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General Info
OCPS School-to-Work program has a twenty-five year partnership with Universal Orlando, which provides an alternative approach to traditional high school. The Universal Education Center (UEC) is located on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort (UO), and students work either side of their academic core classes in the morning or afternoon. Students are paid for their shifts. A key highlight of UEC is the Mentoring Program, as each student is paired with a successful employee within Universal’s management team. Mentors meet weekly with their mentees, and these relationships cultivate further learning beyond the workplace or classroom. With very small class sizes in our brand new learning space, individualized and focused attention can be given to all students from our OCPS teachers to help them reach their graduation & post-secondary goals. To enter the program, students must meet these basic requirements: 16 years of age or older Grade Point Average of at least 1.7 Flexibility to be successful in a non-traditional school setting Commit to working 3 hours a day, Monday - Friday, 15 hours a week No major discipline referrals How can I learn more, or register my interest in joining the UEC? Students may reach out for more information by calling the School-to-Work Recruiter at (407) 318-3150 ext. 6382231, or email: SchooltoWork@ocps.net or message us on social media @School2WorkOCPS with the icons listed below. Hope to talk with you soon!
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DS
Doug S.

03/06/2020

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This educational alternative to traditional high school has been a game-changer for my son. He was struggling with motivation and focus in the large, over-crowded high school where we are zoned, and his grades and attitude were suffering. Transferring him to UEC, where he completes his core course work with dedicated high school instructors in a small classroom size with individual student attention in the morning, and then works a part-time job for Universal Studios in the afternoon, has transformed his grades and his self-confidence. He's now getting straight A's, excellent performance reviews from his work manager, and is more connected and engaged at home. Bus transportation within Orange County is provided (in fact, required) as part of this program, which takes away additional obstacles to participation in the program, for working parents who can't manage daily before and after school drop off/pick up. I couldn't be happier that we found this program for my son, and would say to any parents who are struggling with similar challenges with their high-school aged kids - "There's no one way for everyone to learn, and there's no single right way for kids to experience high school." I'm glad that we, as parents, put aside the typical high-school expectations, and enrolled our son in this unique and creative alternative high-school experience. And he's way better off for it!!

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Jorge V.

02/28/2020

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UEC was the best thing for my son. He was struggling in a large classroom setting in HS. The smaller class size and individualized attention was what he needed. Working at Universal was also a great opportunity for him. He was able to graduate early and he's going on two years employed at Universal.

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Lorraine T.

02/27/2020

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My son enjoyed attending UEC. The teachers and staff were all amazing. They cared so much for the students and were great role models.

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Eliza L.

02/26/2020

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UEC is an amazing school with an amazing faculty. They truly care and invest in the student's success.

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Carla L.

02/25/2020

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The Universal Education Center gives students personalized attention with a first-rate education that is unparalleled here in Orlando.

Starting with the small ratios of students to teachers, to the high quality of educators the students are given the best opportunity to learn and flourish. The children also get the opportunity to have mentors from Universal to help guide them in their endeavors.

Students also work part-time at Universal to get real-life hands-on experience, where many students continue their careers.

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Natalie S.

02/25/2020

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The UEC has a wonderful culture, amazing leadership, and valuable opportunities for their students. Not only do all of the students gain work experience through the UEC, each student is paired with their very own mentor for added support throughout the year. I can't say enough about the awesome work they do and positive environment they create.

Details

Phone: (407) 652-5596

Address: 1000 Universal Studios Plasma, Orlando, FL 32819

Website: https://www.ocps.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=54703&pageId=479513

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