What Does this mean?

During your child's 8th Grade Year, he/she will participate in an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Meeting.  This meeting will involve the 8th Grade Student, the student's Parent/Guardian, and the School Counselor.  

Purpose:

The purpose of the IGP is to give students the opportunity to discuss their career interests and choose a career cluster of interest before going into high school.  By choosing a Career Cluster in the 8th Grade, students will be better informed about choosing electives in high school that will better prepare them for their chosen career beyond graduation (whether it be on the job or in college).  IGP Meetings begin in the 8th Grade and will continue every year until your child graduates from High School.  

During the IGP Conference, you will discuss and/or complete the following: 


What is a Career Cluster?  

A Career Cluster is basically a Broad Career area or category.  The current definition of a career cluster consists of a grouping of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities. Career clusters connect what students learn in school with the knowledge and skills they need for success in college and careers. Each career cluster identifies different pathways from secondary school to two- and four-year colleges, graduate school, and the workplace.  

South Carolina has 16 Career Clusters which are listed below:  

Agricultural Education is a program for high school and middle school students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources, environmental and agricultural careers.

http://ed.sc.gov/instruction/career-and-technical-education/programs-and-courses/career-clusters/architecture-and-construction/plumbing-student-standards/Architecture and construction courses can introduce students to the construction industry and related career fields in construction management, architecture, building construction inspection, and planning and design

Arts, AV Technology, and Communications skill standards address what a worker needs to know and be able to do and contribute to a safe, productive, and effective work environment.

People with business skills are the ones that make the deals that build profitable companies that power the global economy.

This program of study provides opportunities for students to develop skills that relate to the art of teaching.

Financial Planning combines the skill sets of financial managers with that of a more relationship-oriented individual. From entry level billing clerks to CFOs of major corporations, everyone in this pathway enjoys math and most likely is skilled with computers and accounting software as well.

http://ed.sc.gov/instruction/career-and-technical-education/programs-and-courses/career-clusters/health-science-education/2016-2017-hosa-calendar-of-events/Health Science Education is a secondary program of study that promotes health career opportunities to students in grades 9-12.

Hospitality and Tourism is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the travel and tourism industry.

Majors within the Human Services cluster are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in areas related to planning, managing, providing, and supporting human services such as child care services and food science technology and nutrition.

Information Technology careers involves the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services.

The Law Enforcement Services program prepares students for entry-level positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and private security.

Many Manufacturing jobs are so specialized, they require high levels of skills and training. Manufacturing is a highly competitive industry that continues to grow in South Carolina.

The Marketing cluster includes courses and/or programs related to planning, managing, and performing wholesaling and retailing services and related marketing and distribution support services including merchandise/product management and promotion.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster incorporate career opportunities in all aspects of engineering and engineering technologies.

The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Cluster incorporate career opportunities in all aspects of Automotive Collision, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Small Engine Technology, Warehousing, Material Handling, and Distribution and Logistics.