Parents

Your Student’s Future

Skills for the future

Academics and good grades are certainly important when helping your child prepare for the world of work and their future, but those aren't the only skills they'll need. The federal government created a commission to determine what those "soft" skills would be. These are just as important to employers as the knowledge your child possesses.

Does Education Pay?

There is real, independent evidence that shows education leads to higher earnings.

Where will the demand be?

Explore the occupations in demand by career industry and see the U.S. Department of Labor’s predictions on the fastest growing careers.

Guiding their Career Decisions

Where to start

YOU are the biggest influence in the lives of your children...Here's how to begin to help them with career decisions

  1. Discuss career decision-making with your child
  2. Listen to your child and observe her reactions
  3. Learn your child's likes and dislikes for school subjects and other activities
  4. Encourage him to take a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities
  5. Urge her to explore many careers, rather than just one
  6. Persuade him to do volunteer work; it builds valuable workplace skills
  7. Be informed of her progress in school; talk to the teachers often and not just about grades
  8. Meet his school counselor; find out what age-appropriate programs and pathways are available
  9. Attend Career Nights or other school programs for parents
  10. Investigate career trends and projections

Debunking Career Myths

Most people make assumptions about careers. For more information on how to help your child read the article, “Career Myths and How to Debunk Them,” by Olivia Crosby.

Parent Tools

  • PTA Goes to Work- For more information and an informative printable parent guide produced by the National PTA and the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • ACRN provides a wealth of information, resources and guidance to students, parents, teachers and counselors about making informed career decisions. There are decision-making tools, career development tools, sections geared for each group listed and links to a variety of other sites and resources.
  • California community colleges offer career and technical education degrees and certificates to prepare for employment and advancement in all kinds of occupations—from business to biotechnology, computers to construction, health care to transportation. Get started now on your personalized path to career success! Bay Area Career Guide is a free online resource to discover, understand and pursue hundreds of career and technical education (CTE) opportunities at San Francisco Bay Area’s 26 community colleges.
  • If your student is interested in a career that requires a 4-year college degree, explore all post-secondary schools in California at CaliforniaColleges, CSU Mentor and and University of California, Office of the President.

Opportunities in the Tri-Valley

Career Pathways

A career pathway is a series of course offerings within an industry sector which provides students with a variety of learning opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in the context of a career.
To find the career pathways available for your student, click on your school district:

The Employability Certificate

The Tri-Valley Educational Collaborative (TEC) has developed an "Employability Certification" program for high school students to help them prepare for the real world of employment in their future. This certificate ensures that students have achieved Employment Literacy Standards through a rigorous set of criteria which demonstrates to potential employers that they are ready to enter the world of work. Components include:

  • an acceptable letter of introduction
  • a resume unique to their personal knowledge and experience
  • a set of references to attest to their skills and personal character
  • letters of recommendation
  • work samples from their high school classes
  • a mock interview and accompanying evaluations
  • a thank you letter to the interviewer, and
  • a student self-evaluation of basic workplace skills (SCANS)

The Tri-Valley Business Council endorses this program so much, they sign the certificates as well. Employers in the Tri-Valley are learning about the benefits of hiring these students, who come poised, prepared and ready to learn. Ask your counselor about how to earn it!

Enrichment Activities

  • Junior Achievement
    JA Worldwide is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers — all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. JA’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to young people all over the world. Find out about Junior Achievement in our area. It's active at most schools in all three districts in the Tri-Valley.
  • Get Set
    This after-school enrichment program is for high school girls interested in careers in math, science, technology and engineering. The group takes several fieldtrips each year to explore local universities, businesses and laboratories that are involved in non-traditional careers for women. More information is available at your high school Career Center.
  • Job Shadowing and Internships
    Job shadowing gives a student the opportunity to observe a career in its natural habitat for a short period of time. An internship involves a student working in their expected career field over a period of time. They may be paid or unpaid. Learning by doing and being exposed to professionals working in the field provides valuable experience, a professional reference, and may lead to a future position. More information is available at your high school Career Center.
  • Concurrent Enrollment
    Las Positas College provides the opportunity for high school students to enroll concurrently in college-level courses. High school students who desire to participate in concurrent enrollment must be recommended by their high school principal and have written parental permission. Further information on the Concurrent Enrollment policy is available at the student's high school, and the Office of Admissions and Records at Las Positas College.
  • Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program:
    TVROP offers a variety of hands-on classes for high school juniors and seniors that develop skills necessary for employment success. ROP classes are designed to sequence directly into business, industry and/or continuing education following the completion of high school. These classes are career-technical offerings and students are able to earn credit in the same manner as other high school elective classes. Some classes also satisfy the “a-g” admission requirements for the CSU/UC systems. Fore more information see www.tvrop.org and your school counselor.