Charting Career Pathways
Building a bridge from high school to life beyond the classroom
Young people face a unique set of challenges and opportunities as they navigate the transition from high school to the workforce. While our culture has traditionally celebrated the path to college, there is less support for those who choose to go straight to work. A cohesive regional system is necessary to equip teens with the essential skills for workforce readiness and life beyond the classroom. Recognizing this pressing need, Adirondack Foundation has championed initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. We brought together educators, business leaders, and other stakeholders from across the region to find ways to strengthen career pathways and develop resources for our youth. One such resource is the Most Promising Jobs report, a collaboration with the New York Department of Labor to highlight living-wage jobs projected for the next decade and the career pathways leading to them. Drawing upon labor market data, this report gives youth-friendly insights into which careers are expected to be in high demand, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. Through partnerships, data-driven insights, and unwavering commitment, Adirondack Foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for our Adirondack youth. Contact us if you would like a copy.
Community Connections for Career Exploration
The landscape of youth workforce development is evolving. Innovative programs and collaborations between schools, organizations, and employers are increasing student access to mentorships, real-world experiences, and networking opportunities. Adirondack Foundation is a proud supporter of these featured programs, all of which are committed to bridging the gap between education and employment and equipping students with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to thrive.
Authentic STEM
The Authentic STEM program, led by the North Country Workforce Partnership, bridges classroom learning with real-world projects from local employers, fostering a dynamic exploration of STEM careers. Through international collaborations with German students and partnerships with businesses like Michelin Beyond Road and Norsk Titanium, students gain invaluable insights into the global and regional landscape of STEM fields. Authentic STEM has garnered attention from state education and labor departments and is being considered for recommendation as a statewide model for career orientation, highlighting its innovative approach and effectiveness in aligning with contemporary educational and workforce development goals.
ADK Career Connect
The inaugural ADK Career Connect conference, organized by a collaborative effort led by CVTEC and North Country Workforce Development Board, provided a platform for high school students to explore diverse career opportunities offered by local employers. Attended by 1,350 students, the event showcased the breadth of career pathways available in the region, facilitated direct connections between students and local employers, and provided networking practice and the opportunity to directly apply for jobs. The event’s success underscores the importance of collaboration among schools and local employers in supporting youth workforce development.
Tupper Lake Central School District
Tupper Lake Central School District is creating connections with community members and local businesses to support students’ learning and skill development in collaboration with the College for Every Student Brilliant Pathways program. The program’s initiatives include student-to-student and student-adult mentoring, in addition to schoolwide advisory groups, promoting teamwork and personalized guidance for students. In the first year of the initiative, the school tracked positive outcomes, including increased college visits with mentors, reduced absenteeism and discipline referrals, and a growth in interested mentors. The senior class is slated to have the highest percentage of students with solidified plans following graduation — there were over 200 college applications submitted, and students not attending colleges have developed distinct career maps and plans.
Rethinking Scholarships for Students Entering the Trades
Adirondack Foundation remains committed to supporting students pursuing career pathways in the trades and entering the workforce directly after high school. In recognition of the critical need for financial assistance, two new funds have been established to provide support for students embarking on careers in the building trades and technical education programs. These funds honor the legacies of community members and serve as beacons of opportunity for the next generation of skilled professionals.
Winfried Holderied Legacy Fund
This fund, established in honor of a Lake Placid hotelier described by his family as “a humble cabinet maker and visionary builder,” is dedicated to supporting students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing careers in the building trades. The fund empowers the next generation of builders and provides financial support to deserving students for work-based apprenticeship stipends, tool kits to get started on the job, or scholarships for continuing their training.
CV-TEC Career and Technical Educational Pathways Fund
With founding support from the Moore family, owners of Moore Trucks and Moore Recycling in Keeseville, this fund invests in the success of students in the trades. It seeks to eliminate economic barriers for students of CV-TEC, a leading provider of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the region, by providing uniforms, tools, work-based learning stipends, or scholarships for additional training or degree programs.
