Jan Clinard Career Pathways Coordinator Helena High Pathways to Helena College

C AREER C LUSTERS What are Career Clusters? Career Clusters are groups of occupations and industries that have a common set of foundational knowledge and skills. There are 16 nationally recognized clusters, with multiple career pathways.

C AREER P ATHWAYS What are Career Pathways? Career Pathways are multi-year programs of academic and technical study that prepare students for a full range of postsecondary options within each of the 16 clusters. Currently, there are 81 nationally recognized pathways, each with specific pathway knowledge and skills, and plans of study. Clusters Pathways

P ROGRAMS OF S TUDY (POS) What are Programs of Study (POS)? Programs of Study are sequences of courses that:  incorporate a non-duplicative progression of secondary and postsecondary elements (may include dual credit),  include both academic and CTE content, rigorous curriculum alignment to challenging academic standards, and  lead to the attainment of an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or degree.

Pathway O VERVIEW CAREER CLUSTERS CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAMS OF STUDY Career Cluster Career Pathway Program of Study Example Career Cluster- Health Science Career Pathway- Nursing Program of Study- AAS Licensed Practical Nursing Example Career Cluster- Health Science Career Pathway- Nursing Program of Study- AAS Licensed Practical Nursing

Why Programs of Study? Aligned ambitions reflect an adolescent’s knowledge of the world of work and the educational pathways to different occupations. Such knowledge allows them to sustain higher levels of motivation and to make strategic choices about how to use their time and invest their efforts. - Schneider & Stevenson, The Ambitious Generation

Students, parents and counselors should look at possible pathways to see which are the best fit for the student’s skills and interests.

Education With A Purpose Students with goals are more successful than students who are rudderless Students who plan ahead during high school use their time efficiently When students take advantage of dual credit offerings in the college program they pursue, they save tuition dollars Careful course planning and taking advantage of early learning opportunities can reduce the amount of time required to earn a degree

Earnings and College Debt

Level of Education Needed for “Top 100 Careers” North Suburban Region Statistics Laura Cook, Ph.D.

While the unemployment rate has dropped to less than 5%, the real story is the under- employment rate, which is about 45% for recent college graduates. No one wants to talk about these numbers! If you are BArista or a BArtender, you are likely to default on the average $30,000 debt most grads have. It's no longer clear that a four-year degree has a good Return on Investment. - Dr. Tony Wagner, Harvard Innovation Lab Return on Investment

PATHWAYS are Guides, not Tracks It is not consistency of occupational choice that helps adolescents organize and manage their lives, but rather knowledge of the educational pathway to their desired occupations. - Schneider & Stevenson, The Ambitious Generation

Career Cluster Overview Page with Helena College Programs

 Ideal high school courses and CTO’s.  Dual credit (red), online (blue), and work experiences  College courses and sequence

Dual Credit: Earn HS and College Credit Simultaneously Concurrent Enrollment: Earn college credit in high school while also earning high school credit Early College: Earn college credit at the college while enrolled in high school (ex: EMT, 6-10 M & Th) Caveats: * Credits must be in the degree program to count toward the degree. *In a sequential college program with pre-requisites, dual credits may only count toward first semester’s coursework. *To receive full-time status financial aid, students must be registered for at least 12 credits during a semester.

 Help counselors and parents guide students  Involve business and industry in pathways  Expand opportunities for early learning (dual credit, student shadowing, etc.)  Help high school and college faculty work together to improve student success BIG SKY PATHWAYS SEEKS TO:

Helena College Donaldson Campus 1115 North Roberts Associate of Science and Associate of Arts Transfer Degrees Business and Accounting Nursing (LPN and RN) Pre-Pharmacy, Mental Health, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, etc. Computer Science Office Technology Fire and Rescue Interior Space Planning and Design

Helena College Airport Campus 2300 Airport Road Automotive Technology Aviation Maintenance Technology Diesel Technology Computer-Aided Manufacturing Metals Technology Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication Fire House

Helena College Pathways Go to: Future Students > Big Sky Pathways Jan Clinard Career Pathways Coordinator Room 225, 1115 North Roberts, Helena College Funded by Carl D. Perkins, Strengthening Big Sky Pathways