PaCE Framework

Each student should have a 4-year plan to help make decisions about career and postsecondary (PS) education or training, to plan a course of study, and to make financial aid assessments with family members. 

In this chart, the numbers signify the following key domains:                                                             1 = Career Exploration and Development
 2 = Postsecondary (PS) Education Exploration, Preparation, and Selection 
 3 = Financial Aid Literacy

Explore: By the end of 9th grade

A student should be supported to:
1. Complete and review Interest Profiler
1. Research career areas and specific jobs according to Interest Profiler and the Holland's Code profile
1. Have a general career discussion with your parents/guardians. Talk about   options and what you would like to do.
1. Participate in clubs and activities at school that correspond with your areas of interest
2. Align coursework with specific areas of interest/career path

A student should know:
1. The importance of community service and extracurricular activities to PS and career plans
2. The relationship between HS coursework, attendance, and grades to PS plans
2. The District 113 graduation requirements

Discover: By the end of 10th grade

A student should be supported to:
1. Complete Personality Survey 
1. Research career areas and specific jobs
2. Align coursework with specific areas of interest/career path
2. Develop readiness for college-level coursework, which may also include AP coursework
2. Attend Understanding PS Options program hosted by the CCRC
3. Attend with a family member the Financial Planning for College program hosted by the CCRC
3. Experience a financial literacy unit in a course or workshop

A student should know:
1. Their strengths and weaknesses 
2. Different types of PS credentials and institutions

Develop: By the end of 11th grade

A student should be supported to:
1. Create a resume and personal statement
1. Use summer for career opportunities: i.e.  job, internship, shadow a professional, volunteer, or take a college summer program
1. Complete assessment through MaiaLearning to continue career exploration
2. Align coursework with specific areas of interest/career path
2. Develop readiness for college-level coursework, which may also include AP coursework
2. Take at least one college entrance exam 
2. Attend Understanding PS Options program hosted by the CCRC
2. Meet with a PS counselor to talk through PS options
2. Attend a college/job fair, if applicable
2. Visit at least 3 PS institutions and/or 3 rep visits (in school), if applicable
3. Attend with a family member the Financial Planning for College program hosted by the CCRC

A student should know:
2. A comprehensive understanding of multiple PS options

Apply: By the end of 12th grade

By 12/31 of 12th grade, a student should be supported to:
2. Complete 3 or more admissions applications to PS institutions
3. Attend with a family member the PS financial planning for college workshop hosted by the CCRC
3. Complete a Financial Aid application

By the end of 12th grade, a student should be supported to:
2. Show evidence of a postsecondary plan
2. Attend any in-school or out-of-school postsecondary-related events (i.e., gap year fair, college fair)
2. Engage in a transitional plan to suit remedial needs, if applicable

A student should know:
1. Employability Skills: time management, problem solving, conflict resolution