Venture Academics program grows to nearly 388 students; district adds year‑long strands and preview plans
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Summary
The Venture Academics advisory report said enrollment had climbed to 388 students and the program is converting three strands to year‑long offerings to accommodate scheduling needs for upperclassmen. The committee recommended preview days, better counselor information flow, and a student ambassador program.
The Linn‑Mar Venture Academics Advisory Committee reported enrollment growth and operational changes at the board’s April 28 meeting.
The committee told the board the program now enrolls about 388 students and is expanding three strands — civic, creative writing and biomedical science — into year‑long offerings. Committee members said the change responds to block‑scheduling constraints that previously made participation difficult for some upperclassmen who need course blocks for graduation requirements. About half of Venture students are freshmen, the committee said, and many return in future years.
Other updates and recommendations included exploring a preview day for freshmen to sample Venture before registration, sharing commitment information earlier with counselors to streamline course placement, and launching a student‑ambassador program to promote Venture across the district. The committee also discussed community partnership processes and continuing to identify additional project ideas from community members.
Ending: The board received the advisory report and no formal action was recorded; staff will continue work on preview‑day logistics, counselor communications and the ambassador pilot.