Canterbury Park, a long-time supporter of Shakopee Public Schools, has solidified its commitment to real-world student learning by recently signing an Academy Champion agreement. This partnership, alongside that of HomeTown Bank, strengthens the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy at Shakopee High School – home of the Academies of Shakopee, a wall-to-wall learning model found in only one other high school in Minnesota.
“We have appreciated the collaborative relationships established with the district, fostered through industry tours, departmental presentations, work projects and internships,” Canterbury Park
President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Sampson said. “A strong education system that prepares our youth for a successful future is a community’s greatest asset, and community stewardship of Shakopee Public Schools has always been important to Canterbury Park. We’re lucky to have such an impressive collection of teachers and students in our district.”
As an Academy Champion, business partners such as Canterbury Park commit to providing over 600 hours of direct student support each year. From serving as class speakers and mentors to reviewing resumes, supporting certifications and providing teacher externships to further skills developed in the classroom, these partnerships are critical to providing authentic and meaningful learning experiences that meet the needs of each and every student.
“It’s truly special to have such dedicated partners in our community,” shared Shakopee Superintendent, Mike Redmond. “We are uniquely well-situated in our community where partners step up and put their heart and souls into mentoring youth, and supporting our future workforce. Canterbury Park has been, and I’m sure will continue to be, an amazing catalyst in shaping our students’ futures. We’re honored to formalize this partnership.”
Programs of study that are offered in the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy for students in Grades 10-12 at Shakopee High School include accounting and finance, entrepreneurship and business management; marketing and sales; hospitality and restaurant management; and various electives in baking, culinary arts, business technology, social media marketing and sports and entertainment.
