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Career Paths

• Business
• Computer Aided Drafting
• Engineering
• Graphic Communication
• Hospitality
• Human & Soc. Svcs
• Information Technology
• Journalism
• Leadership
• Legal Services
• Medical Foundations
• Studio Art
• Teaching
• Theatre Arts
• Video Production
• Vocal Music

Career Exploration Project

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Where am I going to go... and how am I going to get there?

What is School to Career?
School to Career at VHS involves every student. All students participate in the program, "Focus On Your Future". School to Career is an overall emphasis on developing those work place skills that will enable our students to be better qualified to compete for a career of their choosing in the future. Over half of today's work force reports being unhappy with their job, feeling it is not a good match for their skills and abilities. Ninety-five percent of jobs in the future will require some type of education beyond a high school diploma. School to Career attempts to allow students to discover their talents, skills, and abilities and then chart an appropriate course towards career choices in order to produce a more informed, satisfied, and productive workforce.

Did You Know?
-Over 50% of the jobs that today's students will work in have not yet been created.
-CEO's of local businesses report that the following skills are lacking in today's entry level workers: basic business conduct, teamwork and cooperation, problem solving and decision making, communication skills.

Emphasis in the 9th and 10th grade
Freshmen (9th grade) focus on, "Who Am I?" Students determine their strengths and weaknesses, interests, and learning styles in English classes. Personal portfolios are developed and written in conjunction with the literary work, The Odyssey.
Sophomores (10th grade) focus on, "What Are My Options?" by participating in the Choices computerized skills inventory. Once skills are identified, corresponding career choices and educational requirements are summarized. Students also participate in a two hour assemble titled, "The Value of An Education."

Emphasis in the 11th and 12th grade
Juniors (11th grade) - Where Do I Go From Here?
During the first semester, all juniors attend an all day off-campus conference called, "Connecting to Success". There is a keynote address and breakout sessions, all taught by local business leaders. Topics covered include: Ethics in the Workplace, Developing Resumes and Interview Techniques, and Working in Teams. The second major event is held during the second semester when all students are required to participate in a four hour Job Shadow. Students identify a career option of their choosing and arrange to attend the workplace for at least a half day to experience the work enviornment.

Seniors (12th grade) - How Am I Going to Get There?
Seniors Focus on the transition process for post high school life. Every senior is required to take the Career Exploration Project Class, a one-semester class involving a minimum 45 hour internship with a mentor. During the second semester, two workshops are provided for seniors in their Econ./Govt. classes. The Financial Literacy workshop is conducted by local business leader, Sally Taylor. There is also a seminar provided titled, "Ethics in the Workplace", which is sponsored by Junior Acheivement.

Career Path Opportunities
Career Path Option
-There are sixteen different career path options available for students. A career path offers students an opportunity to concentrate on specific courses in a cluster that will reward them with certification within the path. Students may earn a certificate of completion within a career path area with as few as six courses, including a 45 hour internship.

Career Paths Available to VHS Students
-Students are encouraged to sign up for a career path in their somphomore and junior year. Signups are done in the counseling Center with Mrs. White. Each career path also has a faculty advisor. Current career path options at VHS include: Business, Graphic Communications, Video Production, Legal Services, CAD, Journalism, Engineering, Information Technology, Studio Art, Hospitality - Tourism and Recreation, Human and Social Services, Medical and Fitness Foundations, Leadership Studies, Teaching, Theater Arts, and Vocal Music. Seniors graduating with one or more career path certificates are honored with a separate awards presentation and a cord to wear at graduation.