Career and College Readiness
The Ames CSD vision statement references helping every individual reach their full personal and educational potential. In order for students to do so, we intend to help them identify their strengths and passions and provide experiences that allow them to explore what life after high school means for them. A part of our district’s Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP), as required by Iowa Code 279.61, is to support 8th grade students in the creation of their four-year academic plan. This plan encourages students to think about long-term goals and reflect on their progress towards graduation.
We believe in a career and college readiness vision that is comprehensive and systematic that spans from preschool through a student’s senior year. We emphasize awareness and exploration in all grades levels. As a child advances through their education, we provide opportunities such as job shadows, career fairs, and internships to help students hone their passion and make a postsecondary plan for a successful future.
Career Exploration
Studies have shown that career awareness begins in early childhood and continues to develop as children grow. During a student’s secondary high school experience, counselors, teachers, and school faculty assist with career exploration journeys through several delivery methods. All classes, especially our career and technical education (CTE) programs will provide participants with hands-on projects and partnerships with industries within our community as they explore in-demand and high-wage careers.
College Planning
In today’s world, most careers require some kind of post-secondary education. The Future Ready Iowa goal is to have 70% of Iowans attain education and training beyond high school by 2025. Options include, but are not limited to, 2 or 4 year colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship programs, and/or military.
Researching colleges and learning the necessary steps that you need in order your choice is exciting, but can seem like a rather daunting task. After all, your college education and overall experience will affect the rest of your life. During your high school experience, school counselors and teachers assist with this exploration through the use of our career information system, Naviance, as well as additional planned and structured opportunities to focus on your postsecondary goals. The planning process starts well before a student’s senior year.
Senior Year Plus
The purpose of Senior Year Plus (SYP) is to provide increased and more equal access to college credit and advanced coursework. Ames schools proudly participates in SYP and is excited about the opportunities it provides for all our students. In our partnership with DMACC, students may earn college credit through courses offered at the high school, at the Hunziker Career Academy, and a variety of online and on campus courses at DMACC. We also provide a robust number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Having Iowa State University so close to our campus allows for an ample opportunity of postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO) for courses beyond what we offer at Ames High and through DMACC. Check out the high school registration handbook for more information on the process, eligibility requirements, and list of courses available.