Pathways Program

making custom guitars during a directed study course

Do what you were made to do!

The Pathways Program helps students discover what they're good at, figure out what excites them, and plans for the future - whether that's college, job training, the military, or starting careers right after high school.

The Pathways Program connects what is learned in school to real-world careers. By taking classes, joining activities that match interests, and even exploring careers through job shadowing or internships, students gain skills to succeed in life after graduation.

Advisors

Bob Manning
Career Pathways Coordinator
manningr@stillwaterschools.org

Rachel Steil
Career Pathways Coordinator
steilr@stillwaterschools.org

Discover talents and interests

Prepare students for any postsecondary option that fits a student’s passions and skills.
College and career guidance using inventory tools that focus on aptitudes, not just interests.
Exposes students to careers they may not have explored in the past.
Students are encouraged to explore multiple fields of study during their formative years.

Gain real-world experiences with local industries and community partners

A full continuum of work-based learning experiences, progressing in intensity, is accessible to every student at some point during the program of study.
Tours, mentors, job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships provide real-world experiences for students to explore and pursue careers.

Customize curriculum to careers

High levels of community and business engagement in the development of coursework, class- projects and experiences tied to career pathways.
Real-world learning experiences that make the classroom more relevant to their unique aptitudes and interests.
Sequenced courses expose students to post-secondary study, training, or work experience.

Explore the six Career Pathways

Career pathways provide the opportunity to choose courses that align with interests or career goals. Courses are laid out, making it easier to pick from introductory classes all the way to advanced courses that could earn college credit. In some cases, students may even earn an industrial certification or degree while still in high school.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Want to grow, explore, and protect the world?

Discover the natural world and the science behind it. Those passionate about animals, conservation, or biotechnology, find these classes share the knowledge and skills to make a difference. With hands-on learning, become prepared to protect and shape the future of our planet.

agriculture, Food & natural resources
course offerings

Programs of Study

Animal Science

Possible careers may include:

Veterinarians
Farmer
Marine Biologist
Zoologist

Environment & Integrated Earth Sciences

Possible careers may include:

Environmental Scientist
Forester
Environmental Engineer

Community Services

Possible careers may include:

Landscape Designer
Conservation Officer

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews, career tours, internships, and part-time jobs, these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

Stillwater Public Works, Certified Transmission, Buerkle Honda, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Browns Creek Watershed, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Bailey Nurseries.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

Equestrian Club, Future Farmers of America, and Tree Club.

Arts, Film & Communications

Do you love to express yourself or showcase your talents?

Students interested in Arts & Communication have opportunities to a variety of courses, including everything from performance music, visual and studio arts like drawing, painting, sculpting, and jewelry, to performing arts, film, and publications like newspaper and yearbook. This pathway is designed for those who are visually creative, enjoy music or the stage or have a passion for writing, researching, and synthesizing information.

arts, film & communications course offerings

Programs of Study

Fine Arts

Possible careers may include:

Art dealer
Art therapist
Animator
Graphic artist
Illustrator
Interior designer
Jewelry designer
Photographer/Videographer

Multimedia Production and Communications

Possible careers may include:

Animator
Cartoonist
Filmmaker
Interpretor/translator
Producer
Social media specialist

Journalism

Possible careers may include:

Freelance writer
Copywriter
Digital strategiest
Product Marketing Manager
Editor
Public Relations Specialist

Performing Arts

Possible careers may include:

Teacher
Reporter
Public Relations
Screenwriter
Interior Designer
Painter
Singer
Musician
Actor

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews, career tours, internships, and part-time jobs, these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves, and One23 Events.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Arts, Film & Communications pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

Chamber Choirs, Con Amici, Debate, Jazz Band, Kabekonian Yearbook, Mock Trial, One Act Play, Pony Express Newspaper, Pony Express TV, Speech, and Theater.

Business, Finance & Marketing

Were you the kid who sold lemonade or mowed lawns every summer?

Students interested in owning a business, leading people, managing projects, tracking and growing profits, or a career in sales should consider the Business pathway. This pathway is designed for those who are innovative, financially motivated, and looking for a lot of career options.

Business, Finance & marketing
course offerings

Programs of Study

Accounting & Finance

Possible careers may include:

Accountant
Business Finance
Human Resources Management
Insurance
Investments

Marketing, Sales & Entrepreneurship

Possible careers may include:

Administrative Support
Event Planner
Marketing Communications
Marketing Research
Professional Sales

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews, career tours, internships, and part-time jobs, these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

Discover Stillwater, Genesys Works, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Mad Capper Saloon & Eatery, and Smith & Trade Mercantile.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Business, Finance & Marketing pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

BIZAA, Business Professionals of America, Chess, Debate, DECA, and Speech.

Digital Technologies

Unlock potential in technology and innovation

Explore the exciting world of technology with courses that spark innovation and creativity. From coding apps, designing games, or diving into advanced computer science, these classes prepare for in-demand careers in technology and STEM. Build the skills to shape the digital future and bring ideas to life.

digital technologies
course offerings

Programs of Study

Computer Science

Possible careers may include:

Website Design
Software/App Developers
Video Game Designer

Community Services

Possible careers may include:

Computer Support Specialist
Cybersecurity
Network Administrator

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews and career tours, these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

Solutions Design Group and Amazon Web Services.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Digital Technologies pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

First Robotics, Math Team, and Theatre Technical Crew.

Health Sciences & Human Services

Passionate about helping others?

Helping people and personal fulfillment are hallmarks of the Health Sciences & Human Services pathway. Students have opportunities to take a variety of courses including human anatomy, personal fitness, psychology, and law and justice. One could work in the public sector, such as a police officer, social worker or educator, or the private sector as a medical doctor, technologist, nutritionist, or hospital administrator.

Health sciences & Human services
course offerings

Programs of Study

Education & Training

Possible careers may include:

Childcare
Paraprofessional
Principal
Superintendent
School social worker
Teacher

Exercise Science

Possible careers may include:

Dietician
Massage therapist
Personal trainer
Physical therapist
Yoga instructor

Healthcare

Possible careers may include:

Certified Nursing Assistant
Health Information Technician
Home Health Aide
Medical Billing Coder
Physician
Registered Nurse
Surgeon

Community & Social Services

Possible careers may include:

Attorney
City Manager
Engineer
Firefighter
Family Counselor
Material handler
Paralegal
Quality technician
Sales representative

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews, career tours, job shadows, internships, part-time jobs, and industry certifications (CNA), these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

HealthPartners/Lakeview Hospital, Presbyterian Homes & Services/Boutwells Landing, Lift Dental, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Washington County Courts & Sheriff, and DiaSorin.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Health Sciences & Human Services pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

BIZAA, Business Professionals of America, Debate, DECA, Health Occupations Students of America, Mock Trial, Pony Power, Speech, and Student Council.

Trades & Industry

Curious about how things work? Don't want to sit at a desk all day?

For students who love designing, building, and repairing, these classes offer pathways to rewarding, high-demand careers. For those drawn to construction, mechanics, or advanced STEM fields, learn the skills and experience needed to turn curiosity into innovation and hard work into success.

Trades & Industry
course offerings

Programs of Study

Engineering

Possible careers may include:

Architect
Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer

Manufacturing & Construction

Possible careers may include:

Carpenter
Electrician
Machine Operator
Welder

Community Services

Possible careers may include:

Auto Service Technician
Aviation and Aerospace Specialist
Heating & Air Conditioning Mechanics
Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters

Industry Partners

Through informational interviews, career tours, job shadows, internships, part-time jobs, and industry certifications (CNA), these industry partners provide opportunities for students:

SMC, Ltd., CG Hill & Sons, Andersen Corporation, Cates Fine Homes, Market & Johnson, Schwieters Companies, and PAR Systems.

Student Activities

More ways to explore the Trades & Industry pathway with extracurricular student activities include:

First Robotics, Math Team, and Theatre Technical Crew.

Participate in Pathways Activities

With a variety of opportunities to explore careers and connect with local professionals, participate in Pathways events to learn more about career options.

Plan for the Future

Every year of high school is one step closer to the future. Here are a few things to do each year to prepare students for whatever they want to accomplish next. Need more information? Talk with counselors, career pathways coordinators, or visit the College & Career Center.

Grade 9

Discover

Learn and practice good time management skills
Learn how to calculate a grade point average (GPA)
Get involved in school activities
Volunteer in the community
Identify strengths, skills, and interests using YouScience
Take advantage of Pathways programming to explore careers
Talk to adults about their jobs to find what sounds interesting
Complete the Find Your Path in SchooLinks
Update Personal Learning Plan

Grade 10

Explore

Talk with family members about plans for after high school
Take the Pre-ACT test
Ask adults to "shadow" them at work to learn more about careers of interest
Get a summer job related to career interests
Learn about the requirements for careers of interest
Explore post-secondary costs, scholarships, and financial aid
Complete the Would You Rather Inventory in SchooLinks
Update Personal Learning Plan

Grade 11

Plan

Set school goals in SchooLinks
Consider mentorships or apprenticeship opportunities
Check out career fairs and college fairs to learn more about opportunities
Visit the Career Pathways Center to explore experienceships available and visit the College & Career Center to meet with military and/or college admission reps
Consider a Directed Study to explore an interest or career
Update Personal Learning Plan

Going to the military, tech school, or a two- or four-year college:

Take admission tests, such as ACT, SAT, ASVAB, Acaplacer, etc.
Research programs
Tour schools/programs
Complete the Explore the Career Center and College Search in SchooLinks

Grade 12

Action

Apply to the military, college, trade school, or for an apprenticeship
Attend Financial Aid Night and submit a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA)
Arrange for mentorship, Work to Learn program, or apprenticeships
Request Letters of Recommendation (if needed)
Work on college essays, personal statements, etc.
Research and apply for scholarships
Meet with admissions or military reps in the SAHS College & Career Center
Finalize Personal Learning Plan in SchooLinks

Personalized Learning Plan

What is the Personalized Learning Plan?

Legislation requires all students beginning no later than ninth grade to have a Personalized Learning Plan around several key elements. This plan should be looked at as a life plan that includes academic scheduling, career exploration, career and employment-related skills, community partnerships, college access, all forms of postsecondary training, and experiential learning opportunities [via digital portfolio].

Goals by Grade

Grade 9

Introduction to PLP & Pathways programming
MCIS interest inventory
Create course plan & registration
Introduction to Resume Builder

Grade 10

Introduction to interests and aptitudes throughYouScience
Personality traits and “get to know you”
Update course plan & registration
Update to Resume Builder

Grade 11

How to be a learner/AVID study skills
College exploration: explore, update, narrow down career/college options
Update course plan & registration
Career exploration: explore career options and engage with community partners
Test prep & interpretations; understanding what the score means
Update to Resume Builder

Grade 12

Senior year 101 & update resume
College exploration: explore, update, narrow down career/college options
Update course plan & registration
Career exploration: explore career options and engage with community partners
Tracking early college credits; Reality check; Senior survey

Career Assessment - YouScience

Unlike many interest inventories students take, YouScience assesses a student's aptitudes, what they're naturally good at, and connects interests and abilities to careers. It consists of 10 brain games, averaging eight minutes long, and provides a detailed profile that shows what sets each student apart, and where they can make their mark.

For those unsure of what they want to do, sign up to complete the YouScience career assessment. It's accurate and provides career choices for to consider. After receiving results, sign up for one-on-one Career Coaching with a Pathways Coordinator who can showcase opportunities to explore suggested careers.

How to Register

Contact a Pathways Coordinator to request access to the YouScience test.

Pathways Day

On Oct. 24, Pathways hosts a unique school-wide event that provides all students grades 9-12 opportunities to engage in activities related to college and career readiness to help think about what they want to do after high school. Normal classes do not run on this day.

9th grade

All 9th grade students begin building their Personalized Learning Plan. Students partake in activities:

Participate in some career skills games and activities
Begin their personalized learning plan by taking an interest inventory and learning about their personal learning styles
Participate in a community service project. These projects occur on and off campus.

10th grade

The PreACT is administered to all students in 10th grade with no fee on Oct. 24. The PreACT measures student progress toward college readiness, provides practice for the ACT test, and yields a predictive ACT score. The PreACT also includes a Career Assessment Tool that gives feedback on areas of students’ interests aligned with various career fields, which can provide helpful information related to career pathway exploration and guidance. All 10th grade students are automatically registered for the PreACT.

Afternoon: Following testing, 10th grade students participate in career exploration using the digital tool SchooLinks, which is the platform students use throughout high school for all of their college and career exploration. 10th graders also participate in pre-voting instruction from their social studies teacher.

11th and 12th grade:

Senior students participate in one of three different college and career exploration opportunities:

Field Trip: Sign up to visit one Minnesota or Wisconsin public/private school in-person.
Meet with Military Reps: Meet with representatives of branches of the Military to learn about the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the National Guard.
Participate in a Career Tour: Related to one of the six Career Pathways.

How to Register

Watch these videos to learn how to register:

11th grade
12th grade

Students can sign up on SchooLinks between Oct. 3-15.

Career Days

Career Days are interactive experiences in which students tour facilities, hear professionals from a range of occupations describe their jobs and career paths, and participate in interactive simulations of tasks or problems that professionals encounter in their daily work.

Students have the opportunity to tour a local business, hear from a panel of professionals, engage in a problem or task related to that industry, and eat lunch with employees from the company.

Upcoming Career Days:

October:

Manufacturing Day: SMC, Ltd. hosts an interactive experience at their facility.
Construction Careers Day: Build My Future Wisconsin and Construct Tomorrow events provide multiple hands-on experiences (see video).

November:

Healthcare Discovery Day: Presbyterian Homes and Lakeview Hospital provide an interactive experience hosted at Boutwell’s Landing.

December:

Education Day: Tour local schools within the St. Croix Valley: Chesterton Academy, St. Croix Prep, St. Croix Catholic, and more!

January:

Manufacturing Day: CG Hill & Sons hosts an interactive experience at their facility.

April:

Path of a Patient: Twin Cities Orthopedic hosts an interactive event for students to learn about careers in healthcare.

May:

Renewal by Anderson hosts an interactive experience at their facility.
Open Source North conference hosts students to learn about careers in computer science.
Twin Cities Orthopedic hosts an interactive event for students to learn about careers in healthcare and exercise science.

Career Fair

Seniors are encouraged to attend the Career Fair in the spring. Students and employers meet one another, establish professional relationships, and discuss potential job and/or internship opportunities. Career Fairs provide a great opportunity to conduct research on various career fields and sectors, as well as meet local employers.

What can students expect from a Career Fair?

Students can practice networking skills, gain awareness of organizations and open positions they are interested in learning more about.
Students can ask questions about the education and credentials necessary for that field, specific roles within the industry, skills and training, and more!
Students and employers interact one-on-one to establish professional relationships and discuss potential internship and job opportunities.

Facility Tours

Facility tours are available for all students who want to learn more about a company or industry, and to get a glimpse of employees and work routines. Facility tours provide students first-hand observations about a wide range of careers and the core skills and content knowledge necessary to perform those jobs. Tours help students build a broader awareness of the business and industry, its role in the economy, and the variety of career options available in that sector.

Benefits for students:

In small or large group settings, students will experience what it is like to work in a particular field or industry.
Students can interact with employees and business leaders in a professional setting to ask questions and gain real-world insights into jobs and careers.

Unique Pathways Experiences

Career Coaching

A one-on-one coaching session with a Pathways Coordinator helps figure out who you are, what you're good at, and how to match your skills and interests to careers. Coordinators help students choose courses, test out careers, and even connect students to part-time work.

How to Schedule: Sign up with a Pathways Coordinator during Office Hours

Career Conversations

Pathways hosts two Career Conversations at the high school per month. These 30-60 minute meetings are opportunities for students to attend small-group discussions with professionals in the field to ask questions, collaborate with others who share similar career goals, learn about day-to-day job responsibilities, and more.

How to Sign Up: Use the QR codes hanging up around the building. Each Career Conversation is capped at 10 students.

Career Seminar and Career Internship

As a self-directed elective, motivated students explore careers to make informed decisions about their post-secondary path. A Pathways Coordinator acts as an Advisor to provide activities, guidance, and insight into careers the student is exploring.

Students partaking in the Career Internship must complete a paid work experience such as an internship or part-time job.

How to Sign Up: Register for one semester of Career Seminar as a class, followed by a semester of Career Internship.

Genesys Works

Genesys Works creates opportunities for youth from underserved communities while simultaneously helping employers fill critical talent gaps within their companies.

Students complete eight weeks of training, matched with a year-long internship, receive 60 hours of career guidance, and find alumni support as they navigate academic, social, and financial obstacles that too often serve as a barrier to sustained career success.

How to Sign Up: Apply to Genesys Works from January through March

Pathways Projects

Students explore their future by developing real-world, project-based learning experiences. These projects allow students to use industry skills, problem-solving, team-building, and communication skills to complete a tangible product.

With Community Partnerships, Guest Instructors, Collegiate Collaboration and more, students gain broader perspectives and deeper learning experiences.

How to Sign Up: Use course codes provided by counselor

Trades Ambassadors

Investigate trades and manufacturing careers using the Trades Hub to lead peers to high-wage jobs through apprenticeships and more. Ambassadors are provided a mentor before completing three levels: Apprentice, Expert, and Master. Students who complete the Trades Ambassador Experience receive a $500 stipend (transportation, work boots, gear, etc.), while scholarships and employer incentives provide some or all expenses of education needed to enter many of these careers.

How to Sign Up: Through the Trades Hub

Pathways is different...it brings innovative changes to the traditional academic model, including real-world experiences and interest-based, relevant classes for students.

For Employers

Stillwater Pathways is an intentional educational framework that helps students discover who they are and what they can be.

Students who apply this insight gain knowledge and real-world experiences related to their interests and are likely to find a career that suits them.

Employers who provide opportunities for students to explore careers in their field will not only make a difference in the lives of our youth, but they also have opportunities to influence their potential workforce. Join us in shaping the future!

become a
pathways partner

SCHOOLINKS
EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

Introductory Experiences

Guest Instructor

Guest Instructors make a huge impact just by being themselves. Whether its speaking to a classroom on a particular subject of expertise, or small group of students during a lunch & learn or informal Zoom call, a unique perspective and experiences help young learners find comfort in the realm of options that lay before them.

Sponsorship

Pathways programming is dependent on the businesses that support, through the generosity of time, talents, or treasure. Financial sponsorships are necessary to sustain the program and we do our best to promote those who partner.

Sponsoring a Pathways partnership breakfast or networking event
Funding a college & career video or series
Purchasing equipment or supplies for a class
Offering a donation to support our programming

Facility Tours

Facility tours provide students with first-hand observations about a wide range of careers, core skills, and knowledge necessary to perform those jobs. Tours help students build a broader awareness of the business and industry, its role in the economy, and career options in that sector.

In small or large group settings, students experience what it's like to work in that particular field
Students can interact with employees and business leaders to ask questions and gain real-world insights
Employers can design an activity for students to work on a problem that illustrates the day-to-day operations.

Career Fair

A large venue experience with representation from various industries, military, post-secondary educational institutions, and non-profit services.

Represents as many career pathways across the public or private sectors as possible
Provide interactive experiences to engage and inspire
Connect students to potential work experiences or employment opportunities
Allow employers to promote their business and find the right employees

Exploratory Experiences

Trades Ambassador Mentorships

Trades Ambassadors are high school students who investigate trades and manufacturing careers and lead their peers to consider pursuing. Ambassadors are provided with a mentor to serve as a resource, provide encouragement, and connect their learning to real-world applications. Mentors:

Become familiar with the Trades Ambassador Experience to help students complete their tasks
Provide insight into your career and the path taken to get there
Motivate and ensure students complete the experience
Meet monthly with the student to provide encouragement, track progress, and answer questions

Informational Interviews

A 20-60 minute conversation with an adult to learn more about a career field and the path to get there. Learning how to set up the meeting, how to dress for the interview, and the importance of a thank you note are all benefits of this type of experience.

The foundation of networking is learning how to talk to people, being genuinely interested, and finding common interests and goals. An informational interview teaches students how to do so.

Job Shadowing

A job shadow experience provides visuals for conversations about careers, and allows students to attach meaning to the information they are gathering about the various occupations they might pursue.

A student can learn a lot by following a staff member around for a day - or more if they are willing.

Class Project

Building a relationship with a teacher/course can be a positive professional development experience to bring real-world perspective to classrooms. Examples include:

Providing advice to a student or teacher who calls on the phone
A series of visits to an Industrial Tech class to help with CAD design or CNC machinery
A longer commitment within a CAPS course to work with students on a project in which a company needs help.

Micro Internships

Connect with potential future employees pursing a career in your field! Students work to gain real-world experience through a project or daily tasks in which you need help. This can also be part of a Directed Study, in which a student design their course based on a career field of interest, or a standard experience on predetermined dates for students to sign up. Examples include:

Organize and run a children's dance camp at the Zephyr Theater
Contribute to a marketing campaign for Community Thread
Help the Orchestra Hall librarian procure music for symphony
Team up with a vendor to analyze efficiency of a building's HVAC system

Developmental Experiences

Part-Time Employment

Whether it's a summer job or after school, you need the labor and students need jobs. Employers who are part of the Pathways Industry Council can provide job postings, while Industry Council members provide facility tours, career fair booth, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and more.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board strengthens the Pathways program, curricular development, community partnerships, Career & College readiness efforts, and increases students' access to Technical Education programs.

The Advisory Board is composed of district leaders (administrators, career pathways coordinators, CTE teachers and counselors, business and industry leaders, post-secondary education representative, families, and students.

Meeting occur three times per year (October, February, and May), and there is a maximum of three-year terms.

Teacher Externships

This professional development opportunity for staff better positions them to promote your business and help develop student skills for that industry.

10-day paid experience
Job shadowing & informational interviews
Duties across multiple areas to gain understanding
Completion of a project with staff

Work to Learn

For student who want to learn more about a potential career through a paid work experience, this is through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Youth Skills Training program.

Student is currently taking, or has taken, an advanced class in the field
Four-week internship for hands-on experience
Employer passes "walk-through" inspection by the Department of Labor & Industry to allow 16-17 year olds access to equipment
Student is paid at least minimum wage by the employer and receives safety training
Student works a minimum of four hours per day during summer months, or during/after school