As an International Baccalaureate High School here at Palisade, we strive for success as students, staff, teachers, and as a school community. Palisade High School offers various opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and to develop strong characteristics. As opportunities continue to cultivate here at Palisade High School, a new program to expand on students’ career of choice has been introduced, known as The Elevate Program.
Throughout a long process of speaking with the community; businesses, colleges, and other public stakeholders, the Elevate Program was able to get its feet off the ground. Crystal Green, a College and Career Prep teacher here at Palisade High School, plays a huge role in this new program as the Career Pathway Coordinator. Green explained what the Elevate Program is. “The Elevate Program encompasses the NEW Pathways program and all the work-based learning experiences for Palisade students. Work-based experiences include job shadows, internships, and apprenticeships. The Elevate Pathways Program is a way for students to have guidance on what classes to take based on their career goals. Instead of students just taking classes randomly, the programs help students focus their classes to gain knowledge and skills that will be useful for their plans after graduation.”
“The Elevate Program has actually been built backward,” said Green. “We started with internships last year and will be moving forward with the Pathways Program next year.” This program has so much to offer Palisade students. “The Pathway Program offers guidance to students on what classes to take and a menu of work-based learning experiences,” said Green. “The Pathways culminate with an industry credential, internship, apprenticeship or concurrent classes. The Pathways have specific career focuses, called a Pathway of Study. The Programs of Study that will be offered next year are: Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Resort and Event Management, Careers in Construction, LEAD (Leading Through Effective Accountability and Development), Fire and EMT Academy, Business Administration, and the Explorer Pathway. The Explorer pathway is an option to “create your own” program of study if your career goals do not align with one of the offered programs. Students in the Pathways get priority scheduling, guidance on classes that will benefit them, authentic experiences and often industry credentials that will transfer straight to the workforce! That means you can start making money and jumpstart your career sooner!”
This new program will give students the opportunity to experience their career of choice before they commit to it in the future. If you have any questions about the Elevate Program, reach out to Crystal Green at [email protected] or in room 130A.
