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News & Information
Career Connections Charter High School Provides Advanced Entrepreneurial Training for Students
September 30, 2005
Nation's only career development oriented charter school prepares students for management or ownership level positions upon graduation
Hiring confidence remains strong among U.S. employers according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. But are today's students ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow's workforce?
One Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based charter school answers that question with a resounding "Yes!"
Career Connections Charter High School, a service of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, provides high school students in grades 9-12 with real world entrepreneurial work experience. Students gain firsthand exposure to the workforce through internships and experiences by working with professionals in the marketplace as well as the opportunity to operate real businesses owned by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.
"Most of our students are urban at-risk teenagers who come from public schools that have failed to meet their academic needs," said Dr. Terri Henderson, CCCHS CEO. "But they enter CCCHS with a strong desire for something better-a chance to become somebody who can contribute to society."
An Academic Journey towards Entrepreneurial Success
From day one at CCCHS, students are taught that failure is not an option, that everyone has something of value to offer, and that they will graduate.
During their freshman year, students explore their career interests and begin to develop an academic portfolio.
In the tenth grade they begin to "build" businesses in their field of interest. For example, this year, the health care team is building a hospital and developing leadership skills.
Eleventh grade students pair up with a mentor in the business community who helps them understand real world intricacies of their professions of interest.
As seniors, students participate in internships that get them ready to go right to work upon graduation.
Small class size is a key contributing factor to students' successes. Each class has only fifteen students or less and there are only 75-90 students per grade. The school uses a team concept and courses are integrated and threaded into career development. The curriculum contains a full academic course load taught in traditional public schools.
CCCHS made AYP in every category tested in the 2004-2005 school year.
A Profitable Center for Entrepreneurship
The school itself is a center for entrepreneurship housing a number of separate businesses. Managed by the students through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, these businesses include:
- "The Spot" - a 1950s style café that gives students experience in operating a diner
- "Outlet Connection" - a retail operation where students take charge and manage the day-to-day inventory and sales of everything from clothing and houseware items to stationary, toys and holiday items...all at a profit!
- "Entertainment Connection" - students participate in behind-the-scenes action of the entertainment field. Through producing CDs that feature local musicians and organizing various entertainment events, such as dances, concerts and exhibits, students learn the tools and get exposure they need to enter this exciting industry.
- "Catalogue Connection" - Through printed catalogs and the Internet, these young entrepreneurs sell their wares and learn some valuable skills along the way. They participate in layout and design, product selection, marketing, ordering processes, selling strategies, and customer service.
- "Career Connections Charter High School is a clear example of why school choice works," said Henderson. "CCCHS and other charter schools provide students with opportunities that make a difference in their lives both now and in the future."
More than 50,000 students are enrolled in Pennsylvania's 114 charter schools throughout the Commonwealth. These schools include a host of distinctive missions: early childhood enrichment, specific academic disciplines, high achievement, core knowledge, technology, project based learning, special needs education, gifted education, community service and more. For more information on charter school opportunities within Pennsylvania, log on to www.pachartercoaltion.com
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