🎨 Is This a Good Fit for You?

🔍 Prerequisites: Graphic Communications Program

• Must be a Junior

This program may be a great fit if you:

✅ Are creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about visual communication through digital and print media.

✅ Are prepared for a rigorous course that blends artistic expression with technical skills.

✅ Are curious about how design impacts the world and eager to explore careers in graphic design, media, and communication.

✅ Thrive in hands-on environments and are excited to learn using professional equipment and production techniques.

✅ Are ready to work in a fully operational printshop that serves Henrico County Public Schools and local government agencies, gaining real-world experience in professional production workflows.

If you're ready to turn your creativity into a career and take on a challenging program that prepares you for the visual communication industry, this could be the perfect next step.

Program Description

2 years – 6 credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage

This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grades.

Year 1 ( Junior Year)

Graphic Imaging Technology I (1 Credit): Graphic Imaging Technology I will introduce students to the graphic communications industry. Students will explore digital file preparation, image capture, color theory, digital file output, press operations, and bindery operations. Students will practice workplace safety and develop skills in measurement, mathematical problem solving, interpersonal communication, and the job application process.

Graphic Imaging Technology II (2 credits): Graphic Imaging Technology II will prepare students for a career in the graphic communications industry. Students will gain knowledge and practice their skills in digital file preparation and output, type, page-layout, graphics, photo imaging, color management, and illustration.

Year 2 ( Senior Year)

Communication Systems (1 crdedit): Communication Systems provides experiences in the fields of imaging technology, graphic productions, video and media, technical design, and various modes of communicating information through the use of data. Students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills using the universal systems model. Students also learn about the impact of communication on society and potential career fields relating to communications.

Graphic Communications Systems (1 credit): This course provides experiences related to a wide range of tools and materials used to reproduce information and images. Students develop competencies in message design, composition and assembly, and message transfer and product conversion. Various digital and print output techniques and devices are used to develop concepts into finished products.

Imaging Technology ( 1 credit): Students in Imaging Technology apply the principles of design in the creation of images. Students explore the development of imaging as a communication medium and its evolution into the digital realm. Image-editing software allows students to enhance images and develop a portfolio. Investigation focuses on career exploration and the application of photographic and imaging technology across various industries.

Program Structure and Benefits

• Career Technical Student Organization - SkillsUSA: This is a nonprofit organization that prepares students for leadership in the world of work.

• Comprehensive Training: The program offers training experiences and classroom instruction to high school students, helping to develop a well-prepared and passionate future providers of print media.

• Real-World Experience: Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment while assisting in the operation of our ACE at Hermitage PrintShop. Here, print services are provided across Henrico County Public Schools and Government. These high-quality work-based learning opportunities provide real-world experience and help students develop essential skills in the field.

• Certifications: Students who complete the program are eligible to earn their Workplace Readiness (WRS) certification.

Instructor

• S. Glassner

Program Website

https://sites.google.com/henrico.k12.va.us/aceprintshop/home