Kennard-Dale Career & Employment  Connections and YCAL Partnership

The Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator works in close partnership with the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) to provide high school students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that support career exploration, skill development, and postsecondary readiness.

This collaboration aligns the goals of Kennard-Dale High School and the South Eastern School District with YCAL’s mission of inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s workforce. Together, we connect students with local employers, industry professionals, and hands-on opportunities that help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workforce. 

The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) is a nonprofit organization that connects students, schools, and businesses across York County. YCAL provides structured, real-world learning experiences that allow students to explore careers, build employability skills, and prepare for success after graduation.

Through its partnerships with schools and local employers, YCAL helps students make informed career decisions while strengthening the future workforce of York County.

The Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator serves as the link between students, school staff, YCAL, and local employers. This partnership ensures that students are informed about opportunities, supported throughout their participation, and able to reflect on and apply what they learn.

Together, the Coordinator and YCAL:

• Identify and promote career exploration opportunities aligned with student interests

• Coordinate student participation in YCAL programs

• Communicate expectations and logistics to students, families, and staff

• Support students before, during, and after experiences to maximize learning

• Strengthen relationships with local businesses and community partners

YCAL offers four core programs that support student career development. The Career & Employment Connections Coordinator helps students access and navigate each of these opportunities. 

1. Career Exploration Programs (Fall & Spring Sessions)

Students visit local employers and interact directly with professionals to:

• Learn about different career fields and industries

• Understand required education, skills, and personal traits

• Explore multiple career pathways before graduation

2. Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities

Through hands-on experiences, students:

• Gain exposure to skilled trades and high-demand careers

• Earn industry-recognized credentials

• Build résumés and prepare for apprenticeships, employment, or further training

3. CREW Day (Career Readiness Education Workshop)

CREW Day provides interactive sessions focused on:

• Communication and teamwork skills

• Professional behavior and workplace expectations

• Understanding what employers are truly looking for in future employees

4. Manufacturing & Business Tour Days

Students participate in behind-the-scenes tours of local companies to:

• See how classroom learning applies to real-world careers

• Explore modern workplaces and technologies

• Connect academic subjects to future job opportunities

YCAL programs occur across York County at:

• Participating local businesses

• Schools and training facilities

• Community and industry sites

These off-campus and on-site experiences allow students to engage directly with the local workforce and community.

The collaboration between the Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator and YCAL helps students:

• Discover personal interests and career passions

• Gain real-world experience before graduation

• Build meaningful connections with local employers

• Strengthen college, career, and workforce readiness skills

• Make informed decisions about postsecondary pathways

By working together, the Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator and the York County Alliance for Learning create powerful opportunities that prepare students for life beyond high school. This partnership ensures that students are not only academically prepared, but also confident, informed, and ready to succeed as members of tomorrow’s workforce.