Options for Youth Schools Empower Students in Victor Valley

Courtesy of Options for Youth

The name says it all – Options for Youth Public Charter Schools (OFY) provides students with meaningful opportunities to find their footing in the classroom and beyond with a support network that empowers them to turn dreams into reality. 

Whole Person Approach 

“Our schools provide a supportive environment that honors the diverse learning styles, needs and strengths of all students,” says Christine Sundeen, principal for the five schools in OFY’s Victor Valley Region. “Our emphasis is on social/emotional learning and wellness,” she adds of their whole person approach to education. 

Working with grades seven through 12, Sundeen says it’s important to collaborate with students, parents, OFY team members and community partners to help students identify a field of interest and map out a plan to get there. 

“In our region, we have a career pathways coordinator coach to support our sites as well as career pathways coordinators at each location to assist our students in their transition to the workforce,” Sundeen says. 

Career Pathways Program 

Career Pathways Coordinator (CPC) Coach Ami Popineau collaborates with the five school CPCs, teachers, counselors and outreach specialists to help students confidently prepare for life after high school – whether that be college, career or vocational opportunities. 

Initially asked about career interests at registration, Popineau says the OFY team recognizes most students haven’t thought that far ahead. 

“We tell them we understand it’s a big question that they don’t know the answer to yet, and that’s OK,” Popineau says. “We’re here to help them explore and find that future career path.” 

Popineau says that process occurs in myriad ways beginning with the school’s assessment tool that points students to one of six broad career pathways: creative, health, nature, helping, building or business. She says each category includes scores of career opportunities and notes it’s not unusual for a student to change pathways as interests evolve. 

To narrow the field, OFY utilizes TransFR virtual reality headsets where students explore their top career matches. Popineau says someone in the health pathway might engage in short simulations to get a feel for a day in the life of an administrator, tech, nurse or surgeon. 

“Too often people wind up with a degree in a field they don’t really pursue. This helps them get a little insight a little sooner,” Popineau says of the technology. 

Additionally, the CPC team uses small group instruction and customized individual sessions to prepare students for the workforce. Supports include assistance with resumes, job applications, interview techniques and sharpening workforce skills, along with connections to community internships, workshops and volunteer opportunities. 

“It’s a huge team effort for student success,” Popineau says. 

From Student to Success

Emma dreamed of working in real estate, and Options for Youth helped make it happen through the school’s collaboration with the Hawkeye Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act. After completing a 100-hour paid internship with We’ll Buy It Property Solutions, Emma was offered a full-time position in the company’s social media department and is currently studying to become a licensed real estate agent. 

Enrolling Your Student 

Over her 15 years with OFY, Sundeen has seen the programming expand and flourish. 

“I think it’s the relationship-building that we, as a school, pride ourselves on that continually deepens my passion for what we do to help students determine their path and achieve their goals,” Sundeen says. 

To learn more about how Options for Youth Victor Valley can help set your child up for success, visit mustangs.ofy.org.