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PathFinders Podcast
PathFinders Podcast
We’re excited to announce the launch of PathFinders, a brand-new podcast created by students, for students. This isn’t just any podcast, it’s your backstage pass into the real stories behind successful professionals from a wide range of fields, including business, tech, healthcare, the arts, engineering, and more.
Each episode features an in-depth conversation with a guest who shares their personal career journey: the decisions they made, the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the advice they wish they had known earlier.
Click HERE to tune in!
2025-2026 Senior Pathways Program
2025-2026 Senior Pathways Program
Seniors can participate in career development and experiential learning through several structured programs that foster their interests, career goals, and schedules. Click on the handbook for more information or scroll down for frequently asked questions. The Senior Pathways program begins on Thursday, September 4, 2025 and ends on Friday, June 12th, 2026.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are due on June 23rd, 2025!
May/June Internship!
May/June Internship!
The May/June Internship Program offers graduating seniors an immersive opportunity to transition from high school to the professional world during the final four weeks of the school year. Spanning Monday, May 19th until Friday, June 13th, students will attend their internship site full time in place of their academic schedule. This program serves as a culminating capstone experience, allowing students to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve cultivated throughout high school in real-world settings. Click HERE for a FAQ document.
Students can search this catalog for potential sites based on their interests. Reach out to the contact person identified for more information. For students who find their own internship sites, we will add their site to this list. Check back regularly until the deadline for new sites.
Full-Year Internship
Offers students an immersive, year-long experience in a professional environment. Participants work at the same site throughout the school year, allowing them to develop deep connections with mentors and gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field. This option is ideal for those looking to explore a career path in depth while building long-term professional skills.
May/June Internship
Provides a more condensed experience, lasting four weeks during the final stretch of the school year. This program is designed for students seeking a shorter-term commitment while still gaining meaningful exposure to the professional world.
Early College Credit
Students have the opportunity to apply to an approved higher education institution and enroll in a minimum of six credits of coursework per semester. This allows students to get a head start on their college education while still completing high school coursework. All expenses related to tuition, textbooks, course materials, and any additional fees associated with the courses are the sole responsibility of the student and their family.
School to Work
Offers an opportunity for students to participate in a paid work experience, providing valuable hands-on learning and professional development.
What is it?
What is it?
Senior Pathways is an innovative program that offers seniors the ability to pursue career development in an area of interest during their school day. There are three "pathways" that students can choose from. Please check out a detailed description above for more information!
Am I eligible?
Am I eligible?
This program is open to seniors who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, achieve a grade of C- or higher for all junior year courses (Full Year) or all senior year courses (May-June), successfully meet graduation credit and attendance requirements, has not lost credit in any class due to attendance, is able to independently assume all the duties and responsibilities of their site, able to commit to all required days, acknowledge that you have met the civil and social expectations of Ridge and that suspensions, detentions, or other disciplinary infractions will be considered for ineligibility.
How does this work in my schedule?
How does this work in my schedule?
The Pathways Program is designed to be flexible and fit each student's schedule. Students can participate in Pathways for as little as one block or as many as four blocks per day. For those taking Pathways for four blocks, there are two options: they can attend their Pathways site in the morning and take their Ridge classes in the afternoon, or they can stay at Ridge in the morning and leave during unit lunch for their Pathways site. If a Pathways site is available for just one block, such as a site at Ridge High School, students can schedule it during any block that fits their day.
How do I sign up?
How do I sign up?
Interested juniors choose the Pathways Program: School to Work, Internship, or Early College Credit, as a course in Genesis during their Junior Conference with their school counselor. After scheduling is over, students are then contacted by the Pathways Program coordinators with an application which is due by June 23rd. Students do not need to have their site determined by the time of scheduling.
What if I don't have one of the above criteria?
What if I don't have one of the above criteria?
Any student who wishes to participate in Senior Pathways but doesn't meet all eligibility requirements may appeal to the Principal to determine if approval would be granted.
How do I apply?
How do I apply?
Interested students should speak with either their school counselor or Senior Pathways program coordinators Ms. Hughes ryanhughes@bernardsboe.com or Mrs. McGivney smcgivney@bernardsboe.com for more information. Students can add Senior Pathways to their course requests during scheduling.
Pathways Site Examples
Pathways Site Examples
School to Work
Local Preschool
Local Daycares
Gas Station
Shop Rite
Bakery
Construction
Food Service
Physical Therapy Office
Internship
Bernards Township Elementary Schools
Bernards Township BOE
Bernards Township Library
Dentist Office
Lord Sterling Environmental Center
Local Assemblywoman
Publisher and Bookseller Company
Consulting and Technology Provider
Early College Credit
Raritan Valley Community College
Student and Parent Feedback
Student and Parent Feedback
"I am really enjoying my internship! From working with kindergarteners to transitioning to working with the counselor at CHS, I got a ton of valuable insights into the field. The teachers also appreciate it when I come to help too, it's very wholesome!" - Pathways Student
"The senior pathways program has made me love being a student. I love being able to leave at 10:30 and go to my internship and learn more about what I want to do later in life. The experience I have encountered with this program has been amazing in every way and I've gotten to enjoy my senior year to the fullest!" - Pathways Student
"The Pathways program exceeded expectations. When my daughter received a job offer for the fall, the program proved to be an ideal fit for her. It allowed her to balance her academic schedule with courses in English, Spanish, Physical Education, and Statistics, while gaining practical experience.. This experience not only enriched her final year at Ridge but also enabled her to form meaningful connections as a colleague and friend." - Pathways Parent
Pathways Program Presents: Career Representative Visits
Pathways Program Presents: Career Representative Visits
Not sure what career path is right for you? Come to a Career Rep Visit in the Counseling Conference room during unit lunch, where real professionals break down what they do and how they got there. It’s your chance to ask questions, explore different fields, and get insider info on jobs you might not have considered. Don’t miss out—click HERE to sign up!
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