Causes: Education, Secondary & High Schools

Mission: Mission: Career Pathways works to include underserved and disenfranchised students who don’t achieve well in traditional settings, but who will flourish in this unique multi-age/multi-graded environment which promotes application of learning. Research shows that all students learn better when they experience the real-life responsibilities of the job. Vision: Career Pathways vision is that with multi-teaching/learning approaches, hands-on/experiential learning, concurrent high school and college credits, credentialed career pathways, each student will leave CPATH ready for life, employment ready, and prepared for post-secondary. Our Goals: Career Pathways goals are to provide a safe learning environment that fosters the soft skills necessary to become career and college ready. We start with an emphasis on Professional, Appreciative, Thoughtful and Helpful actions that promote empathy and social justice. We work to increase students’ perceptions of autonomy, belongingness, goal orientation, academic press, engagement and hope. Simultaneously we provide multiple hands-on and experiential career exploration opportunities that build skills, ignite interest, and foster self reflection.

Results: At Career Pathways we offer 3 kinds of learning:PERSONALIZED: Individualized Learning, Graduation Plans, and PSEO;EXPERIENTIAL: Hands On, Internships, and Work Credit;BLENDED: 24/7 Learning Options. We provide opportunities for students to explore career pathways while preparing them for college. Our staff assists high school students with the transition to college or career with trips to work sites, trade schools, college campuses, tips for ACT testing, and how to find scholarships that pay for higher education. In 2019 Career Pathways was recognized by the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools for Different and Innovative Teaching Methods.

Target demographics: students

Geographic areas served: Minnesota

Programs: personalized, experiential, blended learning