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Career Portfolio Project
All Pennsylvania high school students are required to complete a graduation project in order to receive a high school diploma. By satisfactorily completing the Career Portfolio Project, students fulfill this requirement for both sending school districts and the Technical College High School. One and done!
The project includes research and career preparation components, including:
- resume
- cover letter
- thank you letter
- career plan
- research paper relevant to the career preparation program*
- documentation of their achievements
Students must also complete:
- job shadow experience
- written summary
- community service
- mock interview
The project culminates when students present their completed portfolio as part of a practice interview. The completed portfolio provides students with a valuable “real-world” tool to utilize in their future college and career pursuits.
While completing the project is the responsibility of each student, teachers are available to assist them in the process. In addition, support staff work closely with teachers to assist students in completing their projects.
*Most high school English courses require students to write research papers. As long as the topic of the research paper is relevant to their field of study and approved by the program teacher, students may submit papers written for their English class.
Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative Education program is designed to provide seniors and selected juniors with the opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment while remaining a student. The program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. By integrating classroom study and supervised, practical work experience, students obtain the best of both worlds as they learn by applying skills they mastered in the classroom. The Cooperative Education program is available in any occupational program to qualifying students who have demonstrated good attendance, obtained good grades and have their teacher’s recommendation. The objectives of the Co-op Program are to connect classroom learning with work-based learning experiences, prepare students for the move from classroom to work site, support supervised on-the-job training, and help students make career decisions
Post-Secondary Education
An employer often offers successful co-op students the opportunity to further their education.
Career Opportunities
The time spent working for a co-op employer allows the employer to train the student for the company’s specific needs. The employer also has the chance to evaluate the student’s future with the company. Many co-op students continue working for their co-op employers after graduation.
Characteristics For Success
Reliable, prompt, willing to listen and learn, team worker, safe worker, organized.
Program Qualifications