Career Pathways are an integrated collection of programs and services intended to assist students in developing the necessary academic, technical, and employability skills to prepare them for college and careers. These pathways are aligned with the priorities established by the Connecticut Department of Labor, therefore providing standardization and consistency so that VRHS properly prepares students for the ever-evolving labor market.
Career Pathways assist students by:
Developing personalized learning plans aligned with their career interests.
Providing intrinsic value so student interest is maximized.
Empowering them to choose the pathway that can lead to success in their academic and career endeavors.
What are Programs of Study?
Within each Career Pathway, there is a sample Program of Study. The Program of Study will provide the requisite knowledge and skills necessary so that the students meet the VRHS graduation requirements and are prepared to succeed in their chosen careers.
Valley Regional High School offers ten Career Pathways. Based on projections for 2016–2026, the following ten Career Pathways best fit the workforce needs of Connecticut:
Architecture and Construction
Arts and Communication
Business, Finance, and Marketing
Education and Training
Government and Law
Health Sciences and Human Services
Hospitality and Tourism
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
How are Fine Arts infused into Valley's Career Pathways?
Student participation in the area of Fine Arts is imperative. Research suggests that students who participate in the arts are more successful than those that do not. The three communities of Chester, Deep River, and Essex value the arts and believe that students taking art are better problem solvers and are able to appreciate different perspectives. Therefore, the purposeful inclusion of our art offerings is part of each pathway. Students focusing their studies in the Arts and Communication Pathway will certainly have more options and available space to fill their four-year schedule with many more courses.