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In September, Pike County Schools became the first system in the Southeast to receive a Cognia Science Technology Engineering and Math System STEM Certification. 

Dr. Donella Carter and Jeremy Knox recently spoke to the Troy Rotary Club about the school system’s STEM programs and other opportunities.

Carter said the school system had been working on the Cognia accreditation for a number of years. Cognia is a global non-profit that promotes continuous improvement in schools and awards certifications and accreditation to member schools. 

Knox supplied the Rotarians with copies of Pike County Schools Dual Enrollment Guide. The guide was designed to let parents and community stakeholders know what opportunities were available for students. 

Knox said the school system provided a wide variety of academy programs which could lead students to various associate degrees from Troy University and Enterprise State and certificate programs are available from ESCC and Wallace Community College. 

Students can earn associate degrees in: 

• art
• agriscience
• business and finance
• early childhood education
• electrical engineering
• exercise and health science
• first in flight and leadership
• health and information technology
• industrial art and design
• international studies
• mechatronics
• medical assisting technology
• paralegal studies
• rock music or performance
• STEM
• teacher education

Certificate programs include:

• agri-science
• aviation maintenance technician
• business and finance
• cosmetology
• early childhood education
• health information technology
• mechatronics
• medical assisting technology
• paralegal
• information technology
• welding
• construction technology
• plumbing