SKILLS FOR SUCCESS - Students taking this class will have the opportunity to develop skills for success while in high school in three major areas. First, they will improve their ability to take tests, complete homework assignments and accomplish academic tasks by studying time management techniques, mastering study skills, and learning how to utilize resources available to them. Next, they will become familiar with their role as an integral part of the CCHS team with respect to attendance, school procedures, and staff expectations. Finally, students will actively participate in setting personal goals of achievement while attending Caņon City High School, as well as exploring career possibilities for themselves. This last part will involve a service learning unit which will give students a chance to gain success outside of the traditional classroom environment.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING (CDT) - (Prerequisite: Computer Applications) Juniors and Seniors, this is your guide to life after high school! Plan to succeed by learning how to advance from school to career with the skills employers demand!

Identify your skills, aptitudes, and abilities

Shadow people in the community for career exploration

Find the career that is right for you

Decide on college, technical school, or trade school options

Complete college and scholarship searches

Learn strategies for job seeking, keeping, and leaving

Interview with actual employers to refine your interview skills

Develop a career portfolio, your tool to market yourself when you graduate

Train in customer service and hospitality, telephone courtesy, work ethics, and diversity

Taking Computer Applications is strongly recommended prior to taking CDT. Students may enroll in PaCE and CDT at the same time, and must pass CDT with a "C" or better in order to earn PaCE credit.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE (PaCE) - (Prerequisite: CDT, Department and Counselor approval) Work, get paid and earn credit for it! This cooperative work experience program gives you a chance to gain first-hand experience in your career interest area and gain confidence in your abilities. Why should you get involved?

Get some real business experience Prove yourself in the work environment

Develop professional networking contacts Learn about and explore careers

Focus your career aspirations Develop skills

Improve your resume Become a more competitive job candidate

You may set up your schedule for PaCE in a variety of ways. Some students have four classes and earn credit for working after school and on weekends. Other students have 1-2 blocks scheduled for PaCE during any part of the day and either use this time for work or for study and personal business. Either way, you earn credit for working, gain skills and experience, and are better able to balance school and work! You may enter into PaCE at the start of any quarter. PaCE options include:

Internship: Sign up for an internship instead of an independent block or study hall, or intern after school! This is a flexible 9 or 18 week experience where you work but do not necessarily get paid. Interns may either be rotated through the facets of a business or put in charge of special projects to gain valuable and marketable work experience as well as earn credit. (CDT is not required for Interns unless the position becomes a longer-term paid position.)

Paid Work Experience: Take a step towards your career now, rather than waiting until after you graduate! Work, earn wages, and receive credit while exploring careers and gaining experience in your career interest area. You may enter into this option at the start of any quarter and keep the position year round if you desire.

Apprenticeship: Work, earn wages, and receive credit while learning a trade. You may enter into this experience at the start of any quarter and keep the position year round. Some age restrictions may apply depending on the trade area.

Shadow: Observe a professional on the job to determine if you like that work environment and are interested in that profession. You may schedule 1 - 5 days of shadow experience at any time. This option allows you career exploration and the opportunity to do an informational interview with a professional who may be willing to serve as a mentor for you. (This is not a credit-earning option and CDT is not required for Shadows.)

Volunteer: Gain experience in non-traditional careers and get a behind the scenes look at community offerings while earning credit. Volunteers work in non-profit organizations and gain real business experience and skills while helping others.

PaCE is a unique class because you only attend class at school once per week. You spend the rest of your PaCE time training on the job at your work site. Attend class on Monday’s during lunch from 10:45-11:25 for seminars designed to enhance your professionalism on the job. Hear information straight from the business people in our community! Sample topics include:

Shoplifting Prevention Handling Stress

Work Qualities that Count with Employers How to Talk to Your Boss

Dealing with Irate Customers How to Get Raises and Promotions

Armed Robbery Sexual Harassment