.
The JEFCOED Signature Academy Late Application Portal opens on May 10th, 2023.
Applications will be accepted through Thursday, May 25th at 4:00 p.m.
Applications should be completed by parents and guardians only.Current Signature Academy Students or students who have already accepted an award letter for an academy should not complete a new application.
Signature Academies are optional. Students are not required to participate.DOWNLOAD THE SIGNATURE ACADEMY BROCHURE
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Provides students with real-world, hands-on activities that will help them gain knowledge and credentials necessary for an entry-level position in automotive repair or as preparation for them to continue their education in college. Preparation is provided in three NATEF accredited program levels. Students will be eligible to receive ASE workplace credentials.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
• Maint & Light Repair A
• Maint & Light Repair B
• Maint & Light Repair C
• Maint & Light Repair D
• Transportation/Dist/Log
• Paint & Refinishing I
• Paint & Refinishing II
• Paint & Refinishing IIICareer Opportunities
• Auto Service Technician ($45,000)
• Bus & Truck Mechanic ($47,000)Business Partners/Colleges
• Tamron Honda
• NAPA Auto
• KAMTEK
• Mercedes-Benz of B'ham-Irondale
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Establishes foundational learning of how to manage a successful culinary operation while introducing and practicing other practical culinary concepts. There will also be opportunities for students to earn industry credentials while practicing other transferable skills like communication and teamwork.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Culinary Arts ¢ñ
• Culinary Arts ¢ñ¢ñ
• Baking & Pastry Arts
• Event PlanningCareer Opportunities
• Chefs and Head Cooks ($59,000)
• Food Service Managers ($61,000)Business Partners/Colleges
• Alabama Power
• KAMTEK
• Bevill State Community College
• Jefferson State Community College
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Exposes students to careers in the field of medical and health services. Students will participate in Project Lead the Way, a science curriculum program that provides the opportunity to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals in the areas of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
• Foundations of Health Science and Biology
• Principles of Biomedical Science
• Human Body Systems
• Medical InterventionsCareer Opportunities
• Biomed Technician ($49,000)
• Biomedical Research($93,000)
• Medical Imaging Professional ($61,000)
• Biomaterials Engineer ($88,550)Business Partners/Colleges
• UAB School of Health Professions
• St. Vincent’s Health
• Jefferson State Community College
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Prepares and motivates high school students and teaches them the value of leadership, personal responsibility, and self-esteem. Development of personal responsibility, communication, management, and strategic thinking. Real-world simulations and teamwork activities will enhance students' learning.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
First Year
• JROTC Marines Level 1
• JROTC Marines Level 1A
Second Year
• JROTC Marines Level 2
• JROTC Marines Level 2A
Third Year
• JROTC Marines Level 3
• JROTC Marines Level 3A
Fourth Year
• JROTC Marines Level 4
• JROTC Marines Level 4ACareer Opportunities
• E-3 Lance Corporal ($27,000)
• O-1 Second lieutenant ($49,600)Business Partners/Colleges
• Dollar General Distribution Facility
• US Postal Service
• United States Army
• Lawson State Community College
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Offers students a glimpse into the world of broadcast journalism, both in front of and behind the lens. Students will encounter topics like journalistic ethics, studio operations, and writing for the press. Broadcast journalism graduates will have a wealth of knowledge and experience of journalism’s foundational practices and principles.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
• Intro To TV Production
• TV Writing/Producing/Performing
• TV Production Studio Operations
• TV Production-Photography/Editing
• Advanced TV ProductionCareer Opportunities
• Broadcast Technicians ($38,956)
• Reporter and Correspondents ($41,500)Business Partners/Colleges
• WBRC Fox 6 News
• Jefferson State Community College
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In Visual Arts and Professional Design, students can focus on painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, graphic design, or digital photography. Each student will produce a final portfolio that will help prepare them for future professional paths or college fields of study.
Courses Offered/Prerequisites
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Art Signature Academy 1
• Visual Art Signature Academy 2
• Visual Art Signature Academy 3
• Visual Art Signature Academy 4
• Media Arts, Independent Study I
• Media Arts, Independent Study II
• Media Arts, Independent Study III or AP Studio
• Intro to Advertising Design
• Digital Design
• Graphic Illustration
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply for a signature academy?
Current 8th and 9th grade students have the option to apply for a Signature Academy. (rising 9th and 10th grade students for the 23-24 school year)
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When can I apply for a JEFCOED Signature Academy?
The application portal will open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022. The portal will close on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 4 p.m. It is still possible to apply for an academy after the January 13th deadline, but preference will be given to students who apply during the application window.
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How many spots are open for each Signature Academy?
Some programs have more available seats than others. We will accept students in all academies until all seats are full.
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When will I know if I am accepted into a Signature Academy?
Academy seats for the 2023-2024 school year will be awarded during the last week of January. Award letters will be sent to students no later than Friday, January 27th, 2023.
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If I'm already in Signature Academy do I have to reapply?
Current signature academy students will need to confirm that they will continue in the program. However, they will not have to submit a new application.
JEFCOED will send a link directly to the parents of those students asking them to confirm their intentions for the 2023-2024 school year.
Current Signature Academy students will have to confirm their continuation in the program no later than Friday, January 13th, 2023.
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How many Signature Academies will I be able to attend during a school year?
Students may only enroll in one academy during the 2023-2024 school year.
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If a student chooses a Signature Academy at another school, how will they get there?
All students who participate in an academy at a school other than their home campus will travel via JEFCOED school buses.
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My student changed their mind. Can I submit another application?
No. Only one application may be submitted per student. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. No changes can be made after the application has been submitted.
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How do I find my student¡¯s 10-digit state ID number?
Parents can locate their student’s number in the Parent Portal of PowerSchool.
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I am having issues with completing my application.
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How do I know I have the right prerequisites?
The application portals will ensure students have the correct course prerequisites.