McHenry High School believes 1) that all students must further their education/training beyond a high school diploma and 2) that career development is nonlinear.

The MCHS College & Career Counselor promotes career exploration and prepares students to take action on postsecondary goals, plans, and ideas. This is accomplished through a variety of opportunities, including large-scale presentations, classroom lessons, small groups, individual meetings, parent events, developmental curriculum, online resources, and community engagement.

Alternative Text: MCHS Framing Your Future Freshman will... develop a four year high school plan with a school counselor. Increase understanding of postsecondary opportunities by attending the MCHS College and Career Fair. Become familiar with the elements of a resume and craft and objective statement. Research and write about a career of interest. Freshman can: explore one or two career clusters with a school counselor. Learn how community service and extracurricular activities can impact postsecondary and career plans. Discover general cost ranges of postsecondary options. Attend the Manufacturing, Trades and Industry (MTI) Career Expo. Discuss the relationships between high school coursework, attendance and grades to postsecondary plans with a school counselor and teachers. Have discussions regarding eligibility for Reach and Get Ahead courses during selection process with a school counselor.

Sophomores will build upon a four year high school plan with a school counselor. Explore postsecondary opportunities based on career clusters of interest at the MCHS College and Career Fair, Identify one or two career clusters with a school counselor. Determine the 2-3 adults who will act as a support system throughout the college/career selection process. Discuss eligibility for Reach and Get Ahead courses during course selection process with teachers and a school counselor. Sophomores can: determine the educational requirements, cost, and expected salary for a chosen career of interest. Observe various careers via site visits, interviews, videos, etc. Understand the general timing of PSAT, NMSQT, SAT and other entrance exams. Discuss the benefit of dual credit opportunities to postsecondary access and completion. Complete a mock scholarship application. Discuss the connection between Reach courses and the postsecondary benefits (e.g. AP courses, Dual credit options, CLEP tests, etc.)

Juniors will retake a career interest survey, interact with postsecondary representatives at the MCHS College and Career Fair, learn interview techniques, create a personalized resume with and objective statement, Continue discussions regarding eligibility for Reach courses during course selection process, take the SAT, Identify 3-5 match institutions, one safety, one Reach school for postsecondary program for study. Juniors can discover application deadlines, cost, and preparation for industry-based certification and postsecondary programs of study. Identify financial aid deadlines for chosen postsecondary options. Discuss the impact of remediation on postsecondary goals. Discuss opportunities related to a career path. (e.g. internships, job shadowing, volunteer) Connect with at least 3 postsecondary institutions.

Seniors will discuss internship opportunities related to a career path. Understand how career path courses and experiences align to programs at postsecondary options. Complete 3 or more admissions applications to postsecondary institutions (one match, one safety, one reach) by the end of first semester. Meet with a school counselor to ensure all steps in postsecondary admissions process are completed by the end of first semester. Estimate the cost of each postsecondary option. Understanding the affordability of postsecondary options in relation to expected entry-level career salary and anticipated debt. Attend a FAFSA completion workshop by the end of first semester, complete the FAFSA independently or as part of a local workshop by the end of first semester. Break down the terms and conditions of any scholarship or loan. Finalize Warrior Resume to use for post-secondary opportunities. Seniors can address remedial needs in math and English. Earn industry-based certifications related to a career path. Complete one or more Reach or capstone courses. Attend a financial aid award letter workshop. Apply for scholarship opportunities related to postsecondary plans Attend the Manufacturing, Trades, and Industry (MTI) Career Expo.

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