Career and College Readiness
Career & College Readiness is a concept that begins as early as elementary school to help students understand, explore, plan and prepare for a world beyond high school. Starting with a plan that connects learning and life to discover personal strengths through exploration of career and college opportunities. Our goal is that every student who leaves the doors of Mankato Public Schools is equipped with 21st Century Skills that will enable them to be successful in their futures.
- Minnesota's Vision of Career and College Readiness (CCR)
- Pathways
- Xello
- Academic and Career Planning
- Work Based Learning
Minnesota's Vision of Career and College Readiness (CCR)
In March 2016, the Office of Career and College Success, in collaboration with the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest and the Midwest Comprehensive Center (MWCC), brought together a group of stakeholders to articulate what career and college readiness means for Minnesota students. Embracing a well-rounded view of education is needed to drive educational and workforce goals and policies. Taking many perspectives into consideration, along with stakeholder feedback, this holistic vision of career and college readiness was developed:
A sufficiently prepared student is one who has the knowledge, skills, mindset, and experiences in the academic, workplace, and personal/social domains to keep learning and, beyond secondary school, to successfully navigate toward and adapt to an economically viable career.
- Minnesota Department of Education, 2018
Research shows that the progress a child makes toward post-secondary and career readiness by 8th grade is critical to their future success. Mankato Public Schools offers a multidimensional approach to help students develop plans, explore careers, and develop knowledge and skills to accomplish their goals.
Pathways
Xello
Xello is a modern K-12 college, career, and future-readiness program that helps students achieve a deeper understanding of themselves, explore pathways, and plan for the future. Using Xello's discovery-based model, students build knowledge, real-world skills, and confidence to prepare for the rapidly evolving world of post-secondary academics and work. Xello supports multiple student pathways and helps students build essential skills valued by post-secondary institutions and employers. Learn more at www.xello.world.
Students can access Xello via their student portal.
Academic and Career Planning
Work Based Learning
Mankato Area Public Schools has several layers of work-based learning opportunities for students, from an exploratory job shadow to a multi-year youth apprenticeship. Students can apply classroom learning to a work setting.
Click HERE to learn more.
Job Shadowing
What is a Job Shadow?A job shadow is a school-sponsored career exploration experience that takes place at a business or organization in your community. Job Shadows provide a student with a meaningful introduction to the workplace. Why is Job Shadows important?A job shadow helps you identify career interests by observing and interviewing employees in your field of interest. It helps you learn about the academic and technical skills required for a job. A job shadow can point you in the right direction and help you identify the skills required for employment. How do I set up a Job Shadow?Contact your Career Development Assistant, teacher, or counselor. First, we’ll work together to identify your field of interest. Then, we’ll provide you with a business in the community who has agreed to host job shadows. Fill out the necessary paperwork and you’re ready to go! What can I expect on Job Shadow day?You’ll see how the knowledge you’re gaining in school is used on the job and you’ll gain an understanding of the skills and education that you need to get a good job.
Remember to ask questions!Your shadow experience is an opportunity to inquire about factual information: hours and salary range, skill and educational requirements, related occupations, typical career paths, and what is most and least satisfying about the work. Use your visit to get all of your questions answered. Research the profession before you go and be prepared to ask lots of questions! Here are a few questions to start with:
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Work Experience
Internship
Internship allows students to earn high school credit through a paid or unpaid internship in a specific career field or cluster. Students enrolled in this course will engage in an internship seminar held at the school once a week on top of their actual internship experiences off site. Career Internship is a semester course, but can be extended as a year long course. Students are required to complete 90 hours of interning per semester.
Youth Apprenticeship (Including YEAP)
Youth Apprenticeship allows students to earn high school credit through paid work experience in one of the following areas: accounting/finance, automotive, manufacturing, and engineering. Students enrolled in Youth Apprenticeship will gain hands-on experience in the career field of their choice and leave the program having earned stackable credentials that can be applied to their future. The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a 1 - 2 Year Program, and students complete 450-900 hours of work. Current community partners for our Youth Apprenticeship program include Kato Cable, Lindsay Window & Door, EI Microcircuits, MN Department of Transportation, and North Central Utility.