Therefore, we created this newsletter full of career resources as a support for our students and families. Feel free to reach out to your child's school counselor or Jill Slocum, School to Career Coordinator, if you need additional resources or information about career exploration and awareness.

Most 9th grade students have Career Interests, Skills, and Readiness on their schedules at some point this year. This class will focus on career preparedness such as writing a resume and cover letter, participating in a mock interview and Reality Fair to learn about budgeting. All 10th grade students will be taking the ASVAB career interest inventory in April to help their career exploration process. 11th grade students schedule Financial Literacy to learn how to make smart financial decisions that will impact their lifestyle.

Students and parents can meet with Mrs. Slocum, our K-12 School to Career Coordinator or their assigned school counselor to talk more about career decisions.

The PA Career Zone website is divided into three sections. The link is below. Please use the tabs along the top of the website: Explore, Decide, Grow.

How to Use the Pennsylvania Career Guide:

The first section provides suggestions on how students can explore a variety of career options and includes an Interest Assessment. This assessment will examine students' interests and hobbies and match students with potential jobs.

Based on the results of the assessment, more occupations that match can be found in the next section by using the Occupational Data Bank. The databank contains information on more than 250 occupations in Pennsylvania – including wages, educational requirements, and job outlook.

The Career Guide also reminds students that college is only one option beyond high school. Learn about apprenticeships, career and technical schools, military and civil service, and starting a business.

Students can prepare to enter the workforce by reviewing the to-do list on pages 38-40 highlighting the steps that should be taken during 12th grade, regardless of his/her post-high school plans. There are tips on how to write a resume as well as how to fill out a job application.

The final section of the guide is a collection of resources to help students achieve the goal of securing a job. Students can find tips on interview skills as well as tips on how to maintain a career once hired.

This publication will help students examine avenues of opportunity, develop realistic goals, and, most importantly, make informed career choices.

This helpful tool will assist you in looking ahead and planning for your future. Students who set goals, plan for the future and take early steps toward developing themselves professionally are typically more successful when graduation arrives.

In Career Coach, you can:

Want to get a head start on a great career while you're still in high school? Check out the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC)!

At CPACTC, you can learn real-world skills in fields like:

With hands-on training, certifications, and internships, you’ll graduate ready for a job or further education. CPACTC is your chance to turn your passion into a career!

Talk to your school counselor to learn more and sign up!

Search by the branch to learn about military options, eligibility, benefits, salary, ROTC, and more. There is also a link to ASVAB practice.

A digital series profiling interesting in-demand jobs for early-career workers of all educational backgrounds, focusing on the qualifications and skillsets that employers value most.

Youtube offers a series of career exploration videos entitled "A Day in the Life of....". These videos give viewers a detailed glimpse at what a day is like in a certain career field.

NICHE is another popular college planning tool. Their user reviews let you hear directly from families and students to give you an honest view of colleges and programs.

Big Future is primarily a college planning resource. It includes a college major and career search, ways to compare colleges side by side, and a scholarship search

Are you looking to learn on the job? An apprenticeship may be for you!

Learn about apprenticeship programs that pay you to learn a high-demand and high-skill trades. Carpenters. electricians, HVAC mechanics, pipefitters, and more options are available!

Mrs. Bell-9th & 10th Grade Counselor- hbell@westperry.org

Ms. Commins- 11th Grade Counselor- tcommins@westperry.org

Mrs. Zeigler-12th Grade Counselor- mzeigler@westperry.org

Mrs. Barber- Guidance Clerk- cbarber@westperry.org

Website: westperry.org

Location: 2608 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA 17024

Phone: (717) 789-3931