TFIM plans opportunities around career learning requirements
With the pandemic still putting job-shadows, workplace visits and other career learning experiences on hold, our career exploration program, The Future Is Mine (TFIM), is gearing up to help high school students achieve state standards with virtual programming.
“We’re working with employers now to develop these opportunities,” said Program Director Gina Barrett, who oversees TFIM along with Jennifer Sethman. “Our plan is to facilitate virtual, regional career learning and networking opportunities for students and advisors.”
“We successfully piloted some virtual career presentations and other activities in the spring,” added Sethman, also a Consortium Program Director. “We’re hoping that we can build on that experience with programming that helps students gather some of the artifacts and documentation needed to comply with Pennsylvania Future Ready Index requirements.”
COVID-19 has ruled out most, if not all of the in-person experiences students would usually undertake to explore or prepare for careers and that they typically would draw upon to document their learning for the state.
Aside from virtual career learning opportunities, students from nearly 20 high schools participating in TFIM also will be working in teams on the kinds of projects that help them with career exploration and/or preparation. Through many, the students may be able to help peers in their schools with career learning at a time when their usual opportunities are limited as well.
Joining TFIM this year are Canon-McMillan and Montour high schools. Other high schools returning to the program so far for this year are: Belle Vernon Area, Brownsville Area, Chartiers-Houston High School, Clairton, McKeesport Area, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Pittsburgh Brashear, Pittsburgh Perry, Ringgold, South Allegheny, Southmoreland High School, Springdale, Steel Valley, Woodland Hills and Yough.
