LOWNDES CO – Lowndes High School’s Jason Van Nus was recently honored with the YouScience Innovative Educator Award.
Release:
YouScience®, the leading technology provider dedicated to bridging the skills gap for students and employers, proudly announces that Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs for Lowndes County Schools in Georgia, has been recognized as a recipient of The YouScience Innovative Educator Award. This award highlights his impactful contributions to student success and career readiness.
Jason Van Nus has been a transformative force in connecting education with industry in Georgia. His use of YouScience over the past three years has redefined how students engage with career exploration and preparation.
“I arrived at my advocacy for YouScience organically, seeing its unparalleled value firsthand,” said Van Nus. “It has become the sharpest arrow in my quiver, allowing me to place students in environments where they thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
One of Van Nus’ innovative initiatives is what he calls a Reverse Career Fair, where students learn to advocate for themselves by presenting and pitching their skills and interests to potential employers. This unique approach has received positive feedback from employers, highlighting its effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
His passion for using high school talent as a solution to labor shortages has garnered him recognition as Georgia’s ACTE Teacher of the Year, and he is a contender for ACTE’s National Teacher of the Year Award, which will be decided in December 2024. Van Nus emphasizes the importance of speaking the language of industry, focusing on return on investment, and creating opportunities for students to become returnable assets in their communities.
“As a gentle disruptor, my mission is to challenge traditional education norms and demonstrate the power of connecting students with real-world opportunities,” said Van Nus. “By leveraging YouScience, we’re not just preparing students for jobs; we’re equipping them to be future leaders.”
The YouScience Innovative Educator Award recognizes educators who implement forward-thinking approaches to inspire the next generation of professionals through academic and career exploration.
“At YouScience, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to discover their unique talents and pursue their passions,” said Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience. “Jason Van Nus exemplifies this belief by transforming education into a dynamic journey of self-discovery and empowerment. His innovative approaches have not only inspired students but have also set a new benchmark for what education can achieve. We celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing how he continues to shape the future of education.”
