Johnson & Johnson Vision said April 20 it is expanding its Johnson & Johnson Vision Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering in Jacksonville.
The high school program is a collaboration with Duval County Public Schools and Florida State College at Jacksonville.
This expansion will allow more students to participate in the FSCJ program via dual enrollment and, in some instances, start earning college credit before graduation.
The program also provides access to Johnson & Johnson Vision mentors and hands-on experience with manufacturing, distribution and STEM-related jobs.
The three high schools that participate in the program are Englewood, Atlantic Coast and Riverside.
“We have already seen tremendous success with the program at Englewood and Atlantic Coast High Schools, and I’m looking forward to even more of our students being prepared for successful careers as this initiative expands,” Duval Schools Superintendent Diana Greene said in a news release.
Itangakubuntu Godfrey, a process technician at Johnson & Johnson Vision, said enrolling in the academy led me to a successful career.
“I am thankful for my Academy mentors and teachers who took the time to educate me and guide me to where I am today,” he said in the release. Godfrey attended Englewood high.
Johnson & Johnson Vision also said it will provide six-month paid internships to select students upon their high school graduation. The internships will benefit those interested in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and/or technician job opportunities.
“At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we are deeply committed to fostering talent and helping to create equity and access to career opportunities for young people,” said Peter Menziuso, company group chairman, Johnson & Johnson Vision said. “Our continued collaboration with Duval County Public Schools and the Florida State College at Jacksonville enables more training for students with an interest in STEM related career paths right here in our local community.”
Johnson & Johnson Vision, which manufactures Acuvue contact lenses, employs about 4,200 people, including contractors, at its Jacksonville campus in Deerwood Park.