General Info

Program Overview:

Course 1: Career Research & Development I

¨Learn about yourself, your interests, your values, and your abilities.

¨Take time to examine career options with growth potential that suit you and your educational goals.

¨Set short- and long-range goals for your life, your education, your career, and your finances.

¨Apply what you learn in the classroom to situations outside the classroom: part-time work, volunteer positions, internships, and/or job shadowing.   Topics include: creating a resume, learn how to prepare and be successful during an interview, understand employer expectations, learn about workplace ethics and getting along with supervisors and co-workers. 

¨Begin exploring the elements of  financial literacy.

¨Begin building a portfolio for the job search process.

Course 2: Career Development, Preparation & Transition (concurrent with WBL Experience)

Extend what you learned in Course 1 by

¨Understanding workers rights and safe working conditions.

¨Expanding financial literacy by exploring the economic cycle and cost of living, insurance, taxes and social security, budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and financial planning.

¨Refining short- and long-range goals for your life, your education, and your career.

¨Tailor  your portfolio for specific skill sets and career fields, expand your repertoire of business correspondence, and accumulate relevant work and academic documents, records, and artifacts.

¨Manage your transition from high school academics to post-secondary education and training, and from entry-level employment to skilled and/or supervisory employment, as appropriate.

Work-Based Learning Experience (WBL) (2 credits)

Extend what you learned in Course 1 and reinforce what you learn in Course 2 by

¨Participating in  mentored, on-the-job training that will enable you to learn specific job skills while applying your knowledge of workplace behaviors, attitudes, and habits that will help you to be successful in the work world.

¨Earning 2 credits toward graduation while you learn job skills by completing 270 hours of work-experience.

¨Gathering authentic documents and artifacts that will enhance your career portfolio.

¨Reflecting on your experiences at work as you continue to refine your short- and long-range personal, educational, career, and financial goals.

How Do Students Qualify?

In Course 1, you must consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, diligent work habits, and outstanding school attendance throughout the year to be considered for participation in Course 2 and Work-Based Learning Experience and to meet the requirements for the MSDE Completer and Pathway.

In Course 2 and Work-Based Learning Experience,

¨You or your parent/guardian must provide your transportation; students may not carpool or give or accept rides with any other student under any circumstances.

¨You must be academically on-track to graduate.

¨You must have recommendations from teachers and your school counselor.

¨You must maintain good school attendance.

¨You must be available to work the  minimum hours during the week that overlap the school day.  (270 total work hours = 2 credits)

¨You must work with the coordinator to APPROVE a position with an employer who can provide madatory liability insurance, compensation and work schedule that fit the program.

Coordinator Responsibilities:

¨Assist with job leads and interviews for students enrolled in the program.

¨Screen students for various positions and approve worksites.

¨Be available to confer and support employers, students, and parents.

Employer Responsibilities:

¨Provide Worker’s Compensation and liability insurance.

¨Pay at least minimum wage and employ student during school hours for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

¨Obtain work permits for students under 18 years of age.

¨Avoid assigning hazardous tasks unless students are exempt.

¨Withhold taxes and Social Security contributions.

Please contact Mrs. Joni Poust at [email protected] OR 410-638-4600 ext. 407 for further information.