Greater Grand Junction, CO, Prepares Students for Future Careers
Area schools invest in career development at every stage.
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, preparing students for successful careers requires early exposure to in-demand industries as well as early development of relevant skills.
Mesa County Valley School District 51 in Greater Grand Junction, CO, recognizes the importance of introducing students to local career pathways at different ages. By offering a range of programs and initiatives, the district is empowering students to explore their interests, build valuable skills and make informed decisions about their future careers.
On the Right Path
In District 51, career exploration begins at an early age. Elementary schools organize age-appropriate activities and events to introduce students to various career possibilities. Job fairs, guest speakers and interactive presentations by local professionals expose children to different industries.
“Our counselors use the career pathway model as a district, and at the elementary level, they begin introducing our students to career options and opportunities,” says Jayme Chiaro, principal of Chipeta Elementary School. “They will work with the students to learn about different pathways and career ideas. Students also will sometimes take interest surveys to start thinking about interests and strengths to pursue.”
In some years, the school hosts a career day and invites business and community members in to share their career and experiences with students, as well.
“This might include our own parents and community members, and we always ensure we are including college pathways and also technical pathways,” Chiaro says. “Our teachers also work to make real-world connections daily to new learning and that will often include discussions for careers.”
In middle school, District 51 expands career exploration opportunities through targeted programs. Career-focused classes, mentorship initiatives and career fairs provide students with insight into diverse industries. Engaging with professionals from local businesses and participating in career-oriented clubs or competitions, such as robotics, help students develop employable skills, including teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
Preparing for Work
At the high school level, District 51 offers specialized career pathways that align with local industry demands. Students can choose from various programs, including health care, construction, computer science, culinary arts and early childhood education.
These pathways provide hands-on experiences, internships and opportunities to earn industry certifications, ensuring students are well-prepared for both college and careers. The district also partners with CMU Tech, the two-year college division of Colorado Mesa University, to offer dual enrollment and summer camps to help steer middle and high school students toward local career pathways.
“We have about 450 high school students that are bused to our campus on a daily basis. They take courses that count toward a degree or certificate – all for free – and when they graduate, they not only have college credit, but they also have industry credentials,” says Brigitte Sundermann, vice president of community college affairs at Colorado Mesa University. “We also host more than 100 camps during the summer. Students can be a chef one week and a mechanic the next. We’re doing everything we can to get students interested early and help them find their career of choice.”
District 51 pays the tuition required for students to attend.
The district’s commitment to diversity shows in the resources it offers students to ensure their success. For example, the Individual Student Centered Transition Employment Program Services (InSteps) program for students with special needs helps equip students ages 18-21 with the skills needed to live independently and successfully after high school.
The program is part of the D51 Career Center, which offers seven career and technical education courses that allow students to learn employable skills while gaining hands-on experience.
“The Career Center conducts a comprehensive annual assessment of regional businesses to understand their needs and potential job opportunities in specific areas and skill sets,” says Cheryl Taylor, District 51’s director of career and college readiness. “Alongside this, we administer yearly student surveys to gauge their interests. Furthermore, we perform student skill set assessments, providing students with insight into their aptitudes and career preferences. These three components guide our district in shaping the courses and pathways we offer students, with consideration for the availability and qualifications of our teaching staff.”
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