The Pathways Concept
The Pathways program at San Lorenzo Valley High School is a "school to career" program. Whether our graduates work full time upon graduation from high school, or after community college experience, or upon completion of graduate, post graduate or PhD studies, most of our students will entering the workforce. Even though the traditional American high school has developed excellent programs to prepare and inform students about traditional college programs, as a nation we lag behind other countries in giving our young people timely information about careers. Americas young people need more career information and "real world" experiences to enable them to make informed career choices. The Pathways Program has been initiated to meet this need.
Some Pathways Activities
- Ninth grade students learn about themselves, their preferences, personalities, and strengths and how these elements are used in career selection.
- Tenth grade students are introduced to six major broad career paths, and are encouraged to select one: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Communication, Business and Marketing, Engineering and Industrial Technology, Home Health and Recreation, or Social, Human or Governmental Services.
- Eleventh grade students are encouraged to actively research jobs within their chosen career path through information gathering, job shadowing and mentoring. Some students will be offered an integrated school and work based learning experience.
- Twelfth grade students are encouraged to apply for internships in their chosen career path for in depth "real world" experiences.
The intention of the Pathways Program is to encourage the students to begin early, to understand what is expected of them, to be successful in the "working" world. We want to give students "real world" experiences so they can choose high school experiences which will support career successes. They will have information which will allow them to make informed choices.
What local employers say they want of their employees.
- "We value employees who have problem solving and leadership skills in all our jobs"
- "Competence in basic math skills, statistics, verbal and written communications is essential for any position in today's job market."
- "Job skill requirements change rapidly making learning a lifelong enterprise."
- "Employees who continue to learn and increase their skills are an asset to our company."
- "The balance between being an effective, independent worker and team player is the ideal combination for an employee."