WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- The Career Academy aims to give students another option when they graduate high school.

The school teaches students one of four trades, alongside a traditional high school education, including welding, automotive repair, culinary arts and health care services.

"I was one of those kids, I never thought I would go to college, but this program it helps me and allows me to go another route," said Quadarrius Perkins, who can make wages of more than $20 an hour when he graduates.

"This school is preparing me to get a job in the future, as a regular school would train you to go to college rather than go to work right away," said Lillie Franklin, who's training in the culinary arts.

The academy is a charter school run by the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators and any student in East Baton Rouge Parish can attend.