Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Mehlville School District DESE Certification & Credentialing for Industry-Recognized Credentials
A DESE-approved Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) is defined as a portable, recognized credential that validates an individual has successfully demonstrated skill competencies in a core set of content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks, single occupational area, or a cluster of related occupational areas. The IRC assessment must be comprehensive in nature to be considered.
The table below represents various data pertaining to Industry Recognized Credential within the Mehlville School District:
| Percentage of Graduating Seniors who participated in a DESE-recognized Certification/Credentialing program | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 |
| 9% | 14.5% | TBD |
| Percentage of High School Students, Grade 9-12, who participated in a DESE-recognized Certification/Credentialing program | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
| 23% | 22.1% | TBD |
Mehlville School District Student Industry Recognized (IRC) Credential Narrative
The Mehlville School District collaborates with the Special School District to provide students access to over 25 career and technical education programs at South Technical High School. These programs enable students to earn an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC), participate in mentorships, internships, and apprenticeships with business partners, and earn college credit. Students attending South Tech High School account for more than 75% of the total IRCs earned by Mehlville School District students.
The St. Louis Center of Advanced Professional Studies (STLCAPS) offers students an immersive experience through dedicated focus strands: Global Business & Entrepreneurship, Engineering & Technology Development, and Medicine, Health Care & Bioscience. Students develop professionalism and durable skills through interaction with business partners who facilitate short and long-term internships and assist in the development and implementation of client connect projects, focusing on specific career pathways.
The Mehlville School District provides students with access to over 70 college-level courses, including articulating credit, dual credit, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, all of which align with certification and credentialing standards. The district maintains dual credit and dual enrollment partnership agreements with eight local and state colleges or universities, highlighted by its Early College Academy program, which allows students to earn an Associate's Degree concurrently with their high school diploma.