How to Expand Your High School Career Development Program

Nathan Hale High School

School District of

West Allis-West Milwaukee

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

Booker T. Washington

Nathan Hale High School’sCareer Academy

Takes a common topic, career development, and approaches it in an uncommon way.

Why Should School Districts Consider Comprehensive Career Development Programs?

To expose all students, 9-12, to a broad range of careers and career related activities in a consistent manner

To empower students to make informed choices about careers prior to selecting post secondary options

To best prepare students for success beyond the high school doors

The Nathan Hale High School’s Career Academy is a Comprehensive Career Development Program that Works!

Components of the Nathan Hale High School Career Academy All students participate It is supported through the school

curriculum It is supported by a Career Committee of

staff members from across content areas It partners with local businesses and

organizations It is recognized as a vital component of our

school community and culture

All Student Activities

Interest Inventories Career Research Job Shadowing Career Assemblies Mock Interviews

Curriculum-Based

9th grade– Success Highways Curriculum (8 lessons)– Social Studies and Math classes (4 lessons

each)

10th Grade– Wisconsin Career Assessment– Career research– Compare/contrast career essay assignment

Job Shadowing

Rationale– Snapshot of a day on the job– Credible source regarding education and

training requirements, job responsibilities– Networking opportunity for summer job,

internship, or permanent position Procedures

– Job Shadow Workshops– Forms

Career Assembly

Rationale Format

– Monthly event– 4-5 career speakers per event– Individuals present for 10-12 minutes

Procedures– Sign-up– Passes– Student evaluation form

Mock Interviews

Rationale Format

– Cafeteria– 15-20 minute interview – Interview with professional from related career

Procedures– Sign up – Pass to attend with report time– Evaluation

Tie it Together!

Provide a framework

The Parent Meeting

Individual Parent/Student/Counselor Meetings – 10th and 11th grade– Academic Planning– Career Planning– Transition to life after high school

Career Major Program

Required to complete 14 career-related requirements

Student, parent, school counselor, and faculty representative sign contract

Requirement check-off sheet Verify interest Saves student time and money

Employability Skills and Portfolio Workshop Guest speakers present on the following

topics:– Job search– Application– Resume writing

Portfolio– Helps organize and prepare for interview– Evidence of skills and accomplishments

School Activity

Rationale Acceptable activities

– Student mentor– Student tutor– Club or organization– Student aide

Career-Related Community Activity Rationale Networking Shadowing Verification Intern Program

Classroom Integration

Link to curriculum Require activities in individual class Resume and portfolio development Preparation for Mock Interview Day

Staff Collaboration

Career Committee Focus Group Classroom use

– Proximity to College & Career Center– Central location

Teachers encourage student participation– Events – Career major program

Career Major Meetings

September– Job Shadow Workshop – Activity Schedule– Required courses and activities

Mid Year– Individual student update of unfinished

activities– Mock interview preview

Celebration of Success!

Diploma endorsement Transcript endorsement Silver cords Academic Awards Banquet (Spring)

Implementation

How to start your own program

Phase 1 Start-up

– Administrative support– Energetic coordinator/leader– Budget (paper and copying)

Career Committee– Staff buy-in– One member of from each department

Career Assessments Job Shadowing Career Assemblies

Phase 2 Career/Academic Counseling Sessions

– Parent meeting with school counselor– Individual, one-on-one meetings most effective– Large group meeting also possible

Mock Interviews– One day event– Helps build network of community contacts

Employability Skills & Portfolio Workshop– 2-3 hour event– Follow up required

Phase 3

Establish Career Major Program– Career Committee

Career Major Meetings Appreciation Breakfast Silver Cords Diploma Endorsements Transcript Endorsements

Making it Work!

Keys to Success

Administrative & Staff Support

Principal School Board Staff

– Career Committee– English Department

Marketing

Name the program Create a symbol Publicity

– School calendar– Counselor newsletter– Announcements– Signs/posters

Community Partnerships West Allis-West Milwaukee Chamber of

Commerce GMR Marketing Walgreens MATC/WCTC 4-year colleges & universities

Appreciation Breakfast

Staff contributions Partner contributions Framed certificates presented Hot breakfast served Student speakers provide testimonials Student portfolios displayed

Budget/Resources

College & Career Center Aide GMR annual contribution Starter Kit book sales Community contacts database Career Committee

Question & Answer Session

Contact Information

Kathy MacDonald, Principal, 414-604-3211

MacdK@wawm.k12.wi.us

Nate Rice, School Counselor, 414-604-3225

RiceN@wawm.k12.wi.us