CAREER TOOLBOX

Career Edge

You’ve heard of the cutting edge and the leading edge.  Now, high school students in our community have access to the Career Edge®.  What is Career Edge® and how can you take advantage of this opportunity?

First, you should become aware of the Career Academies that are offered in your high school.  Career Academy programs might also be known as a “school within a school” for high school juniors and seniors.  Juniors and seniors can begin to experience and plan for their futures in a manner that lets them continue to develop well-rounded educations, but with a special emphasis in their area of career interest.  Because of the way Career Academies are designed and the curriculum choices, students will not become pigeonholed in a career should their interests change as they move forward. 

The classes in a Career Academy include solid academic classes as well as classes pertaining to specific career skill development.  In addition to required courses, you will be exposed to work-based learning experiences such as job shadows and internships.  And to top it off, many of the courses that you take will not only give you high school credit but also provide college credit!  Participants in Career Academy programs can expect to be well prepared to enter a two- or four-year postsecondary program or to begin entry-level careers related to the course of study in the academy. 

Currently there are Career Academies in these areas: Local Area Network, Graphics and Communication Media, Automotive Technology, Health Sciences, Engineering & Engineering Technology, Information Systems Management, Computer Programming, Education & Human Services, Welding Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Agriscience. 

Mr. David Bunting, Executive Director of Secondary Programs at Kirkwood Community College says “Career Academies offer the Career Edge® all young people need as they prepare for the new world of work.  Career Academies demonstrate the value of all careers within a field of study.  When students leave high school, they will be better informed and better prepared for their future.”   

If you are interested in a Career Academy or want further information, please review www.careeredge.info and also talk to your counselor or career advisor.

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