Career Exploration

Career Exploration at Value Schools is a dynamic initiative that extends learning beyond the classroom, connecting students with real-world professional experiences. This program reflects the Foundation Board's commitment to providing equitable educational and career opportunities for students across all four Value Schools campuses.

Through collaborations with community leaders and professionals, students gain valuable networking opportunities and insights into various career paths. These experiences are designed to level the playing field, giving students access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Key Features of Career Exploration

Interactive Learning: Students participate in onsite experiences where they actively engage with leaders in various fields. These hands-on opportunities allow students to develop practical skills and make meaningful connections.

Diverse Experiences: The program offers a range of experiences, including:

Paid internships (e.g., Glenair, Inc.'s program)
Visits to corporate offices (e.g., Capital Group, Public Storage)
Workshops on resume building and interviewing skills
Exposure to various industries such as finance, architecture, and engineering

Students at Glenair, Inc. Real-World Impact: These experiences have a profound effect on students' perspectives and aspirations. For instance, after participating in Glenair, Inc.'s internship program, 12th grader Mabel shared, "The experience made me discover what engineering is all about and now I feel more confident looking at colleges and careers in the sciences".

Benefits for Students

Career Exploration at Value Schools empowers students by:

Building confidence and ambition
Providing networking opportunities
Developing practical, industry-specific skills
Broadening understanding of various career paths
Inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning

By engaging in these real-world experiences, students can envision success in both education and their future careers, fostering equity and belief in their potential.

Opportunities like this provide our students a chance to connect their education with real world experience. If you would like to discuss creating an exciting, interactive experience for our students, either at our schools or at your business or organization, please contact David Doyle, Value Schools Foundation President, at [email protected].

“I used to be shy, but now I feel more confident. My mindset is more mature and mentally prepared for obstacles that will come my way. These experiences – whether in art, dance, theater, music, science, the outdoors – are a great way to connect with people and feel more confident in the world.”
-- Ana, Central City Value High School, Class of 2023