Fact Sheet

What is Career Connections in Baltimore County?

areer Connections is Maryland's comprehensive school-to-career initiative. Framework for learning in schools and colleges that links students, schools, and workplaces Encourages schools at all levels to develop systems cooperatively with employers, unions, civic groups and other organizations Partnerships Department of Labor and Education (Federal level) educators, students, employers, parents, labor, community organizations and government agencies (State and local level) Local Labor Market Team (County level)

What is the goal of Career Connections?

It is simple...To ensure that ALL students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make the transition from school to careers. Objectives for the implementation are: the preparation for ALL learners for employment and further education an expanded role for employers in the education of ALL learners a well-prepared work force to improve economic vitality for the county service to ALL learners, kindergarten though adult improved student performance increased retention rate at all levels of education

How will the system work?

In elementary and middle school: awareness of the many careers available to them how the skills learned in school apply to skills needed for future success In high school: begin a career development plan that will continue through college and early work experiences gain information about career paths, specific career requirements, educational opportunities and the nature of the career field choose a career cluster to focus on by grade 11 choices will be flexible and open to change At the post secondary level: focus on a career major in-depth continue personal career development through work-based learning opportunities

How will learners benefit from Career Connections?

ALL learners will benefit by: being better prepared for further education gaining an awareness of all nine career clusters exploring their interests and determining their abilities selecting course work that is related to a career field exploring careers further by working in a career field documenting skills and abilities in a career transcript or a portfolio developed at the school or training agency

Who is responsible for implementing Career Connections?

Management team: business persons educators community members labor representatives government officials Local school teams implementation decisions for their schools input from community members and central office staff Post secondary level teams implement decisions based on input from the community Community team Any member of the Baltimore County community may get involved with the imitative by contacting: Career Connections Office individual contacts at the local school , community college, or university

How is Career Connections funded?

Federal level Funding is by a five-year, $25.2 million federal grant under the federal School-to-Work Opportunities Act. County level Baltimore County will receive $2.2 million over a four-year period, beginning in February 1997.

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In Baltimore County, contact Edward Fangman at (410) 887-3941   This page is maintained by Kay D. Jones If you have any questions or comments, please send e-mails to kjones@bcpl.net