POLCA New Website

Welcome to Path of Life Career Academy. Our academy focuses on career exposure and various technical skills. We offer work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeships catering to the diverse aspirations and goals of every student.

A message from our Founder & CEO

Ms. Marilyn Lunnon, CEO

BA. English, MA. Guidance Counseling & Public Administration

“I believe that all people should discover their passion and allow it to take them as far in life as possible.”

Marilyn Lunnon is the Founder of Path of Life Career Academy. With over 50 years of dedication to the development and education of young people, Marilyn has taught every grade level from 6th grade to college and has also served as a guidance counselor. Her career in education has been both a calling and a joy.

“I have worked with youth in all capacities possible, contributing to their physical, emotional, spiritual, as well as their academic needs. I believe in the holistic development of all.”

Marilyn has addressed the gaps in our public education system by initiating various programs tailored to the diverse needs of youth. For over 25 years, through her charitable 501c3 organization, Path of Life Inc., she has successfully implemented literacy, tutoring, mentoring, and entrepreneurship programs.

With half a century of experience, Marilyn is well-versed in the public education system. She has long observed that the one-size-fits-all approach does not suit all students. Many fall by the wayside, become disillusioned with education, drop out of school, and lack direction in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the pervasive and erroneous narrative that college is the only path to success has led many students to incur significant debt for degrees that do not serve them.

Through Path of Life Career Academy, Marilyn and her staff offer students a viable and personalized alternative.

Our Mission

To provide students in grades 9-12 with a nurturing education focused on Career and Vocational education and training, enabling and empowering them to choose a productive "Path of Life."

Building on a solid academic foundation, our vision is to equip our students with the technical expertise and skills needed to enter the workforce or pursue further certifications in their chosen trades, ensuring they become productive, contributing members of their communities.

What We Do

Group of young people in technical vocational training with teacher

academic

Teacher Helping High School Students with Technology

Career exposure and technical Training

Personal Development

a new educational model

POLCA introduces a new model in education, where students engage in academics in the morning and in the afternoon they focus on their chosen career path. This concept minimizes the boredom that is experienced by many high schoolers making their education more relevant.

Sample Daily Schedule

8:00	School Day Begins
8:15 - 9:05	First Academic Period
9:10 - 10:00	Second Academic Period
10:05 - 10:25	Break / Snack
10:25 - 11:15	Third Academy Period
11:20 – 12:10	Fourth Academic Period
12:10 – 12:55	Lunch
1:00 – 1:45	First Career/Tech Class
1:50 – 2:35	Second Career/Tech Class
2:40 – 3:25	Third Career/Tech Class
3:25	End of Day. Dismissal and Departure

Academic

At Path of Life Career Academy, we provide an alternative academic experience for students who do not fit the traditional classroom. Our customized academic program allows students to learn at their pace and become independent, lifelong learners. Field trips, social clubs, academic curriculum, community engagement, and strong parental involvement are all part of our vibrant academic life.

Our faculty is exceptional. Our educators have strong academic credentials, are experts in their subject matter, possess exceptional interpersonal skills, and are dedicated to the profession of teaching. They understand their role in our students’ lives and take it seriously. At Path of Life Career Academy, we ensure that students needing remedial academic support receive it and a rigorous academic program for those who need to be challenged.

R.E.A.C.H.

Path of Life Career Academy will utilize the R.E.A.C.H. platform (Recovery/Discovery, Entrepreneurship, Automotive, Construction, and Health/Hospitality) to deliver its academic, vocational training, and unique learning experience.

R.E.A.C.H.

First, our Recovery/Discovery Pathway provides educators with the means to assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to better customize their learning to their needs.

Second, students can choose from four distinct pathways as the focus of their skills acquisition and future careers. Our primary career pathway is Entrepreneurship, where we will offer on campus every aspect of business ownership including financial literacy.

Each pathway allows students to explore a myriad of career options and develop a multitude of transferable skills.

Through our R.E.A.C.H. platform, students will experience a progressive curriculum that exposes them to the technical and vocational training at the right grade.

There are three main reasons why young people should consider skilled trades instead of the college degree path.

Low Tuition

Young people who choose the skilled trades path can expect to spend only a fraction of the cost on their continued education.

Job Readiness & Employability

Young people who choose skilled trades can often enter the workforce immediately after high school or within six to 24 months of completing a certification program.