“Career Pathways” is a comprehensive program of career awareness, exploration, and preparation/application. K-12 in nature, Career Pathways establishes a curriculum with two different, yet equal, programs of study. Both the “Traditional Academic” pathway and the “Technical Academic” pathway offers a rigorous, practical education which helps students focus on a non-binding career cluster in high school and guides them in the selection of course sequences necessary to achieve their educational and career objectives. Southern Lehigh’s goal is to meet the individual needs of students while, at the same time, preparing them to find success as an adult. In eighth grade at SLMS, students will have been introduced to the following four career clusters:
Health & Social Services
This is a pathway that includes a large and diverse group of careers. Human services involves careers that help people and families meet their needs, including education, social services, and mental health needs. Health and medicine includes careers that promote health, wellness, and diagnosis as well as treat injuries and diseases. Some of the careers involve working directly with people while others involve research into diseases or collecting and formatting data and information. Work locations are varied and may be in hospitals, medical or dental offices or laboratories, cruise ships, medevac units, sports arenas, space centers or within the community.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math
Engineers and technicians design and build things. They are critical in all kinds of manufacturing, especially at the earliest stages when products and processes are being created and refined. A career in science is exciting, challenging, and ever-changing. Learners who pursue one of these career fields will be involved in planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
Arts, Humanities & Communications
Careers in the Performing Arts, Visual Arts or certain aspects of Journalism, Broadcasting and Film are careers that tap students’ creative talents. Audio-Video Communications Technology, Telecommunications or Printing Technology require strong backgrounds in computer and electronic-based technology and a solid foundation in math and science. All of these careers require the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Information technology careers involve the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that has a revolutionary impact on the economy and society.
Business, Finance & Law
Careers in Business, Finance, and Law involve planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Finance involves careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and business financial management. The legal system impacts us in many ways, from buying a home to safely driving a car. Careers in law keep the legal system running smoothly and include public services, jobs that serve and protect people, including law enforcement, firefighting, legal services, and the military.
Elective Options for Career Pathways
Courses will vary with interest of students. The courses listed below are suggestions for discussion between the student, parent, teacher and counselor.
Intro to Business
Business Law
Business Concepts
Financial Literacy
Marketing
Web Page Design I & II
ALL English electives
ALL Math electives
ALL Science electives
All Social Studies electives
Sports Medicine
Health
ALL Foreign Language
ALL Family Consumer Sci
ALL Visual Art electives
Commercial Baking (LCTI)
Cosmetology (LCTI)
Criminal Justice (LCTI)
Culinary Arts (LCTI)
Dental Technology (LCTI)
Teacher Education (LCTI)
Emerging Health Professionals (LCTI)
Health & Medical Sciences (LCTI)
Animal Sciences (LCTI)
ALL Business electives
Public Speaking
Intro to Video, TV & Film Prod
Adv Video, TV & Film Prod
ALL Math electives
ALL Science electives
Sports Medicine
Health
ALL Foreign Language
ALL Technology Education
Electromechanical/ Mechatronics Technology (LCTI)
Electronics Technology / Nanofabrication (LCTI)
Precision Machine Tool Technology (LCTI)
Pre-Engineering & Engineering Technology (LCTI)
Supply Chain Management & Logistics Technology (LCTI)
Welding Technology (LCTI)
Engineering Drafting & Design (LCTI)
Auto Collision Repair (LCTI)
Auto Technology (LCTI)
Cabinetmaking & Millwork (LCTI)
Carpentry (LCTI)
Diesel Medium & Heavy Truck Technology (LCTI)
Electrical Technology (LCTI)
Heating/Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (LCTI)
Heavy Equipment Operations (LCTI)
Masonry (LCTI)
Plumbing & Heating (LCTI)
Small Engines/ Recreational Vehicle Repair (LCTI)
Web Page Design I & II
Business Law
Financial Literacy
Microsoft Skills
ALL English electives
ALL Math electives
ALL Social Studies electives
ALL Foreign Language
ALL Music
ALL Visual Art electives
ALL Family Consumer Sci
Painting & Design (LCTI)
Advertising Design/ Commercial Art (LCTI)
Commercial Photography / Electronic imaging (LCTI)
Print Technology/ Graphic Imaging (LCTI)
Emerging Digital Media/ Social Comm. (LCTI)
ALL Business electives
ALL Social Studies electives
ALL Math electives
ALL English electives
Computer Information Technology (LCTI)
Computer & Networking Technology (LCTI)
Marketing & Business Education (LCTI)
Web Design / Web Programming (LCTI)
Microsoft Skills for College & Career (LCTI)