Career+™: Helping Indiana High School Students Meet Graduation Requirements

Introduction to Career+™

Career+™ helps students meet Indiana’s Post-secondary Readiness Graduation Requirements. We are thrilled to introduce Career+™, an innovative locally created graduation pathway that has been revolutionizing education in Greater Lafayette, Indiana, and is now expanding to other regions for the ’24 – ’25 school year. Created in partnership with employers, schools and community leaders Career+™ is designed to blend academic learning with real-world career experiences, ensuring students are not just prepared for graduation but for meaningful careers. Career+ was initially piloted in 8 schools in the Greater Lafayette region in ‘22 – ‘23 and has since continued to expand.

What is Career+™?

Career+™ is a unique program that integrates high school education with hands-on career experiences. The goal is to provide students with practical skills, valuable work experience, and direct job and college internship prospects upon graduation. Here’s what your students can expect:

1. Earn College Credits: Students can earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their higher education journey.

2. Work-Based Learning: The program features skills bootcamps, internships, apprenticeships, and summer jobs, providing students with real-world experience in their areas of interest.

3. Virtual Career Connection: Classrooms can connect directly with employers, universities and skills training providers through an integrated scheduling and video system, allowing discussions on a range of topics including industry trends, career advice, job opportunities, and skills development.

4. On-Site Tours and Job Shadowing: Students will have opportunities to visit workplaces, shadow professionals, and understand day-to-day operations in various industries.

5. Tuition Support: Students learn how to utilize state and employer funding to continue their post-secondary education and skills training.

Utilizing Career+™ Experiences and Career-Connected Curriculum

Career+™ is more than just a graduation pathway; it’s an immersive learning experience designed to prepare students for the real world through two key components:

1. Career+™ Experiences: These are hands-on learning opportunities that include video chats with industry professionals, on-site tours, job shadowing, and work-based learning with local employers. These experiences ensure that students not only learn about their chosen fields but actively engage in them, gaining invaluable insights and skills.

2. Career-Connected Curriculum: This curriculum is tailored to integrate academic studies with career-specific training. It helps students see the relevance of their education by connecting classroom learning with practical applications in the workforce. This approach nurtures individual interests and strengths, accelerating their potential for career advancement.

Focus on Key Industries

Career+™ collaborates with local employers to provide opportunities in several key industries:

1. Advanced Manufacturing
2. Healthcare
3. Supply-Chain Logistics
4. Building Trades (new for ’24 – ’25)
5. Information Technology (new for ’24 – ’25)
6. Agriculture Technology (new for ’24 – ’25)

These collaborations ensure that students are gaining skills that are in high demand, enhancing their employability and career readiness.

Career+™ planning for Indiana’s new GPS Graduation Diploma

Career+™ is working to closely align with Indiana’s emerging GPS Graduation Diploma requirements, ensuring students meet foundational knowledge and skills requirements, career and postsecondary readiness, and essential civic, financial and digital literacy standards. The platform will help tracks student progress, ensuring they meet all requirements

Why Should Your School Join Career+™?

Career+™ helps students meet Indiana’s Post-secondary Readiness Graduation Requirements. By joining Career+™, your school will be part of a pioneering movement that aligns education with the evolving needs of the workforce. Here’s why your school should consider this innovative pathway:

1. Enhance Student Engagement: Students are more engaged when they see the real-world applications of their studies.
2. Prepare Students for Success: Equip your students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
3. Build Community Connections: Foster strong relationships with local employers and industry leaders, creating a supportive network for your students.
4. Support from Experts: Skyepack, Inc., is an approved Intermediary and Technical Assistance Partner, providing the infrastructure and curriculum support needed to ensure consistency and minimize disjointed efforts.

How to Get Started

Career+™ platform, curriculum and support are now available to schools across Indiana. To bring this innovative program to your school, we can help. For more information and to start the application process, please contact us at info@careerpluspathways.org.