Mall Campus

The Florida Mall is giving high school dropouts and at-risk youth a second chance to get back on track. The Simon property operates an Education Resource Center (ERC), which provides students with the opportunity to complete their high school requirements by focusing on both their academics and the development of job skills.

According to the mall, students attend classes for half the day and spend the other half working in hospitality and retail sales jobs.

“By using a hands-on approach to academics, the ERC operates under the philosophy that we all have unique talents and abilities. [The ERC] emphasizes and develops students’ abilities in a non-traditional approach,” the mall explains in its online presentation.

“This approach allows the student to achieve success in required subjects through a focus on academics and job training. Our objective is to target at-risk students that have not been successful in the traditional high school setting.”

The ERC is based at The Terrace at Florida Mall.

VITALS

Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., M-F 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thurs.

School Academic Component:

  • Teacher ratio: one to 15
  • Requirements: 24 credits and a passing score on FCAT Math and Communications test.
  • Students receive diplomas from their home schools.

Work Component:

  • Age requirement: 16 +
  • Jobs: Part-time
  • Shifts: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., M-F, with longer hours during weekends, holidays
  • Transportation: School bus takes students to work sites.
  • School and Work Site Coordination: A lead teacher serves as job coordinator liaison to mentor students and promote their success at work.

Additional Programs Offered:

  • Night school for alternative education students who are behind in their credits.
  • Additional programs currently under development

Educational Partners

  • CIS
  • Florida Mall retailers
  • Off site retailers: Backyard Burger, Arby’s, McDonald’s, Publix, Supercuts

Orange County Public Schools Funding Partners:

  • Orange County Public Schools
  • CIS

Feb.
2010
Posted in Community Relations
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