# Presentation: 739560

## Archived Information

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TELL STUDENTS A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND 
WHY YOU’RE WILLING TO TAKE TIME OUT OF YOUR BUSY DAY TO TALK WITH 
THEM. THIS IS CRITICAL TO BUILDING A CONNECTION WITH STUDENTS. 
Spend about 5 minutes talking about: 
Who you are
Where you work (relate your own career to the need for taking rigorous classes)
Why you are here (what were your own high school experiences: did you work your tail off to have the job you have now OR-did you slack off in school and regret it later)
Anything else students should know about you that builds trust or rapport (i.e. do you have a funny story about your first job and what it taught you about the rewards of working harder in high school so you have more options when you graduate, etc.).  
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
In a few short months, you will be heading off to high school. I’m here today to 
talk to you as a business person and potential employer about some important 
things you need to start thinking about now to make sure better prepared for 
high school but more importantly, life beyond high school.  That’s why this 
presentation is call “Getting ready for high school. Getting ready for life.”

## What is Washington Opportunity Scholars?

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Washington Opportunity Scholars is a new program being launched in 12 
states around the country including Washington. The goal of the program is to 
encourage students to take more challenging classes during high school so 
you are better prepared for whatever you want to do after you graduate.

INTERNAL NOTES
Include a brief personal story related to your role in your company or job. Briefly 
describe how and where you have seen the need for better preparation of students in 
your professional career. 

## Washington Opportunity ScholarsCourse of Study

- Four years of English, including at least three years of literature and composition
- Four years of math _in high school_ (must include Algebra II)
- Three years of science (Biology, Chemistry, and preferably, Physics)
- Three years of Social Studies
- Two years of a Foreign Language

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
To be a Washington Opportunity Scholar you need to take this recommended course of study. 

INTERNAL NOTES
Read each bullet aloud. 

## Slide 4

| Washington Opportunity Scholars
Course of Study |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th |
| English  | English  | English  | English  |
| Math | Math | Math | Math |
| Biology  | Chemistry  | Physics | Elective |
| Social Studies | Social Studies | Social Studies | Elective |
| 2 years same Foreign Language |  |  |  |

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
So this is how it might look if you take the Washington Opportunity Scholars course of study. Don’t worry. Your teachers and guidance counselors will help you map this out but this slide shows that if you take this course of study you’ll still have room for other electives in areas you’re interested in such as the arts, music or vocational education. 

Does this course of study look doable?   

INTERNAL NOTES
Ask a couple of kids by name if this is doable. Be enthusiastic and reinforce that they can do this.

PLEASE NOTE: Most schools have a six or seven period day so the message of this slide is that students have some flexibility in their schedule to take electives or pursue other things they’re interested in. We do NOT want to convey that they can slack off their senior year. Please also try to encourage students to strive even higher by taking at least one AP class.  

## Why are these courses important?	

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Why do you think we recommend these particular classes? 

INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student responses: (This is a great place for personal and professional examples). 
If they get stuck you can use the following examples: 
English: Communication skills are critical to any successful careers. (i.e. I do the hiring for my company. If a resume comes in and there are spelling errors, it goes in the trash).
Science: Science and math teach you how to problem solve and use critical thinking skills; these are skills that transfer to every different subject area (i.e. understanding the natural world we live in and medical advances that can improve your health and/or the latest explorations of Mars, etc.).
Math: Even if you’re not in a field like engineering that clearly requires strong math and science skills, many jobs require you to manage project or organizational budgets (non-profits, salespeople, marketing, etc.). You’ll also need math skills when buying a home, figuring out your taxes or planning for your retirement. 
Social Studies: Helps you understand the larger world in which we live.
Foreign Language: Who’s taking a foreign language right now or already speaks a foreign language? We’ve already seen how small the world is getting. It’s important to be able to communicate and understand other cultures.

## Today, global competition is a fact of life

**Tacoma, WA**

- Today, global competition is a fact of life

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Being better prepared is also important because now more than ever we live in an increasingly global economy. Does anyone know what I mean by a “global economy”?

INTERNAL NOTESWait for student responses.  Validate correct responses. 

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
It also means that you are not just competing for jobs with students in this class like ______ and _______ (INTERNAL NOTES: reference several student names in the class) or students from Tacoma or Washington. It means you will be competing for jobs with people from all over the world. To be ready for this increased competition you need to have a much stronger academic foundation. You need to be able to problem-solve and use critical thinking skills. 

INTERNAL NOTESIf you have a brief personal example from your own work experience that illustrates this point you may want to insert it here. Does your company hire from other countries? How has this impacted the way your company does business? 

## These “core” classes will also help you:

- Prepare for passing the 10th-grade WASL
- Meet the new graduation requirements
- Do well on the PSAT and SAT

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Facing global competition in the workplace may seem like it’s a million years away and something you don’t have to worry about for a long time. But the Washington Opportunity Scholars course of study will also help you be better prepared for things that are just around the corner.  
Did you know that beginning with the graduating class of 2008—that’s you guys—all Washington students will have to meet new graduation requirements including meeting standard in reading, writing and mathematics on the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning)? You’ll also have other graduation requirements including completing what’s called a “culminating project” and “high school and beyond plan.” And if you want to go to college you’ll need to take the PSAT and the SAT. 
INTERNAL NOTES
We do not expect you to be an expert on the new state graduation requirements. For this slide in particular we would encourage you to stick to the suggested script as outlined above. Do not solicit questions on this topic unless you feel comfortable discussing the graduation requirements in greater detail. If you get questions you are not prepared to answer feel free to defer them to their teacher or counselor. For more information on the graduation requirements please reference the student flier entitled: “Who Cares About the 10th-grade WASL? You Should.”  A copy was included in your presenter packet. 

## Better preparation for LIFE!

**Better preparation for LIFE!**

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Some of you may not know exactly what you want to do after high school right now. At that’s ok. But by taking the Washington Opportunity Scholars course of study you will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in core subjects that will help you build a much stronger academic foundation. This will make you better prepared for whatever path you decide to follow.

## It’s about Choices

- The more prepared you are, the more choices you will have between colleges and different job opportunities.
- It allows you more freedom to choose how _you_ want to live your life.

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
Read this slide aloud or paraphrase these bullets in your own words. 

## What do you dream of being when you grow up?

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
THE NEXT TWO SLIDES WERE DESIGNED TO BE VERY INTERACTIVE WITH 
THE STUDENTS SO YOU SHOULD TRY TO SPEND 3-5 MINUTES ON THESE 
SLIDES. 

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
So what do you dream of being when you grow up?  Anybody dream of being 
rich and famous?  INTERNAL NOTES: Pause and wait for student responses. 
Me too. But most likely you’re going to have to work for a living just like me.

INTERNAL NOTES
Expect answers like: lawyer, doctor, architect, professional athlete, fireman, singer 
etc. 

## What will it take to get your dream job?

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Try to use a couple of the student’s “dream jobs” to answer this question: 
Chris, you want to be an engineer. What kinds of classes will you need? Mary, you  
want to be a doctor. Lots of math and science, right? Brian, lawyers are great. They 
really need those English skills to communicate effectively.   

You all have great dreams. I encourage you to go for it because you can do it. 
But employers aren’t going to give you a job just because they like you. They 
expect you to come to them prepared.  

## Did you know thatin the workplace...

- 70 percent of the fastest growing jobs require some education beyond high school.

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Fact is, 70% of jobs will require you to go to school past high school. How many of you think you’ll go to college?  INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student responses.  This is a great place to engage students by asking them where they want to go.  That’s great!  I’m glad you’re thinking ahead.  But you need to have a plan for what you need to do to get into college. 

INTERNAL NOTES
It’s important to note that this does not necessarily mean just a four-year college degree. It means some additional education including a two-year associate’s degree, technical training program and/or a four-year college degree. 

## But colleges report that:

- 57 percent of Washington’s high school graduates enrolled in community and technical colleges require “remedial classes.”

## What are remedial classes?

- You have to retake subjects you should have mastered in high school.
- This time you have to pay for them but you don’t get credit toward earning your degree.
_**You’re paying for something you could have earned for free!**_

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
What are remedial classes? 

INTERNAL NOTESPause after asking the question and wait for student responses. Then slide in the next three bullets. Read them aloud to the students.  

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
So, what does this mean?  INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student responses. If none, say: It means that if you don’t challenge yourself now you will be paying for it later.  What’s a good way to do this?  INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student response: Take the Washington Opportunity Course of Study!

## Congratulations. You’re hired!

- Starting salary: $24,000 a year/
- $2000 per month

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Ok, So let’s switch gears here for a minute. Let’s imagine that I just hired you for $24,000 a year. Yep. I’m impressed with you so I decide to hire you right out of high school. How’s that salary sound to you? 

Not bad, huh?  But do you think I’m going to just write you a check for $2000 each month? 

INTERNAL NOTES
INTERACTIVE STUDENT EXERCISE: Ask students to guess what things they will have to pay for when they are own their own. Designate a student to write on a white board or flip chart what they come up with. Then move to the next slide to see if they got everything.  

## Paying for the “necessities”

_**Item**_**	****	****	**_**Monthly Expense**_** ****	**_**$’s Left **_
**Federal and**
**   ****Social Security Taxes****	****	****$350****	****	****$1,650**
**Medical/Dental Insurance****	****$50****	****	****$1,600****	**
**Rent (w/roommate(s))****	****	****$400****	****	****$1,200**
**Utilities****	****	****	****	****$50****	****	****$1,150**
**Phone Bill****	****	****	****$60****	****	****$1,090**
**Furniture/TV/Appliances****	****	****$75****	****	****$1,015****	**
**Clothes ****	****	****	****	****$100****	****	****$915**
**Personal Items****	****	****	****$25****	****	****$890**
**Food****	****	****	****	****$300****	****	****$590  **
**Bus pass****	****	****	****$50****	****	****$540**

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTESTHE NEXT TWO SLIDES ARE DESIGNED TO BE VERY INTERACTIVE WITH THE STUDENTS. THIS EXERCISE SHOULD LAST 10-15 MINUTES. 

Students may try to debate you on some of the specific expenses. That’s fine. Tell them these are conservative estimates. They may be able to spend less in some areas but these are pretty solid averages overall.

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Ok. Now before I even hand you the check, what will I take out? INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student responses. That’s right. You have to pay taxes. As your employer I will take out $350 for federal and social security taxes. That’s non-negotiable. You don’t have a choice on that one. 
-Have you ever thought about health and dental insurance? We have to take out $50 right there.  (includes cold medicine, advil, band-aids, insurance co-pays, etc.). Health insurance has gotten so outrageously expensive that this is probably a pretty conservative estimate these days. 
-What do you think it will cost for rent? The average rent in this area is $600 for a very small studio. But let’s say you share a place with roommates. Ok. That means you have to subtract $400.  
-Take out another $50 for utilities which is on the low end of what you’re really going to be paying. 
-Let’s say you get a cell phone with unlimited long distance and minutes. That will be about $60. 
-Do you want to sit on the floor in your apartment? Probably not. So let’s take out $75 for furniture, appliances and a TV. This assumes you’re getting hand-me-downs and/or buying stuff at a second hand store. 
-What do you think about having $100 for clothes? Is that enough? Now some of you have some pretty fancy tennis shoes on today. I don’t think you’ll be able to buy a pair with this budget. So let’s say you can buy one of the shoes in March and the other one in April. How’s that sound? 
-Have you ever thought about other personal items like shampoo, toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent? Now that you’re living on your own, mom and dad won’t be paying for that kind of stuff any more. So we’ll have to subtract $25 for those items.   
-Take out $300 for food. Does that seem like a lot? Anybody like McDonald’s? How much do you spend there? Well $300 would give you about $10 a day for three meals. Do you really want to eat at McDonalds every day for every meal?
-Let’s assume you take the bus to work most days because it’s too expensive to park. That’s $50. 
That’s $1,460. You have $540 left. 

## What if you want other “luxuries?”

**REMAINING INCOME****	****	****	****	****$540**
_**Item**_**	****	****	**_**Monthly expense**_**	**_**$ Left**_** **
**Car Payment, Insurance,****	****	****$400****	****	****$140**
**   ****Gas, oil etc.**
**Internet Access/Cable TV****	****$75****	****	****$65**
**Entertainment****	****	****	****$65****	****	****$0**

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Now that was just to pay for the absolute “necessities.” But what about other “luxuries?”

Anyone want to have a car someday?  What kind of car would you like to have?INTERNAL NOTES: Pause for a student response. Expect: SUVs and sports cars. Wow! You guys have really expensive tastes. I wasn’t counting on that in this budget. I only put in $400 for car payments, insurance and gas. But that’s definitely not going to buy you one of those cars. You’ll be lucky to find insurance for $100 a month. Let’s say we take $50 out for gas a month (with our gas prices today that is not going to get you very far). That leaves you $250 for a car payment which is more like a Ford Escort. If you need an oil change or have any other repairs you’re pretty much out of luck.  
-Any of you want to have internet access or cable TV? Then you better subtract $75.
-That leaves only $65! What about entertainment? What if you want to go see a concert, how about movies or go on a date? With $65 you only have about $16 a week!  

So, on this budget you won’t have anything left at the end of the month. And we haven’t even talked about vacations or emergencies (hope you don’t get caught speeding in that new car!) or saving for retirement. Believe me,  there is always something that comes up like your car breaking down or getting a parking ticket. 

## You compare the difference

| Starting Salary for a “Skilled” Job |
| --- |
| $11.54 |
| (x) 40 hours/week |
| =$462/week |
| x 52 weeks |
| TOTAL/YEAR = $24,000 |

| Minimum Wage Job |
| --- |
| $7.16/hour (in WA) |
| (x) 40 hours/week |
| =$286/week |
| x 52 weeks |
| TOTAL/YEAR = $14,892 |

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
$24,000 a year may sound like a good wage, but we just saw that in today’s world you need a pretty thrifty lifestyle to live on that salary. 

And, if you look at this chart, I was willing to pay you a lot more than the minimum wage. The truth is, it’s very unlikely that you could even find a job straight out of high school that would pay $24,000. What would happen if I hired you at minimum wage? It would be a lot tougher to budget, wouldn’t it?

Who’s thinking about getting a job in high school? What kind of jobs can you get when you turn 16? INTERNAL NOTES: Pause and wait for a response. Expect fast food jobs or working at Old Navy etc.

Those are probably minimum wage jobs. How much is the minimum wage here in Washington? INTERNAL NOTES: Pause and wait for a response. It’s $7.16 per hour.

These are pretty good jobs for being in high school because they give you some spending money and some good job experience. Right?

But let’s assume this is your full-time job that you are using to support yourself. How much would you make at a minimum wage job, working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, without vacation?  INTERNAL NOTES: Then show the side of the table with the “minimum wage job earnings.”

## Average salaries for jobs requiring 2-year degrees or additional technical training:

- Firefighter			$34,000
- Dental Hygienist		$35,000
- Web Designer		$37,000

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Let’s look at the average salaries for some jobs requiring a two-year degree from a community college or a technical training program. 

## Average salaries for jobs requiring 4-year degrees:

- Pharmaceutical
- 	  Sales Rep.			$45,000
- Accountant				$47,000
- Software Engineer		$48,000
- Aerospace Engineer		$50,000

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
See the difference a 4-year degree makes. And these are just average salaries. The potential for career advancement and salary increases is much higher with some additional education or technical training.  And many jobs today require you to go beyond 4-years of college. 

## Average salaries for jobs requiring more than a 4-year degree:

- Architect				$58,000
- Lawyer				$75,000
- Dentist				$93,000
- Doctor	 (Family Practice)	$120,000

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
Salary information was found on Monster.com, the Occupational Outlook Handbook on Workforceexplorer.com and 2003-2004 Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board Guide to Careers and Cccupations in Washington State. 

## What makes the difference?                   

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
Read this slide aloud and then pause and wait for student responses. 

SUGGESTED SCRIPT 
Education makes the difference. The more educated and prepared you are, the more valuable you will be to future employers.

The salaries we just looked at are just average salaries. You might start higher or lower. Again, the point is that the more education you have the more potential you have for advancement in salary and your title.

## What you learn affectswhat you earn

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
As you saw from the last couple of slides, what you learn directly affects what you earn. 

## Changing Hats

- It’s predicted that you will change your career five or six times in your working lifetime

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT 
Truth is, you will most likely change careers several times in your lifetime. In fact, research shows that people on average have six different careers over the span of their working life!  Sometimes this will be your choice. Sometimes it won’t. The best way to prepare for these changes and take advantage of new career opportunities, is to have a strong core of knowledge. 

INTERNAL NOTES
This is a great place to ask students if they know people who have changed careers and/or tell them about your own career path.

## What things might holdyou back from takingtougher classes? 

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
So that all sounds well and good but I want to hear from you what kind of things might hold you back from taking harder classes? 

INTERNAL NOTES
Let the students throw out some answers. Expect responses such as: 
I don’t have time.
I don’t want to have to study all the time. I want to hang out with my friends. 
I can’t do it. I’m not smart enough. The classes are too tough.
I don’t want to fail. 
I want to keep my grade point average up so I can get into college.
I hate math (or science).
Who will help me if I struggle or don’t get it?
I don’t have money to go to college. 
It will be too stressful. 

## When the going gets tough, remember:

- It is better to _***take tougher classes***_ than to get A’s in easy classes
- There are _***people that can help you***_: teachers, counselors, principal and your families
- If you work hard, there is _***money available***_ for college scholarships
_***We want you to be successful!***__ _

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTESIt is important to acknowledge that the concerns raised are all valid.  

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
We all face challenges. I’m not saying that following this course of study will always be easy, but when the going gets tough remember: INTERNAL NOTES: read aloud the bullets on this slide.  

Take the Washington Opportunity Course of Study and you will be more prepared to move on to college or whatever you want to do after high school.

## What does this all mean?

- You need to:
- Go beyond the minimum graduation requirements.
- Take challenging classes ***throughout*** high school.
- Have a plan for your future.

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES: Read the first two bullets aloud. After you read the last bullet you may want to add the points below to reinforce the importance of having a plan. 

SUGGESTED SCRIPT
Having a plan doesn’t necessarily mean you have all the answers but it means you are taking the right steps. It’s like going on a trip. It’s much easier when you have directions or at least a general idea of where you are going and how to get there. 

So, whether you know what you want to do or not, I encourage you to make choices now that will help you be better prepared when you do figure out what you want to do. 

## Washington Opportunity ScholarsCourse of Study

- Four years of English, including at least three years literature and composition
- Four years of math _in high school_ (must include Algebra II)
- Three years of science (Biology, Chemistry, and preferably, Physics)
- Three years of Social Studies
- Two years of a Foreign Language

**Notes:**
SUGGESTED SCRIPT
So remember at the beginning of my presentation I talked about what it takes to be a Washington Opportunity Scholar. Does anybody remember?  INTERNAL NOTES: Pause for student responses and then slide in the subject areas OR-call on students to reply.  Do you think this is doable?  INTERNAL NOTES: Wait for student responses. You might want to ask individual students.

Well I believe in you and I know you can do this!!!!

## What’s your best bet?

- Odds that you’ll win the lotto, play in the NBA or win a million dollars on Survivor...not great.
- Odds that by challenging yourself in high school and getting the help you need, that you’ll be prepared for life after high school...Great!

## When you make your course selections for freshman year remember to sign up to be a Washington Opportunity Scholar!

##  WASHINGTON OPPORTUNITY                    SCHOLARS

- For more information go to: _www.partnership4learning.org/statescholars.htm_
- PR/Award (No. V051U02001)
- The work reported herein was supported under the Center for State Scholars Program, PR/Award (No. V051U02001)
- as administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

**Notes:**
INTERNAL NOTES
Just flash this slide at the end.