Beyond the Classroom: MMA Cadets Build Career Skills at Hart Career Center

Missouri Military Academy’s (MMA) partnership with the Hart Career Center (HCC) continues to expand opportunities for cadets seeking hands-on, career-focused education alongside the Academy’s college-preparatory curriculum. Featured photo: Sophomore cadets tour the Hart Career Center for an informative visit during the spring 2026 semester.

The Hart Career Center offers career and technical programs to secondary students, providing entry-level skills and training in technical and service job areas such as engineering, computer networking, healthcare and more. Cadets receive high school credit for their career center classes, and many programs also offer college credit.

Through this partnership, MMA cadets have the opportunity to develop tangible, in-demand skills while exploring their interests, passions and future career pathways.

Sophomore MMA cadets take a tour of the Hart Career Center in Jan. 2026.

Where Classroom Meets Career

Hart Career Center programs provide valuable, real-world learning experiences that many cadets do not have access to on campus. These programs offer:

• Hands-on, industry-aligned training
• Exposure to potential career pathways
• Opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and/or college dual credit in select programs
• Skills and experience that benefit students after high school

Because of this, HCC programs are viewed as a serious commitment and a valuable opportunity — not simply an elective option. Cadets selected to attend are expected to be motivated, reliable and fully committed to completing program requirements.

Available Programs for MMA Cadets

HCC programs for 2026-27 are open only to cadets who will be juniors next year. All programs are two-year programs. Interested cadets should contact Registrar Pearl Newbrough. 

The HCC application deadline is typically in late February each year. Students are required to select three programs and rank them in order of preference. Available programs include:

• Auto Mechanics
• Construction Technology
• Computer Science (Programming, Video Game Design, VR/AR)
• Cosmetology
• Cyber Support & Networking
• Diesel Mechanics
• Graphic Arts
• Health Sciences
• Marketing
• Pre-Engineering / PLTW
• Welding
• Teaching Professions

These offerings allow cadets to gain specialized training while maintaining their academic coursework and leadership development at MMA.

Sophomore MMA cadets visit a Hart Career Center classroom in Jan. 2026.

Cadet Cooper Johnston ’25: A Partnership Success Story

The strength of MMA’s partnership with Hart Career Center was evident last year on April 25, 2025, when Cadet Cooper Johnston ’25 earned five top honors at the Hart Career Center awards assembly.

Cadet Johnston received the NOCTI Workforce Competency Certificate, was named a full member of the American Welding Society, was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and was presented both a Hart Career Center Certificate of Completion and the Outstanding Student Certificate of Excellence — an award given to two students per year.

Over two years, Cadet Johnston split his mornings between welding classes at HCC and his academic and leadership responsibilities at MMA. 

Cadet Johnson now attends Iron Eagle Welding Academy in Stockton, Missouri, to continue his training.

Cadet Johnston practices welding at Hart Career Center in 2025.

Looking Ahead

MMA continues to build awareness of the opportunities available through its partnership with Hart Career Center.

On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, all sophomore cadets visited HCC for a tour of the facilities and programs available to MMA cadets. The visit allowed students to explore potential pathways before submitting their ranked program selections. Click here to view photos from the tour. 

As the partnership continues, MMA reinforces its commitment to preparing cadets for both college and career — equipping graduates not only with academic preparation, but also with practical skills and certifications aligned with workforce needs.