The Help Group’s North Hills Prep has developed a new plan to prepare students for life after high school.

In addition to the regular coursework required by LAUSD and other local districts, THGNHP offers an “Academy Program” to supplement required academics. Within elective options, students receive specialized training in a chosen Academy, which provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to help further define their college plans and/or enter the work world with a head start. As college costs increase, working part-time will be a part of the college student’s experience. Rather than the typical work many students choose, a THGNHP Academy-trained student may be more qualified to seek higher-level, higher-paid employment.

THG’s North Hills Prep offers the following academies: 1. Academy of Information Technology and Media 2. Academy of Creative Arts 3. Academy of Math and Science 4. Academy of Culinary Arts and Industries 5. Academy of Fitness and Health Services

Each Academy is led by a group of mentors, teachers and specialists who provide training via 10- and 20-week elective classes. Each Academy has developed a 100-point checklist of knowledge and skill points necessary for completion. The mentors are responsible for maintaining records and ensuring that students receive full training.

Students who complete an Academy program receive special recognition on their diplomas. More importantly, they are better prepared to enter the next phase in their lives.

Academy of Information Technology and Media
How much our world has changed over the past generation! How much it continues to change year-by-year! 20 years ago the personal computer was a luxury item and the Internet was an idea. 10 years ago the words Google, Facebook, and YouTube were not in our vocabulary. Today rarely a day goes by when all of us don’t use or look at all three. Wikipedia has replaced Encyclopedia Britannica; Amazon has replaced music, book, and clothing stores. We can only wonder what comes next!

THGNHP’s Academy of Information Technology and Media addresses the technological and digital world we live in and the possibilities for information exchange and artistic expression available. In addition to basic training in computer hardware and software, students will develop their knowledge of often-used Microsoft and Adobe programs as they build skills and a portfolio of work in film (Final Cut Pro), animation (Light Wave), and graphic design. The use of industry standard software prepares students for employment post-graduation. Completion of the Information Technology and Media Academy program prepares students for various pursuits both academically and professionally.

Academy of Creative Arts
Artistic expression – and its appreciation – will always be a crucial aspect of the human experience. Unfortunately, over the past few decades, school programs facing budgetary considerations have often chosen to sacrifice the arts, denying students the opportunity to express themselves artistically and build their creative and performance skills.

THGNHP has a long history of attracting students with artistic talent and students who have found creative expression to be both energizing and therapeutic. In fact, many students who otherwise would not have attended school have done so because of the arts education available to them. The THGNHP’s Academy of Creative Arts calls to those students with drawing, painting, and musical or dramatic interests, abilities and aspirations. Students will learn and practice various elements of design and style; an awareness of historical trends and developments; the ability to describe, analyze, interpret, and judge a work of art or music; and competence in their own artistic and musical work. Graduates with a Creative Arts emphasis will be well prepared to further their education at the college level or enter the work world in the areas of children’s enrichment programs, photography, advertising, music, art, museums, and teaching.

Academy of Math and Science
Mathematics and Science continue to be areas of importance in today’s growing technological field and their specialized skills are in high demand in the current market place. In fact, educational researchers often remark about the decline in math/science students at advanced levels of academics.

For students looking for an increased challenge in mathematics and science, THGNHP’s Academy of Mathematics and Science offers a variety of avenues to support their interests. In addition to the traditional course offerings of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry, the THGNHP Mathematics and Science Academy offers coursework in Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus, Physics and Advanced Physical Science, Geology, Zoology, and Botany. Students completing this academy will be prepared to pursue advanced studies in Mathematics and Science at a college or university level.

Academy of Culinary Arts and Industries
Over the past decade, Culinary Arts has become an increasing popular field. With the growth of the Food Network and hit shows like Top Chef, food preparation has become a high-profile profession and has gained credibility and interest among America’s youth. Cooking, baking, food preparation and food service are taking their place in the national consciousness as a means for combining creative and practical skills.

THGNHP’s Academy of Culinary Arts and Industries provides students with broad exposure and experience in the foods industry. Students will gain knowledge of health and safety issues and health department regulations; develop an understanding of food service instruments and measurement techniques; establish familiarity with dietary and nutritional terms and concepts; practice in the various types of food preparation; and broaden their perspective of cuisine as a cultural phenomenon. Students completing the THGNHP Culinary Arts Academy will be well-prepared to continue their education at a cooking school or enter the work world in the restaurant, catering, and hospitality areas.

Academy of Fitness and Health Services
Fitness and Health Services is a growing industry in America today. Health service positions range from assistant positions in convalescence homes, personal in-home assistants and medical office positions, to more advanced fields such a medical technicians and nursing. Fitness programs complement the health field’s emphasis on preventative health practices. Opportunities include employment at recreational camps, fitness training at gyms, and positions in the growing field of homeopathic remedies.

THGNHP’s Academy of Fitness and Health Services provides students with a comprehensive overview of human health; in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; principles of fitness science; strategies for developing muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular health; and hands-on experience with fitness training and instruction. Students who complete THGNHP’s Fitness and Health Services Academy are prepared to continue education as Certified Fitness Trainers, Massage Therapists, Nursing Assistants, Afterschool Program Counselors, and other health care positions.