Career and Life Education

Accounting I – HS0105A

Year/1 credit 

Grades 9-12

Did you know the largest area of study in colleges and universities across the United States is some type of business related courses. Whether it be Management, Marketing, Finance, Sales or many other areas, business related courses continue to be the top choice for many students.  All these choices have one thing in common, they ALL will REQUIRE students to take Accounting Courses.  Get a leg up on your future classmates.  The exact same concepts and principles you will find in the College classroom are taught here at BEHS. Accounting at the post secondary level can be extremely challenging, so why not start your journey now and make life easier for yourself in the future.  Accounting is also great for anyone who wants to learn the concepts of maintaining your financial records and tracking your money. If you were going to major in a foreign language in college, wouldn’t you take that language in High School? 

Entrepreneurship & Marketing – HS0201

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Have you ever thought about wanting to work for yourself or being your own boss? Do you have a unique idea for a business and want to know what it takes to start up a business? Entrepreneurship is the term used for someone who strikes out on their own to start their own business. Something all Entrepreneurs need to understand is the importance of marketing. The best ideas and products in the world would not succeed without the understanding of marketing concepts. There is a saying in business, “You don’t sell the steak, you sell the sizzle!  ”Marketing is all about selling the “Sizzle” of the business of our choice. You will complete a Business Plan for the business of your choice from start to finish; the end goal is to have a product you could “take to the bank”. Some of the richest people in the world are all Entrepreneurs, WHY NOT YOU?

Law and You – HS0107

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 9-12

This course covers valuable topics that most young adults will encounter in the next few years. Study will cover true situations that show how personal and business law impacts the lives of young people and adults. This course will help you achieve an understanding of legal principles you will use throughout your life. Units covered will be: Crimes & Torts, contract and consumer law, marriage/divorce, renting and employment law, including discrimination. Textbook discussion, videos, on-line research, movies, current court cases and guest speaker will be used throughout the course.

Microsoft Office – HS0104

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 9-12

Think about how much you use Google every day at school.  All the time, right?  When you leave high school you will probably say goodbye to Google and hello to MicroSoft Office.  MicroSoft Office is the software program that most companies use today.  In fact, the person interviewing you for a business job may ask if you know how to use MicroSoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Impress them by saying that you mastered these skills in high school!  Completing this course will allow you to confidentially enter the work world knowing how to use the software program that dominates the business world.

On Your Own: Life Planning & Management Skills 

Course Number - HS0710

Satisfies the Financial Literacy graduation requirement

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12 (10th grade by teacher recommendation)

This financial planning course will help make the transition from high school to life after BE easier by giving the student a solid foundation in independent living and money management skills. Topics included are: Career explorations and decision making, costs of secondary education, protecting your identity, checking and savings accounts, credit, buying a car, renting an apartment, evaluating insurance options, filing income taxes and creating and living with a budget. The final project is a personal financial plan designed by the student. 

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) 1A   

Credits / .5 credit

Number:  HS0305A

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: 16 years old and employed or seeking employment. 

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for every aspect of entering and succeeding in the workplace and focuses on post high school planning for career/college readiness. Students will assess their skills and demonstrate how to find, apply for and secure employment for career options. The class covers resumes, workplace safety and regulations, professional writing, self-discovery, and workplace economics. Students may earn credit in addition to class credit for work experience completed during the semester. 

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) 1B  

Credits / .5 credits  

Number: HS0305B

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: 16 years old and employed or seeking employment. 

Students will further research their post high school career and college planning through a variety of resources. Students will explore the realities of life beyond high school, focusing on the essential hard and soft skills necessary for workplace success. They will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key employment competencies required for immediate opportunities and long-term career growth. Students will craft a compelling cover letter, explore business practices and ethics, enhance their understanding of professional development, and investigate various career pathways. Students may earn credit in addition to class credit for work experience completed during the semester. 

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO)  2  

Credits / .5 credit  

Number: HS0306      

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Extended Learning Opportunities 1A or 1B

Students will use a variety of work materials to build a comprehensive personal professional portfolio. Students will further work on interpersonal and communication skills, explore interests, participate in mock interviews, budget for future career or educational goals, and develop an individual career plan. Additionally, students will explore how career decisions impact financial choices and learn how to complete common forms. The class will look at the changing needs of society and how that will influence personal career decision making for the future.

Job Experience – On the Job Training (in conjunction with) 

Credit: As determined by the ELO coordinator.

Number: HS0302 

Grades 11-12

This course is added to a student's schedule upon confirmation from the course instructor to the school counselor. Students can earn credit for on the job work experience. In addition to your ELO class you may be employed by a bona fide business in accordance with a student-trainee work agreement recognized by the Maine Bureau of Labor Standards.  If you secure a part time job, you will be able to work 10 to 24 hours per week.  As an employee you will perform duties on the job in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the employer, course learning standards and evaluations.

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Internship

Credits: 1 credit

Number: HS0305

ELO internships are set up through the ELO instructor, student and business.  Class will be added to a student's schedule once internship application is approved.

Foods for Wellness

Credits: .5 credit

Number: HS0108

Description: This course explores the fundamentals of cooking delicious, healthy foods. Working in groups, students will learn basic cooking skills, nutrition information to make more informed food choices, and acquire consumer skills to make the most of their food dollars. The course emphasizes the value of working as a productive, unified team in food labs. The students will have the opportunity to utilize a variety of kitchen tools and equipment to prepare and then evaluate food dishes that they have created as a group. 

Culinary Arts

Credits: .5 credit

Number: HS0202

Prerequisite: Foods for Wellness

Description: This advanced foods course includes a detailed study of American and foreign cooking techniques. Students will work in groups to prepare nutritious appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups, breads, meats, garnishes, and desserts. Students will explore career paths in the food service industry through lab participation, demonstrations, group and individual projects, and reflections. 

JMG A – HS0101A

JMG B - HS0101B

0.5 credit

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:  Completed Application, Interview and Specialists approval.

JMG is the largest educational non-profit in the state of Maine, and is uniquely dedicated to strengthening the future workforce.  The primary objective of the core program is to keep students fully engaged in high school through graduation, leading to enrollment in post-secondary education, a continued education credential or training program, or a quality job with a career pathway. Some features of our high school program include:

• Developing skills in leadership, teamwork, written communications, public speaking, social emotional intelligence, time management, goals, work habits, and career development.

• Challenging students in ways that they may not be in other academic classes to help them think critically and pivot to new challenges.

• Students also have the opportunity to participate in career exploration and find a post-secondary path that excites and interests them. 

• They also have access to an additional level of support from their JMG Specialist, who works with students on personal development, academic success, and future planning.

Additionally, seniors are given 12 months of follow up after graduation; this ensures a successful transition from high school to the world college or work.  Each JMG student leaves the classroom with pride, direction, and a clearer sense of what they want out of life and how they are going to achieve it.

JMG Personal Finance – HS0101

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12 (10th grade by teacher recommendation)

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of JMG

Satisfies the Financial Literacy requirement.

JMG is the largest educational non-profit in the state of Maine, and is uniquely dedicated to strengthening the future workforce. The primary objective of the personal finance class  is to continue students' engagement in the JMG program and  in high school through graduation, leading to enrollment in post-secondary education, a continued education credential or training program, or a quality job with a career pathway. Some features of our personal finance class include:

Financial literacy is essential for students in understanding the financial challenges of the world around them. Students will develop skills in,

• Analyzing their personal financial decisions

• Evaluate the costs and benefits of their decisions

• Recognize their rights and responsibilities as consumers

• Apply the knowledge learned in school to financial situations encountered later in life.

Additionally, seniors are given 12 months of follow up after graduation; this ensures a successful transition from high school to the world college or work.  Each JMG student leaves the classroom with pride, direction, and a clearer sense of what they want out of life and how they are going to achieve it.