An understanding of self is the first step to career planning. The results of these inventories give students an understanding of their personal strengths, abilities and interests. This program encourages investigation of individual interests, and future educational and career goals. In their sophomore year, students use these resources to write a research paper, which focuses on career possibilities, the nature of work and understanding the needs of society. Junior Year - Career Exploration Students explore the nature of specific careers through interaction with career speakers in the classroom and participation in the Career Clusters Program.
Students meet with a counselor to make preliminary post-graduation plans.
Students have the opportunity to take PSATs, SATs, along with other vocational assessments, and to participate in college, apprenticeship and job fairs sponsored by the Guidance Resource Center. Through individual meetings and classroom presentations, students begin to make decisions and plans concerning their future. Beginning with the Class of 2003, this program is an integral part of the 28 credits required for graduation from Chartiers Valley High School. This program enhances instruction by extending learning beyond the classroom, fosters a sense of caring for others, demonstrates the connections between academics and careers, and promotes life-long skills in thinking, organizing, researching problem solving, decision making, writing and presenting.