Hot Topics: Career Clusters and Pathways! Brought to you by: The Community College System (CCCS) and Career & Technical Education (CTE)

What in the world? Cluster: Pathway: CTE: Plan of Study: Post Secondary (PS): Workforce: LLCM: ICAP:

What in the world? Cluster: Pathway: CTE: Plan of Study: Post Secondary (PS): Workforce: LLCM: ICAP: Category or grouping of careers What to do to achieve a cluster Career and Technical Education What HS classes for chosen cluster Education options after HS diploma Our competitive global economy Life Long Career Management: it’s what you’re doing now! Individual Career and Academic Plan: it’s helping you get there!

L E A R N EARN LEAN EAR NEAR REAL ARE RAN ?

Real Facts The Past: 1980’s and 90’s * College Preparatory courses for about 35% of students * Some CTE emphasis among students, which includes college- bound, postsecondary-bound, and non-college bound students * 30% of students dropping out or finishing late with very low skills.

Real Facts The Present: A Policy Agenda of College and Career “Readiness” for all. * All students encouraged to take college preparatory academic classes, supported by better pre-school, K-8 courses, and structured remediation and credit recovery at the local level. * Some growing awareness of the need for 21st Century Skills * Some growing awareness of the value of integrated college and career planning, and the value of CTE for student engagement.

WHAT? Every student will follow a pathway that leads to career success. HOW? Through seamless plans of study fostering academic and technical achievement. WHY? To develop a globally competitive workforce for Colorado. Real Choices

Why Pathways for Colorado? *Pathways are “For Real” (LEARN, EARN, LIVE) *Pathways have you thinking about CLUSTERS! *Pathways are practical, authentic, relevant (ICAP) *Pathways are about preparing young people for the “real world” of adulthood (POST SECONDARY) *Pathways instill real skills such as teamwork, work ethic, and leadership (WORKFORCE READINESS)

Tips for Life: Know Yourself Make Good Choices Find What you Love, Love What you Do Sprint to the Finish – GRADUATE! Build Relationships (Colleges & Community)

Why CTE for Colorado? CTE is “For Real” CTE is practical, authentic, genuine, relevant CTE is about preparing young people for the “real world” of adulthood CTE instills real skills such as teamwork, work ethic, and leadership CTE is a real answer to Colorado’s need to strengthen its workforce

Workforce Readiness Pathway Cluster

Spans All Grades Elementary Career Awareness Middle Career Exploration High Career Concentration Post Secondary Career Preparation Lifelong Career Advancement

High School Concentration All about the plan! Build career navigation skills through problem solving. Providing experiences that lead to knowledge based decisions Preparation for next step

Great Jobs for CTE Grads Dental hygienist $73,392 Aerospace engineering tech $58,962 Fashion designer $58,541 Construction supervisor $58,031 Cardiovascular tech $53,557 Interpreter/translator $53,243

Who next to you is in CTE? Someone who is in: FBLA DECA FFA HOSA SKILLSUSA

Cool Programs for Students Some real Colorado CTE programs: –Biotechnology –Gunsmithing –Sports Medicine –Ski and Snowboard Business –Geographic Information Systems –Fire Science Technology –Sport Vehicle Technologies –Rural Entrepreneurship

Why Use A Plan Of Study? Provides a road map for the student/parent Increases student retention Connects Career Path Courses with Core Academic Courses Prevents going the

“The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse” ~Ed Koch

Keys to Success: Update Plan Annually Discuss “Most Meaningful Experience” Drive to “Academic Momentum” Plan for Concurrent Enrollment Expand to Nontraditional Students to reengage and retrain.

* 238,000 new and replacement jobs expected over next 5 years. * Equates to ~47,600 jobs per year! * We know that 60% of those jobs require a certificate or a 2-year degree = 28,560 * We produced 12,800 students with a certificate and/or 2- year degree in 2007! * We need more students on a Path to Career Success! Real Impact

Where do you find help? * Your School Counselor * Your CTE Teacher * Your CIC Account: FREE guidance website for CO Colorado Community College System

YOU will succeed and achieve!

Q & A Lauren “LJ” Jones, MA NCC CTE-Career Guidance Trainer and Specialist