Awareness

Students are introduced to careers and pathways through short work-based learning engagements where they can interact with industry professionals in small to larger groups. Career Awareness activities are appropriate for all levels of students. Examples:

• Guest Speaker

• Career Fair

• Worksite Tour

Exploration

Students continue to hone their career interests while building Future Ready Skills in one-to-one or smaller group settings with industry professionals. Students receive feedback on their skill development from industry professionals and make connections to begin their professional network. Examples:

• Informational Interview

• Job Shadow

• Resume Coaching/Review Session

• Mock Interview

• Mentorship

• Skills Workshop

• Partner Engagement Project

Preparation

Students apply their learning through immersive industry-based experiences. Career Preparation activities allow students to establish connections and build a professional network. Industry partners are more directly involved in students development and provide feedback on applied skills in an industry-based setting. Career Preparation activities are designed for junior and senior students as they build upon their knowledge and learning in earlier work-based learning activities. Examples:

• Internships

• Clinical Experiences

• Mentored Industry Projects

• Apprenticeship/Youth Apprenticeship

NAF utilizes an outcomes-driven approach to work-based learning, with a student-centered focus on goal setting and aspirations, transferable work skills, and meaningful professional relationships. As a result of this approach, students will be more confident and better prepared to navigate their professional journey after high school. These students will be able to identify their careers of interest, map a plan to reach their goals, master skills they need to be successful, and make connections with employer partners who can help them navigate their path forward.

Outcome 1: Each student will have defined and mapped a plan for at least one career path.

Outcome 2: Each student will have worked to develop the six Future Ready skills, received continuous feedback from industry partners, Advisory Board members, and/or local community professionals, and be able to articulate their strengths.

Outcome 3: Each student will develop at least three professional connections.

• Organizes information that serves the purpose of the message, context, and audience

• Uses and adjusts communication strategies as needed based on the purpose of the message, context, and audience

• Signals listening according to the rules/norms of the context and audience

• Seeks input to gauge others’ understanding of the message

• Asks questions to deepen and/or clarify one’s understanding when listening to others

Also referred to as: listening, negotiation, persuasion, presentation, verbal communication, written communication

• Defines problems by considering all potential parts and related causes

• Gathers and organizes relevant information about a problem from multiple sources

• Generates potential solutions to a problem, seeking and leveraging diverse perspectives

• Identifies alternative ideas/processes that are more effective than the ones previously used/suggested

• Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages associated with each potential solution identified for a problem

• Selects and implements the best solution based on evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of each potential solution

Also referred to as: creative, critical thinking, decision making, innovative, process-oriented, strategic

• Demonstrates awareness of own abilities and performance

• Seeks knowledge and information proactively to build understanding and anticipate what is needed

• Needs minimal supervision to complete tasks

• Attempts to complete tasks independently before asking for help

• Follows rules/directions as required by the task/situation

• Maintains focus on tasks despite internal and/or external distractions

• Strives to overcome barriers or setbacks, seeking assistance when needed

• Adapts approach in response to new conditions or others’ actions

Also referred to as: adaptable, agile, dedicated, focus, grit, motivated, optimism, perseverance, persistent, project management, self-discipline, work ethic

• Demonstrates integrity and situational ethics

• Recognizes the consequences of one's actions

• Balances own needs with the needs of others

• Takes into consideration others' situation/feelings

• Develops and implements strategies for navigating in different cultures/contexts

Also referred to as: appreciation, empathy, emotional intelligence, ethics, fit, global awareness, perceptive, responsibility, social intelligence, social skills