History
Founded in 2021 by Michelle and Patrick Anderson, The Jennings O’Neil Career Academy was established to redirect the behavior of youth experiencing personal and academic challenges. Often assigned negative labels for their poor choices or performance, these youth needed productive outlets to counter the adverse effects of trauma exposure.
Driven by their own experiences as youth who defied the odds, the Andersons believed in the power of community, potential, and a positive path. Together, they would succeed in creating safe spaces for youth and young adults to learn, heal, and thrive.
Named in honor of the founders’ younger versions of themselves, the Jennings O’Neil Career Academy stands today as a beacon of light for trauma-exposed youth and has expanded over the years to serve all youth and young adults ages 15 to 24. Likewise, the academy serves returning citizens and employers seeking industry certifications for their employees.
Committed to positioning young adults to realize their full potential, the Jennings O’Neil Career Academy advocates for bright futures and second chances for all.
Values
Values, Community, Commitment
At the Jennings O’Neil Career Academy, we pride ourselves on our commitment to the communities we serve. Guided by our core values, we are trusted by our program participants, community partners, and supporters as we prioritize their best interests. Explore the core values we are committed to when you scroll below.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are passionate about creating a community that affirms and welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We support the realization of each individual’s potential and contribution.
Commitment to Education
Our academy’s curriculums are educational, engaging, and structured to support various learning styles.
Commitment to Empower
We tailor our approach to achieve positive results for each of our students. The participants enrolled in our programs have varied circumstances. Therefore, we intentionally create an environment where all students feel capable of controlling their own destinies. With confidence, they increase their morale, performance, and positive outcomes.
Commitment to Excellence
We exemplify and model exceptional conduct and integrity, and we expect the same from all students enrolled in the Jennings O’Neil Career Academy.
Commitment to Goal Attainment
We believe every individual can benefit from personal and career goals. We support students as they set balanced objectives that are ambitious and achievable.
Commitment to Students
The Jennings O’Neil Career Academy offers smaller class sizes, accessible instructors, and a flexible infrastructure that allows us to meet the needs of our students while adapting to their various learning styles.
Commitment to 21st CenturySkills Learning
JOCA programs are progressive and each of our pathways incorporate the four C’s: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Through mastery of these essential areas, our students are prepared for 21st century success.
Value-added Community Service
We respond to the needs of the community we serve and support our students and graduates as they actively engage with, improve, and/or make an impact in their respective communities.
Value the Individual
We respect every individual and value their contributions. We recognize our success depends on creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to develop and utilize their talents and skills.
