While some local high school students are in their second week of the new school year, some are in their second week on the job.

They're taking part in a new Little Rock School District (LRSD) program that gives juniors and seniors the opportunity to excel in a less than traditional classroom. They work alongside professionals as they explore a future career.

McClellan High Senior Marcus Dennis is one student who's test-driving a potential career at Baptist Health, thanks to LRSD's Excel Program.

"When I come here, it takes me away from the school environment," he says.

Being away from the walls of McClellan High School, Marcus says he's working towards his future.

"It makes me feel like I'm in college or makes me feel like I'm doing something productive," he continues.

"Their traditional classroom is what it is. It's traditional. This is an untraditional way of learning," explains Shameka Montgomery, Director of Career Education for the LRSD.

She says this is the first year for Excel and gives some high school students four fields to work in before going into college: medical, construction, teacher prep and technology solutions.

"We want students to be exposed to the full gamut of careers," she says.

Close to 100 students are enrolled in the program. Not only do they get credit through their high school, but are also eligible for college credit.

Marcus says for personal reasons, he wants to learn about medicine, and go into law.

"My mom pushed me to find out what I like to do," he says.

And Excel gives him the perfect outlet to do just that.

The Excel Program is a part of LRSD's Careers for Advanced Professional Studies Program, or CAPS.

The program is two-and-a-half hours daily for a full year.