High School PaCE Framework

Take a career interest survey through School Links
Select a career pathway within a career cluster of interest
Identify different types of PS credentials and institutions
Explore cost of PS options
Participate in an activity that exposes them to financing PS career goals
Understand that taking the right courses in high school can prepare students to reach PS goals and reduce the cost of PS institutions
Begin to determine interest and eligibility for AP courses and Dual Credit Opportunities
Create an individualized course plan using School Links
Meet with a counselor to discuss coursework and PS/career plans
Explore extracurricular activities
Learn about employer expectations and employability skills

One or two career clusters for further exploration and development
Identify one or two careers for further exploration
The relationship between HS coursework, attendance, and grades as they relate to PS plans
Benefits of having a PS plan
General cost range of postsecondary options

Revisit career cluster interest survey and take a career interest survey
Select a career interest within a career cluster through School Links
Compare and contrast personal strengths and weaknesses with career interest
Identify two PS paths and/or college majors that correlate with the career cluster survey results on School Links
Complete an elective course to explore career interests
Explore the opportunity costs of PS choices
View a financial literacy presentation
Participate in a PS options workshop
Visit a PS institution
Identify 2-3 adults to support them through the PS and career selection process
Determine interest and eligibility for AP courses and Dual Credit Opportunities
Review coursework and PS/Career plans with Counselor

Career attributes related to career interests
Educational requirements, costs, expected entry-level and midpoint salary for a selected career
The different types of PS credentials and institutions
Benefit of early college credit opportunities to PS access and completion
General cost of various PS institutions
The affordability of PS options in relation to expected entry-level career salary and anticipated debt
How salary impacts standard of living
The relationship between community service/extracurricular activities and PS goals
General timing of PS entrance exams and applications

Revisit the career interest survey through School Links
Identify 2-3 adults to support them through the PS and career selection process
Complete a college fit/match inventory
Meet with a counselor to review coursework and PS/career plans
Determine readiness for college-level coursework in math and ELA
Address any credit recovery and/or remedial needs in math and/or ELA
Continue determining eligibility for and/or enroll in early college credit opportunities
Take at least one college entrance exam
Attend a college and/or career fair
Participate in a mock job interview
Attend a financial aid and personal statement workshop
Understand W-4s, pay stubs, and income taxes
Opportunity to meet with counselor to review your PS plan

IF applying to PS programs of study, have 3 to 5 schools in mind to apply to
Entrance requirements, including application deadlines, for expected PS programs of study
General timing of PS entrance exams and applications
Application deadlines, test timing, cost, and preparation for industry-based certification for CP
How to find scholarship opportunities
Understand the terms and conditions of any scholarship or loan
Financial Aid application deadlines for chosen PS options
Estimated cost of each PS option
Negative impact of remediation on PS goals

Meet with a counselor to review coursework and PS/career plans
Show evidence of PS plan
Attend a FAFSA completion workshop
Complete the FAFSA
Learn about the student loan process and available loan options
Create a plan to pay for college using available financial resources
Complete a thorough scholarship search and application process
Understand the job application process for desired fields
Create a resume and personal statement
Secure letters of recommendation for college and scholarship applications.
Participate in a mock job interview
Visit at least one workplace aligned with career interests
Participate in a job shadowing opportunity
Obtain a hands-on opportunity related to career pathways, if applicable
If applicable, receive industry-based certification(s) related to career pathways.
Learn about employee benefits and retirement planning
Meet with a counselor to ensure all steps in the PS and application process are completed

Entrance requirements, including application deadline, for expected PS programs of study.
3-5 match schools, one safety, one reach school for PS program of study
How many CP courses and experiences articulate to degree programs at the PS level
Estimated cost of each PS option
Affordability of PS options in relation to expected entry-level career salary and anticipated debt
Terms and conditions of scholarships/loans

DeKalb Community School District 428