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Club Spotlight: Career & Technical Education + Skills USA = Major Innovation 

Stories & Spotlights

Preparing students for the future isn’t just a goal at North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA), it’s a mission. Thanks to a growing number of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and innovative learning experiences, NCVA students are earning hands-on certifications and developing real-world skills – all before they graduate. 

CTE Growth at NCVA 

For Lisa Malkiewicz (or Ms. Mac, as students call her), NCVA’s CTE Coordinator, this progress didn’t happen overnight. 

“I have been passionate about bringing certification opportunities to NCVA for many years,” Ms. Mac shared. “I knew how much our students could benefit from these opportunities.” 

Her persistence paid off. NCVA is now recognized as a Career-Ready (CRE) school, and Ms. Mac and her team have been able to access new programs, attend key conferences, and find free certification opportunities for students. 

“We received 130 free Microsoft CertiPort certifications – PowerPoint, Python, small business,” she said. “And next year, we’re expanding even more.” 

Certifications = Career Pathways 

In the 2024-2025 school year, NCVA students had access to certifications in: 

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 
  • Python Programming 
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) 

“These aren’t just for show,” Ms. Mac said. “These are certifications that students can take to a hotel and say, ‘I’m ready to work the front desk,’ or show to a tech company and say, ‘I’ve already coded in Python.’ That’s powerful.” 

And because of NCVA’s public charter status, many of these programs come at no cost to the school or families. 

Minecraft as an Educational Tool 

One of the most exciting programs on the horizon? Coding in Minecraft. 

“It’s not just gaming – it’s learning through gaming,” Ms. Mac explained. “Students start with block coding and move up to Java or Python. They’re creating their own worlds, designing arcade games, and exploring complex STEM concepts like ecosystems, gravity, and architecture, all within the Minecraft platform.” 

NCVA has even launched a Minecraft Club for 8th graders, giving students early exposure before the full high school course rolls out. 

“The kids love it and by the time they enter high school, they already understand the platform. It’s a win-win.” 

Spotlighting Student Success 

NCVA continues to grow its CTE program and club offerings, and Ms. Mac has founded a SkillsUSA chapter to equip her students. 

Earlier this year, NCVA achieved statewide recognition at the 2025 SkillsUSA State Conference. Two students – Jayla from the Lake Norman area and Kasala from near Fayetteville – represented the school and accepted a Silver Level Chapter of Distinction Award. This honor was presented to only four chapters across North Carolina. 

“Only 14 schools in the whole state received Chapter of Distinction,” said Ms. Mac. “Of those 14, six received Bronze, four Silver, and four Gold. Our goal this year was simply to achieve Quality Chapter Level One. We were quite surprised that we had, in fact, met all the requirements for a Level Two Chapter of Distinction Award.” 

Although NCVA’s individual competitors did not place, the experience was invaluable. 

“They came home rejuvenated and have already begun brainstorming our plan for next year,” Ms. Mac said. “We learned a great deal from other SkillsUSA students and advisors across the state. We’re definitely shooting for Gold level and Nationals next year.” 

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