9th-12th grade
What can I do in high school?
If you are in grades 9-12, the world is your oyster! Through a multitude of work-based learning and networking opportunities, we hope to give you an edge over all the competition. Learn innovative industry skills through our CTE Pathways, earn college credit in high school, and show off your accomplishments to future employers with industry recognized credentials. If you're ready SkillUp with OHVA, explore the opportunities below.
JOIN A CTE PATHWAY
Ohio Virtual Academy's Career Technical Education (CTE) Program teaches career skills students need to be successful after high school. In addition to core courses required for graduation, students' electives allow them to explore different career fields and gain skills that can help them be successful in the workplace and in college. Whether students intend to go to college, are working in their career field now, or plan to start their career right out of high school, the occupational programs offered can combine passion and interests with the skills needed to compete for jobs in high-demand fields.
TAKE CAREER EXPLORATION COURSES
OHVA offers the seven semester-long career exploration courses below for 9th and 10th grade students. Each high school exploration course is worth .5 elective credit towards graduation requirements.
Returning OHVA students who took career exploration courses in 8th grade are able to take any exploration course they did not previously take in middle school.
All newly enrolled 9th graders are required to take one of the following eight courses. If possible, student interest should be used to determine course placement. Students may opt-out of these courses if they want to take a foreign language, require an alternative curriculum, or their parent insists their student not participate.
No 11th or 12th grade enrollment is permitted without admin approval.
CAR017 PBL Business and Marketing Explorations
This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL). This course is designed as an exploration of the business career pathways. Students will get an introduction to business careers so that they can better assess which pathway to pursue. In this course students explore basic concepts in the broad areas of business and marketing, as well as career options in each area. Students study the concepts of marketing, financial management, and human resource management, in addition to other common business-related functions. Students complete projects to develop a deeper understanding of the roles these business functions play.
CAR045 PBL Agriculture Explorations
This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL). This course is designed as an exploration of the agriculture career pathways. Students will get an introduction to agriculture careers so that they can better assess which pathway to pursue. In this course students explore basic concepts in the broad areas of agribusiness and agriscience, as well as career options in each area. Students study the concepts of horticulture, natural resources, and livestock production, in addition to other common agriculture related functions. Students complete projects to develop a deeper understanding of the roles these agricultural functions play.
CAR095 PBL IT Explorations
This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL). This course is designed as an exploration of the information technology career pathways. Students will get an introduction to information technology careers so that they can better assess which pathway to pursue. In this course students explore basic concepts in the broad areas of information technology, as well as career options in each area. Students study the concepts of networking information support, web and digital communications, and programming and software development.
CAR031 Engineering Explorations
Each day, we are surrounded by technology and engineering projects. From our phones to the bridges we drive over, engineering and technology influence many parts of our lives. In this course you will learn more about engineering and technology careers and what skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in these fields. You’ll explore innovative and cutting-edge projects that are changing the world we live in and examine the design and prototype development process. Engineering Explorations will also help you understand the emerging issues in this exciting career field.
CAR019 PBL Healthcare Explorations
This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL) and is designed as an exploration of career pathways in healthcare. In this course students study the concepts of public service, effective communication, planning for emergencies, legal issues in health care, and career options in addition to other common related functions. Students complete projects to develop a deeper understanding of the roles these career functions play.
CS Teaching 1 Education Field Experience Explorations
This course is a field experience course. This course is designed to expose students who are interested in Early Childhood Education to all grade bands of classrooms. Students will coordinate with OHVA teachers to observe in their classrooms, then complete a reflection on each experience. Students will also connect with a range of other educational staff members, such as a principal, counselor, advocate, etc.
CAR015 Arts, AV Tech, and Communications Exploration
This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL). This course is designed as an exploration of the arts, audio/video technology, and communications pathways. Students will get an introduction to arts, audio/video technology, and communications careers so that they can better assess which pathway to pursue. In this course students explore basic concepts in the broad areas of art, audio/video technology, and communication, as well as career options in each area. Students study the concepts of technology skills, audio/video technology, communications, art appreciation, visual and performing arts, journalism and broadcasting, and telecommunications. Students complete projects to develop a deeper understanding of the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in arts, audio/video, or communications.
CAR100 Summit Career Planning
(For students interested in joining a pathway in 10th or 11th grade)
Students use an informative interactive process to explore career and life options in this one-semester elective. They begin with a thorough examination of their own interests, aptitudes, achievements, and personality styles. Instructional material then helps them match job market information, interview techniques, training requirements, and educational paths to potential careers that suit their strengths and personal priorities. Successfully completing this course gives students the ability to identify and describe their personal interests, aptitudes, and lifestyle goals; locate and evaluate information about different careers; identify the skills and knowledge needed for careers of interest and how to obtain them; and create an entrepreneurial business plan.
EARN A CREDENTIAL
Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) are certifications that prove competency and mastery of a particular skill set. These credentials let employers know that you are prepared for the job. These credentials can be added to resumes in order to showcase your skills, all while boosting your chances of getting a good-paying job right out of high school. Earning 12 IRC points in any one career field allows you to show readiness and earn an IRC Seal towards Ohio's state graduation requirements.
Any OHVA high school student can take the qualifying test to obtain an IRC for one or more of the following:
CPR First Aid (1 point)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour training (1 point)
RISE Up Retail Fundamentals (6 points)
RISE Up Customer Service and Sales (6 points)
RISE Up Advanced Customer Services and Sales (6 points)
Please reach out to your school counselor for the link to sign up for an IRC.
SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS AND EARN BADGES
Create a portfolio in Tallo to earn digital badges and showcase your skills and achievements. Tallo helps you to get connected to potential employers, colleges, and scholarship opportunities.
ATTEND CAREER CONNECTIONS SEMINARS
Join Mr. White every third Thursday of the month at noon for lunchtime Career Connections seminars. Learn career readiness skills and glean knowledge from guest speakers from various industries and career fields. Look for these sessions on your Class Connect calendar.