College and Career Readiness

Course Overview

The College and Career Readiness course is designed to prepare students for success in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The course has 15 comprehensive units that guide students through a journey of self-discovery, career exploration, and practical skill development. Throughout the course, students explore career influences, understand their strengths and interests, and learn the art of setting goals and financial literacy. They gain valuable insights into the job search and application process, honing their interview skills and ultimately setting themselves up for success in their chosen careers. The course also provides a comprehensive overview of workplace dynamics and even delves into military career options, ensuring students are well-prepared to make informed decisions about their future paths. With a focus on proactive preparation and personal growth, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently navigate the transition to college and the professional world.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically, set clear goals, and explore a wide range of career possibilities. They develop essential life skills, including time management, financial literacy, and effective communication, all of which are crucial for college readiness and success in the workforce. By the end of this course, students emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves, their career aspirations, and the practical tools necessary to achieve their goals. This comprehensive curriculum serves as a valuable resource for high school students seeking to make informed decisions about their college and career paths, empowering them to embark on their future with confidence and purpose.

Sample Lesson: Real Life Focus - Discovery

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1 – Preparing Your Path for SuccessThis unit provides an essential introduction, laying the foundation for students to achieve success. It emphasizes the need to establish a strong base and introduces the PATH to success, highlighting the significance of GPA, digital citizenship, study habits, and the impact of social media on personal and professional growth. Students are encouraged to actively participate in high school activities, which will help them establish a solid groundwork for their future endeavors. The unit aims to instill a proactive mindset in students and emphasizes the importance of early preparation for a successful academic and professional journey.

Unit 2 – Discovering Career Choice InfluencesIn this unit, students will explore the various factors that influence their career choices. They will examine how people, values, and online sources can impact the decisions they make regarding their future careers. The unit will focus on real-world careers, with an emphasis on Information Technology (IT). By considering a wide range of career options, students will be encouraged to broaden their perspectives, foster a sense of curiosity and adaptability, and make informed choices about their future paths. Ultimately, this unit aims to deepen students' understanding of the complex forces at play in their career decision-making processes.

Unit 3 – Understanding YourselfWithin this unit, students will embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness through the lens of career development. The emphasis of this unit is on informal assessments, which will enable students to understand their interests, strengths, and values. By analyzing the field of marketing as a case study, students will begin to explore potential career paths and learn how self-awareness can play a pivotal role in making informed choices regarding their college and career options. This unit promotes self-examination and introspection, which will establish a strong foundation for students to embark on the journey of career exploration with confidence.

Unit 4 – Looking into the FutureIn this unit, the focus is on future planning and career foresight. Students learn about future-casting, where they examine workplace trends and explore how different industries, such as manufacturing, may evolve. The unit emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in career planning and strategic decision-making for students as they contemplate their future. By broadening their understanding of evolving industries and workforce dynamics, students become better equipped to navigate the ever-changing world of work and make informed decisions about their career paths.

Unit 5 – Planning Your Internal Career DesignDuring this unit, students will learn how to create personalized career plans. They will understand the importance of setting clear goals and mapping out their desired career trajectory. The unit emphasizes the significance of planning for success in a competitive job market and uses finance as an example career. Upon completing this unit, students will be better equipped to embark on their career journey with a sense of purpose and direction, armed with a strategic approach to achieving their aspirations.

Unit 6 – Setting GoalsThroughout this unit, students will embark on a journey of self-discovery and goal-setting, empowering them to develop specific and achievable goals that will serve as the roadmap to their academic and career success. In doing so, students will not only develop their goal-setting skills but also gain a strong sense of self-motivation. They will learn to create actionable plans and refine their time management abilities, essential life skills that will enable them to overcome challenges and stay on course. This unit highlights the importance of perseverance, using a science career example to illustrate how dedication and determination are key ingredients in achieving long-term aspirations. By the end of this unit, students will have a clearer sense of direction and the tools necessary to turn their dreams into reality.

Unit 7 – Understanding FinancesThis unit focuses on financial literacy and equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully navigate their financial futures. The unit covers the basics of financial planning, budgeting, and preparing for future uncertainties. Using careers in architecture and construction as inspiration, the unit highlights the crucial role finances play in making informed career decisions. Students learn how to responsibly manage their finances, including borrowing money and understanding credit, which are important aspects of personal financial stability. These skills are relevant not only for college readiness but also for life in general and the workforce. By the end of the unit, students will have a foundational understanding of finances and will be able to make informed financial decisions that will lead them to a more stable future.

Unit 8 – Considering Career Preparation ChoicesIn this unit, students will be guided towards making well-informed decisions about their future career paths. The unit will provide a comprehensive exploration of the education and training options that are available to them, both during high school and beyond. The concept of Return on College Investment (ROCI) will be introduced to help students understand the long-term benefits of their educational choices. They will delve into the world of scholarships, programs of study, and the intricacies of the college application process. By the end of this unit, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the pivotal decisions that will shape their career aspirations.

Unit 9 – Going from Here to Your CareerThis unit focuses on the transition from education to the professional world with a specific emphasis on the human services field as a career example. It places a strong emphasis on the practical implementation of career plans, introducing students to essential employability skills and the realm of career and technical education. By delving into this unit, students are guided through the critical phase of bridging the gap between their educational journey and their future careers, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their path forward. The unit prepares students for a successful entry into the workforce, helping them to understand the practical aspects of their chosen career path.

Unit 10 – Searching for a JobThe purpose of this unit is to provide a strong foundation for students in their job search process. It helps them to identify their personal career goals and ambitions and equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the highly competitive job market. The importance of networking is emphasized, and students learn how to leverage job services and college resources to uncover job opportunities that align with their career objectives. At the end of this unit, students will be better prepared to take their first steps toward a successful career path.

Unit 11 – Applying for a JobThis unit is dedicated to the crucial phase of job hunting which is the application process. The students will be taught how to create important documents such as personal fact sheets, resumes, and cover letters, which will help them make a strong impression on potential employers. They will also gain valuable insights into the job application procedure and pre-employment tests, which will enable them to have a deeper understanding of what employers seek in their prospective candidates. Moreover, this unit provides an overview of careers in law, public safety, corrections, and security, thereby introducing students to a diverse range of career opportunities within these fields. Upon completion of this unit, the students will be well-equipped to craft compelling job applications and pursue careers in their areas of interest.

Unit 12 – Interviewing for a JobThis unit is designed to help students prepare for successful job interviews, which is a pivotal step in getting employed. They will learn essential interview skills and gain knowledge about excelling in every aspect of the interview process. The unit covers interview preparation, including researching potential employers and practicing common interview questions. Students will also get insights from a customer service administrator and explore college interview techniques to enhance their performance. By the end of this unit, students will be confident in their ability to impress potential employers and secure job offers.

Unit 13 – Succeeding in a CareerThis unit focuses on the workplace, highlighting the qualities that employers value in their employees. The unit will explore the essential factors that help individuals thrive in a professional setting, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Students will receive motivation and guidance to identify and realize their full potential, both professionally and academically. The unit will empower students to set their goals and pursue growth opportunities actively, providing them with the tools they need to excel in their chosen careers. By the end of this unit, students will be well-equipped to embark on their career journeys with confidence and a clear vision of their future.

Unit 14 – Understanding the WorkplaceIn this unit, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the workplace environment. They learn about employment laws, various forms used in professional settings, and the expectations employers have for their employees. This unit also explores diverse career options, such as education, and underscores the importance of maintaining a positive reputation in the workplace. It instills in students the understanding that high school is just the beginning of their career journey, preparing them for a transition to a professional world where they will contribute meaningfully and ethically.

Unit 15 – Military Career OptionsThe final unit introduces students to military career options. It provides insights into different military branches, academies, and benefits. Students will learn how to effectively communicate with military recruiters, and gain an understanding of the realities of deployment and relocation. This unit concludes by imparting a valuable life lesson on the honor and potential career paths that military service can offer. By the end of this unit, students are equipped with knowledge about military careers and can make informed decisions about their future in the armed forces if they choose to pursue this path.