College and Career Awareness
College and Career Awareness offers exploration and preparation in college and career pathways focusing on high skilled, in-demand and/or emerging jobs, as well as satisfying and financially rewarding. The College and Career Awareness course is designed to increase awareness of college and career pathways based on interests, skills, and aptitudes while students explore high school, postsecondary, and career opportunities to develop an individual Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR). Students will investigate high-skilled, in-demand and/or emerging jobs in the Utah labor market while developing essential workplace skills for future academic and career goals.
Students will assess their interests and aptitudes and explore related career options based on current Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Clusters and Pathways. Students will learn about careers and know how to access current information about market demand, average earnings, and training and education requirements. Students’ increased understanding of their personal work-related characteristics and knowledge of careers and related education requirements, will support the development of well-defined Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR).
College and Career Awareness provides students with the direction, decision making, and planning needed to select their personal academic and career paths. College and Career Awareness is an important part of a student's preparation in becoming college and career ready.
Build an academic foundation
• Take classes to develop an understanding of different subjects and prepare you for college-level courses.
• Earn college credit in high school by taking Advanced Placement (AP), International
Baccalaureate (IB), or concurrent enrollment (CE) classes. Consider CE classes that apply to college general education courses, a certificate or a degree. Remember concurrent course grades become part of your college transcript.
Strengthen your transferable skills.
• Select challenging courses in high school to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Establish effective time management and study habits.
• Learn how to communicate effectively through writing and speaking.
• Seek opportunities to work with a team.
• Be proficient in current technology.
Explore college campuses and learn about the different ways to pay for your
education.
•Visit at least one college campus during your junior year in high school. Take a guided tour and ask questions. Think about what type of college environment is a good fit for you (size,
location, student life, academics). Research how much college costs and compare the tuition,
fees, and housing expenses.
•Understand the different ways to pay for college: personal savings account, My 529 Plan,
scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Attend a Paying for College Night at your high
school.
Pay attention to details.
•Take a college entrance exam (ACT or SAT) during your junior year. Retake it your senior year
if you want to improve your score.
•Submit college applications by the priority deadline. Participate in your high school’s College
Application Week events during the fall of your senior year.
•Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline your senior year. Need help filling out the FAFSA? Attend a FAFSA Completion Open House at your high school.
Evaluate your progress.
•Do your best work possible. Adjust study habits and course choices to stay on track.
•Use test results, GPA and course grades to gauge how close you are to being ready for college
and career. Review college entrance exams (e.g., ACT or SAT) to evaluate your college
readiness based on test score evidence.
• Visit utahfutures.org for tips and resources on academic preparation needed for a career
pathway of interest to you, how to prepare and pay for college, and to get information about
college and career events in your area.
(Utah System of Higher Education 2016)
Courses
- Digital Literacy
- College and Career Awareness: Business
- FACS Exploration A - Textiles
- FACS Exploration B - Foods & Wellness
- College and Career Awareness: FACS
- Exploring Business & Marketing
- Creative Coding
- Exploring Technology
- Exploring Technology 2
College and Career resources
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Keys to SuccessList Item 1
Providing students with an accessible tool, Keys to Success enables users to discover, connect to, and endeavor to achieve future possibilities. The Keys to Success program has always been a student and user-first initiative. As of 2020, the Keys to Success platform is utilized statewide as a College and Career Readiness tool that provides resources
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You ScienceList Item 2
YouScience® Brightpath is the only aptitude-based guidance platform that leverages data and artificial intelligence to help individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills, and get matched with educational and career pathways.
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ACT College and Career readinessList Item 3
Ready. Set. ACT!
Whether you're preparing for college, exploring college alternatives, or want to certify your career skills, ACT is here to help you every step of the way!
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USBE CTE pathways
Career Pathways show students a direct connection between doing well in high school and being able to transition smoothly to postsecondary opportunities or getting a good job when they graduate. Students who focus on a Career Pathway acquire the skills necessary for entry into well-paid careers with high potential for rapid financial growth, increased levels of responsibility, and a high degree of personal satisfaction.
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UEN Career EducationList Item 4
Career Education resources for learners and educators.
Colleges
- Brigham Young University
- Dixi Technical College
- Eagle Gate College
- Ensign College
- Fortis College
- Joyce University
- Mountain land Technical College
- My Computer Career Training
- Neumont College
- Nightingale College
- Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School
- Provo College
- Salt Lake Community College
- Snow College
- Southern Utah University
- Southwest Tech
- The University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Utah Tech University
- Utah Valley University
- Weber State University
- Western Governors University
- Westminster University
Career
Degrees and Certifications
Certifications:
Are more targeted and cost-effective than degrees, and can help you quickly enter a specialized role. Certifications can be a good option if you want to add to your existing skills or specialize in a particular area. However, certifications need to be renewed regularly, and they may not be as comprehensive as degrees.
Degrees:
Provide a broad education that can prepare you for a variety of career paths. Degrees can be more expensive and time-consuming than certificates, but they can also lead to higher-level roles. Some employers may prioritize degrees in the hiring process.
- Associate degree:
Typically a two-year program providing basic skills and knowledge in a chosen field.
- Bachelor's degree:
A four-year program offering a deeper understanding of a subject area.
- Master's degree:
A graduate-level degree that builds upon a bachelor's degree with advanced study in a specific area.
- Doctoral degree:
The highest level of academic degree, often requiring extensive research and a dissertation.