INTRODUCTION

Career Pathways in Newport News Public Schools emerged from the need to prepare students for career opportunities in a rapidly changing workplace. The global challenges of the 21st Century are strikingly different from those of the past, and NNPS is evolving to prepare students to meet those challenges.

Career Pathways expose students to grade-appropriate career development experiences. At the elementary level, students focus on career AWARENESS; at the middle school level the focus is on career EXPLORATION; and in high school and beyond, Career Pathways work to create OPPORTUNITIES through activities, job shadowing, and hands-on training.

EDUCATION WITH A PURPOSE

Beginning in elementary school, Career Pathways are an integral part of the K-12 learning experience for all Newport News Public Schools students. Students enhance their career readiness skills and strengthen positive character traits. Students complete interest inventories that identify their strengths and interests, and facilitate their selection of a Career Pathway in high school.

With Career Pathways, students connect with educators, parents, community members, and businesses to support their awareness, exploration, and understanding of the myriad career opportunities available.

CAREER PATHWAYS OVERVIEW

Newport News Public Schools offers the following Career Pathways:

1. Architecture and Construction
2. Arts, Audio-Visual Technology, and Communications
3. Business Management and Administration
4. Education and Training
5. Government & Public Administration
6. Health Science
7. Hospitality & Tourism
8. Human Services
9. Information Technology, Modeling/Simulation, Gaming
10. Manufacturing and Engineering
11. Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
12. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

While exploring Career Pathways, students develop and enhance Career Readiness Skills:

• Speaking and Listening
• Problem Solving
• Work Ethic
• Positive Attitude
• Independence and Initiative
• Self-Presentation
• Attendance
• Teamwork

Download the Career Pathways Overview Powerpoint Presentation

Additional Career Pathways include: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Finance; Human Services; Marketing; Sales & Service; and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. See your school counselor for more information.

Career Pathway information used with permission of the States' Career Clusters Initiative, 2007, www.careerclusters.org.