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Career And College Prep
Career and College Prep
Are you a 7–12th grader looking to get a jump-start on your future? You can use your middle and high school years to figure out where you want to go and how to get there. In addition to core courses, you’ll take career-focused classes to explore your options and find your passion—all while earning your high school diploma. Discovering what you want to do now can prepare you to dive into a career right out of high school or help you make the right decision about your college major.
Career Fields
Take career-focused courses in the high-demand career field of your choice:
You can also:
Participate in career clubs
Prepare to take industry-recognized certification exams upon graduation*
Gain workplace skills
Student Career Coaching
OHVA high school students can meet with career coaches to get advice on creating résumés, networking, interviewing, financial aid, college preparation, internships, and more! These virtual sessions are free to students at K12-powered schools.
Our career coaches also host live, interactive webinars to better prepare students for their futures with expert insight and advice on college and career prep. These events are open to all high school students.
Learn More About Career Coaching
Career and College Prep Motivates Students to Find Their Passion
“Students are finding something that is making them want to have a future. Knowing that is going to move them to the next level.”
–Dr. Kristin Stewart, OHVA Head of School
Career Clubs
OHVA students can enroll in career clubs, also called career technical service organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs allow students with similar career interests to connect, practice professional skills, work on service projects, take field trips, and compete against other local, state, and national schools. OHVA offers these career clubs:
Skills USA
With curriculum that covers 130 job categories and more than 600 national partners—businesses, trade associations, and unions—SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to:
- Practically apply what they learn in the classroom
- Take courses in addition to those offered by the OHVA course catalog
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
- Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
- Earn scholarships offered exclusively through SkillsUSA
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
BPA is one of the premier organizations for students pursuing careers in business and information technology. BPA is a co-curricular activity that enhances opportunities for students to participate in professional, civic, and service projects. Membership allows them to:
- Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
- Work toward earning industry-recognized certifications
- Participate in the Torch Awards program which guides service learning projects
- Develop leadership skills by running for local or national office
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
Future Health Professional (HOSA)
HOSA is an international student organization that works to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. Founded in 1976, HOSA empowers students to become leaders in the global health community.
*Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.