Neuqua Valley's Guidance Department Shines

Under the direction of Karen Lemanski, the Guidance Department at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Ilinois, is making a difference in their students' lives. Their mission is "to provide guidance and support for all students regarding emotional, social, academic and career development."

One of their many unique programs takes place during a student's sophomore year. All sophomores do a week-long "Career Research Project" in their English classes that is designed to start students thinking about potential careers and the prerequisites needed to enter the field. Utilizing the DuPage Education-to-Careers workbook, "Where Am I Going From Here?", students select a specific career to explore. They spend two lab days using CareerCruising software and the internet to do research. Students interview a person in that field and use at least 5 sources to write a paper and give a class speech on the career. This is the students' English class project for the semester and is a great way to help them learn about different career paths and the education required to enter those fields.

Supporting the good work of Neuqua Valley's Guidance Department and their goal of providing "best practice" resources to their families, Career Vision partners with Neuqua Valley to provide Career Literacy™ programs for their parents and students throughout the year. Through the partnership, many Neuqua Valley students have received Career Vision's "Advantage Scholarships" to assist them in their success. Headed by Susan Janes, Neuqua Valley's resource-rich College/Career Center is open daily and two Wednesday evenings every month. On one of those evenings--March 7, 2007, Career Vision will provide a parent/student program in the auditorium entitled, "How to Help Your Teen Choose a Motivating College Major."

Hats off to all Neuqua Valley High School counselors for their ongoing dedication to helping students reach their full potential!

For more information on how your school can establish a Career Vision High School Partnership, contact Sue Simpson at 630.469.6270.

© Copyright 2007, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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