Career Education

A major goal in the education of our students is to best prepare them for community integration and independence. In essence, The Pathway School provides each student with the skills to live and work in the world after they leave the school. In an effort to cultivate the individual strengths of each student, Pathway maintains a diverse on-campus vocational curriculum that includes programs in horticulture, culinary arts, computer technology, painting and minor maintenance, janitorial and building trades, and clerical and business. To supplement and further enhance the range and quality of the student’s on-campus vocational experience, Pathway also offers hands-on training and experience through our innovative “School on the Mall” program.

The career education program begins in earnest with our middle-school students. Initially, career education concepts are integrated into other courses with introductory on-campus work experiences being introduced later. During this introductory period, students may be scheduled for sessions at the on-campus “ Employability Center .” Although providing tasks, which are related to basic office skills, the center focuses on the development of strengths required for on-or-off-campus employment.

By emphasizing basic employability and marketable job skills, students are trained as entry-level workers. Instruction is given in both theory and hands-on applications. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, which allows them to fully develop the skills they are learning.

Secondary students who have excelled at their on-campus work experiences are afforded the opportunity for community internships. These placements offer students the chance to test their developed skills as well as explore various career options. Each participating student works a limited number of non-paid hours with supervision from both Pathway staff and on-site supervisors.

Cooperative education opportunities are also offered to students. These opportunities allow the student to experience real work situations through diversified occupations. Each participating student is a paid employee. Students are required to learn and exhibit proper employability skills to remain in this program.

Throughout all phases of career development a team approach is used to support the student in identifying relevant career options. A Cooperative Education Coordinator supports all members of the team in this process.