FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAREER COACHES ASSIST HIGH  SCHOOL

STUDENTS WITH CAREER READINESS

DANVILLE, Va., April 13, 2006 --They are seen in all area high schools helping to put students on the

DCC Career Coaches, from left to right, are: David Foster, (Tunstall and Chatham High Schools); Angie McAdams (George Washington High); Sabryna Hamilton (Dan River and Gretna High); and Ami Hudson (Halifax County High).

 right path for a successful future. They are the DCC Career Coaches and though this is the first year for the program, they are already making an impact. The four career coaches - Sabryna Hamilton, David Foster, Ami Hudson and Angie McAdams divide their time in the six DCC- service area high schools, targeting students who most need career planning services.

Cathy Conner, DCC’s Coordinator of Career Placement and the Southern Piedmont Tech Prep Consortium says, “By working with high school students, we can help with student success and student retention. “

Conner adds that the program was started after research showed that more students are not prepared to transition from high school to college and have not made definite career plans.

 “This program helps students prepare for the future; whether it be developing career plans, furthering education or entering the workforce,” she adds.

            The Community College Career Coach project is a collaboration between the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Education. The coaches serve as academic and career advisors for students who may be interested in community college programs, including dual enrollment, Tech Prep programs, Pathway to Industry certifications and transitional programs that help prepare high school students for college.

When the coaches make contact with the students, they administer assessment surveys, which help students explore careers of interest. Since 2004, the demand for Career Coaches has surged. The number of Career Coaches has increased across the Commonwealth from four when the program started to more than 40 currently. Likewise the number of high schools involved has increased from13 to nearly 60.

The four coaches are employed on a part-time basis, some dividing their time between two different schools like Foster, who is a career coach at Tunstall and Chatham High Schools.

“My goal is to eliminate barriers and obstacles which may keep someone from pursing their dream career,” Foster says. “Being a career coach takes a thorough knowledge of the school system, such as programs of study, experience in working with high school students and knowledge of career pathways.”

The career coaches’ mission is to decrease the drop out rates and increase the college transfer rates. McAdams, the career coach at GWHS, says she has seen a light bulb turn on for many students when they realize the world of opportunity that waits them.

“This program has helped students become more goal-oriented and focused. Students have also realized that the sky is really the limit and that anything is possible, if determination is present,” McAdams adds.

When asked what it takes to be a career coach, Hamilton, who works with students at Dan River and Gretna explains, “First, it takes a love for young people and a fair amount of patience. Second, it takes good listening and analytical skills so that you can best serve your school clientele, including administration, faculty, staff and students.  Third, you must be flexible and adaptable in order to effectively function within the particular school environment. Lastly, you have to be willing to serves as a ‘surrogate’ parent to students who turn to you for advice on a host of different matters.”

The coaches and Conner frequently emphasize the importance of connecting with young people as early as possible. Because their time is limited at the schools, most of the career coaches are assisting 10th or 11^th grade students.  Eventually as the program expands, Conner hopes the coaches can eventually work with ninth grade students and even middle school students.   

“Teachers, the community and businesses and industries benefit from this program,” says Hudson who is assigned to HCHS.  She adds that teachers benefit because students become more focused on achievement. Businesses and industries benefit because the emerging workforce becomes more prepared.”

            Career Coaches are central to the Virginia Community College System’s mission to expand educational opportunity.

“A better educated, better prepared, and conscientious workforce is good for all mankind,” Hamilton adds.

For more information about the Career Coaches initiative, contact Conner at 434.797.8520, click here or contact the coaches at the individual schools.