Smart Futures

What is Smart Futures?

Smart Futures is a 501c-3 non-profit organization and a leading provider of online career education resources and training to schools and community-based organizations in Pennsylvania.

Each of Smart Futures' programs is aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Career Education and Work (CEW). As a result, the content helps schools and community-based training meet required teaching standards while connecting students with the real needs and opportunities within today’s workplace.

Student Account

Each Deer Lakes student has his/her own Smart Futures account and works developmentally on the four CEW standards - career awareness and preparation, career acquisition (getting a job), career retention and advancement, and entrepreneurship. Families are encouaged to log on to their child's Smart Futures dashboard to review their career awareness and preparation progress. Students do not need a username and password.  Students log on through ClassLink which saves the username and password for all school accounts.

Student Evidence 

Per Pennsylvania state requirements, students need at least 6 pieces of evidence (2 pieces grade 6, 2 pieces grade 7, 2 pieces grade 8) and evidence defined as documentation or artifacts, written or electronic, demonstrating a student’s application of one or more CEW standard. 

Career Plan 

Per Pennsylvania state requirements, all students need a career plan by the completion of grade 8. This plan is developed by students on Smart Futuresand identifies a series of educational studies and experiences to prepare them for postsecondary education or work, or both, in a selected career cluster or area. 

Career Portfolio 

Per Pennsylvania state requirements, a career portfolio is created on Smart Futures.  The portfolio is an ongoing, individualized collection of materials that documents students' educational performance, career exploration, extracurricular activities, community service, and employment experiences over time. 

Find out more about Smart Futures - Visit Smart Futures

Resources

Smart Futures - letter to families