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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
Nate Rice, School Counselor, 414-604-3225
