SPPS Career Pathway Partnership Opportunities

Please reach out to Breanna.Galuska@spps.org or at 651.336.0925 for more information on partnering with SPPS. 

Student Internships (slideshow): SPPS students have an opportunity to work paid internships either during the school day or after school. Most internships are project-based and connected to a student’s area of interest/study. Students are paid a minimum of $13/hour. The City of Saint Paul’s Right Track Youth Employment Program is the SPPS  primary partner for internships connected to the Districtwide Career Pathways Program. SPPS is also a proud partner with GenesysWorks.  Youth Employment Partners  and SPPS provide employers and students with the support they need to complete successful internships. (Student Grade Level: All)

Student-Employer Networking Events (slideshow): With the help of SPPS staff, employers network with students during the school day usually in small groups or classroom sessions . The events are prepared and facilitated by Work Based Learning Coordinators, SPPS staff with specialized training and education in preparing and supporting students to be work- and career- ready.  (Student Grade Level: 10th - 12th) 

Career and Technical Education (CTE)  Advisory Council (slideshow): The CTE Advisory Council is a partnership of educators, business, industry and community members who work together to support students through career exploration and industry learning experiences. “Advisory committees are essential to ensuring program relevance and quality, providing students and school districts with new opportunities and resources, and connecting students and educators with the larger regional, state and national employment communities.” (MDE, 2022)

Career Speakers (slideshow): Individual volunteers or volunteer teams, present to a class of students about their career journeys, educational backgrounds, and work experience. Classroom visits are facilitated by educators. Speakers may sit on panels with other professionals or present to a class independently. Educators ensure students are prepped with the information they need to find the experience valuable, while also making sure the speaker is supported throughout the process. (Student Grade Level: all) 

Mentors (slideshow): Mentoring opportunities can be varied in SPPS. Some mentorship programs are organized by SPPS partner organizations like BestPrep, others are connected to specific programs or courses. Mentors are paired with classes or groups of students depending upon the type of program. Students and mentors may be matched based upon interest or content area. Some SPPS mentor programs participate in a quarter or semester-long project with students in a specific course (Student Grade Level: middle & high school)  

Job Shadowing (slideshow): Job shadows are an excellent opportunity for students to explore careers of interest in a short-term, structured setting. Job shadows consist of students spending one day (when school is in session) observing a professional at their place of work. Job Shadows are an opportunity for students to connect what they have learned in the classroom to a future career. In some cases, companies allow students an opportunity to work on a project or do hands-on experiences in an area that is of interest to them. (Student Grade Level: high school)

Educator Externships (slideshow): Educator Externships are a unique professional development opportunity whereby SPPS educators work with an industry partner to learn about the skills, assets, and competencies needed to be successful in that career pathway. In SPPS, externships also include partnering with a local training program, college, or university with the degree, certificate, or credential needed to work in that particular field in order to further bridge the gap between secondary (high school), postsecondary (college/training) and industry.

Sponsorship of a College Course (connected to a Career Pathway) (slideshow): SPPS students have many opportunities to take advanced training courses, many for college credit, in their home high schools and by participating in the Districtwide Career Pathways Program. SPPS seeks funders who have an interest in supporting specific coursework related to their organizational goals, mission, and needs. Through advanced coursework, students have the opportunity to learn specific skills and participate in training that make them more marketable and competitive in today’s economy. 

Funding Opportunities (slideshow): There are many ways to sponsor or fund Office of College and Career Readiness programming. SPPS Office of Innovation and Office of College and Career Readiness staff work with potential funders to discuss organizational goals and needs, write collaborative grants, and connect possible partners to additional organizations that have similar goals, values, and needs. SPPS welcomes multi-organizational partnerships that leverage the gifts and attributes of many organizations to create programs that support the future workforce of Saint Paul and the Metro Area.

Please reach out to Breanna.Galuska@spps.org or at 651.336.0925 for more information on partnering with SPPS. Thank you for your interest!