College & Career

guidence
College and career guidance and counseling programs aim to help students make more informed and better educational and career choices. Among other things, programs offer information on high school course offerings, career options, the type of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, and post-secondary opportunities that are associated with their field of interest. Programs also often provide teachers, administrators, and parents with information they can use to support students' career exploration and post-secondary educational opportunities.

Activities associated with career guidance and counseling programs typically include:

  • Advising students and parents on high school programs and academic curriculum, preparing them for college application and admission .
  • Arranging dual/concurrent enrollment and Advanced Placement credits to prepare students for the rigor of post-secondary education.
  • Planning and preparation for college admissions tests, SAT and ACT.
  • Informing students about post-secondary financing that can be used to support advanced education and training.
  • Developing career portfolios, which include test and grades results, examples of student work, and resumes and cover letters to prospective employers.
  • Arranging job shadowing, work placements, and community-based learning programs to allow students to directly experience workplace situations.
  • Sponsoring workshops, classes, focus groups, and special presentations that focus on job skills and personal development.
  • Providing specialized counseling and intervention services to provide students with individualized attention.

Recognizing the importance of career guidance and counseling programs for student's post-secondary success, the Department plays a key role in supporting State's efforts to build and implement these programs. Among federal efforts:

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 permits funds to be used for career guidance and academic counseling for students participating in vocational education programs.

The Perkins Act also authorizes America's Career Resource Network, which provides school administrators, teachers, counselors, and parents with the resources and training they need to assist youth and adults in making more informed decisions about their career choices and preparation.