Career Connections

Career Connections is the integrated framework, aligned with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate and the division's Strategic Plan, which ensures all YCSD students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to be productive citizens.

The goal is to introduce students to a broad variety of career opportunities, in both current and emerging industries, which they will then investigate based on their personal, academic and professional interests. Finally, students will implement personalized Academic and Career Plans (ACP) aligning their coursework with their post-graduation plans.

Profile of a Virginia Graduate

The Profile of a Virginia Graduate establishes a new set of expectations - known as the 5 C’s: critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and citizenship skills.

This approach will prepare every student with the content knowledge they need and the skills they need to apply it successfully after graduation. A successful Virginia Graduate will:

• Achieve and apply academic & technical knowledge;
• Demonstrate workplace skills, qualities, & behaviors;
• Build connections and value interactions with others as a responsible & responsive citizen;
• and align knowledge, skills & personal interests with interests with career opportunities.

Why are Career Connections important?

We believe students are more engaged when they understand how their academic and/or technical coursework relates to future career possibilities. When students understand these connections early in their education, they will be better equipped to make decisions when developing their Academic and Career Plan.

Through the combined efforts of students, parents, teachers, counselors, and employers we can ensure all YCSD students are college and career ready when they graduate high school.

Career Connections Framework by Level