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Planning Your Path to Success

 

In a rapidly evolving global economy, 21CCCS knows that we must do more than impart knowledge; we must intentionally connect today’s academic work with the future studies and career aspirations of our students. This responsibility embodies our vision and mission, guides our work, and informs our decision-making and prepares students for success beyond graduation.

 


Our Mission

To foster a student-centered experience that inspires and empowers our learners through engaging curriculum facilitated by supportive educators to develop the whole individual.

 

Our Vision

To continually enhance our flexible environment in support of all students’ academic, social, and emotional growth using innovative approaches to learning in preparation for their future aspirations.

 


In addition to earning a half-credit by successfully completing our College & Career Readiness course and participating in a variety of activities to support future planning in accordance with PA , we offer a strong collection of core and elective courses that align to different pursuits after graduation.

Advanced Education

Options:
In addition to traditional options such as colleges and universities that typically offer 2 and 4 year diploma options, there are technical schools with certificate programs and apprenticeships programs that include specific training.
Your 21CCCS school counselors will work with you to align your program of studies each year with your interests and goals.

Career Planning

The start of a career after high school is far from a one-size-fits-all journey. Some students take a gap year (or more) between high school and higher education to save money, solidify a degree path, or both. Other students may be employed during high school and want to “stay the course” after graduating. Still others just need more time to explore.
Your 21CCCS school counselors will work with you to align your program of studies each year with your interests and goals.

Military Service

Different Branches & Ways to Serve

 

Many students opt to enter into the military after graduating high school. With six branches to choose from and different ways to serve, there are many considerations and paths to explore.

 

In addition to helping students find the information needed to explore this option, your 21CCCS school counselor will work with you to align your program of studies each year with your interests and goals.

Where Do I Begin?

A simple search on Google related to college and career ready will yield thousands of responses to review and filter. While it is important to gather information and make informed decisions, trying to examine that many resources may not be the best use of time. One way to narrow the focus is to consult materials provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government, and reputable national organizations.

 

We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you to narrow the focus of your research by combining data from the PA Department of Labor & Industry with the 21CCCS Course Catalog. You can begin to build a customized roadmap for your future. If you’re still not sure about your post-secondary plans, no problem – use this information to explore interests and try to identify a path you feel fits.

McKinney-Vento Banner

Develop a Strategy & Leverage Support

Personal Interests & Goals

You will take different interest inventories to help you identify or refine your post-secondary interests.

Graduation Requirements

There are local and state requirements for graduation to assist with planning.

Skill Development

Use your high school experience to strengthen the hard and soft skills needed to excel in school and beyond.

Extracurricular Demands

It is important to factor in the time needed to participate in outside endeavors such as athletics, work, clubs, and activities.

Academic Planning

The high school course catalog is a helpful starting point to intentionally select core and elective courses that align to your goals.

Review Alignment of Courses & PA Industry Clusters

The course selection process each school year involves multiple factors and considerations. While students are expected to review the course catalog and do their own preparation prior to the course selection process, there are multiple factors and considerations that impact decision-making. This is why we encourage a team approach. Rather than go it alone, students should consult their parents/guardians, teachers, and school counselors in advance of course selection and throughout the high school journey.  

 

Although we have aligned some of our courses to the PA Industry Clusters to help students make informed decisions, there are other considerations such as prerequisites, graduation requirements, and more involved in planning. In addition, students may research dual enrollment for additional course options. 

Advanced Manufacturing

Robotics, engineering, design, and precision.

Agriculture & Food Production

Environmental science, farming, biology, and resource management.  

Physics, AP Physics, AP Computer Science A, Algebra II, Geometry, Calculus.

Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition.

Bio-Medical

Healthcare research, medical laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

Building & Construction

Residential and commercial construction, and specialized trades. 

Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Calculus, Introduction to Statistics, AP Statistics.

Geometry, Physics, Introduction to Engineering, Environmental Science, Consumer Math.

Business Services

Management, marketing, accounting, and professional communication.

Education

Pedagogy, psychology, K-12 schooling, higher education, and vocational training.

Introduction to Accounting, Business Law, Business Marketing, Calculus, Business Communications, Economics, AP Microeconomics, AP English Language and Composition.

Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Public Speaking, World Languages (ex., Spanish), World Religions, Child Development, Ethics & Modern Dilemmas.

Energy

Resource extraction, renewable energy, and power systems.

Health Care

Patient care, nursing, home health services, and biological sciences.

Environmental Science, Earth Science, AP Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, Calculus.

Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Genetics, Nutrition, Health, Introduction to Forensic Science, Psychology, AP Psychology, Ethics & Modern Dilemmas, AP Biology.

Hospitality, Leisure & Entertainment

Tourism, culinary arts, the arts, and recreation.

Logistics & Transportation

Supply chain, distribution, and systems.

Intro to Digital Photography, Advanced Digital Photography, World Languages (ex., Spanish), Business Marketing, Creative Writing.

Introduction to Statistics, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, Economics, AP Microeconomics, Geography.

Real Estate, Finance & Insurance

Banking, Wealth management, risk assessment, and property management.

Wood, Wood Products & Publishing

Forestry, graphic design, and communications.

Introduction to Accounting, Personal Finance, Business Law, Economics, AP Microeconomics, Algebra II, Introduction to Statistics, AP Statistics.

Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, Business Marketing.