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How To Include College And Career Readiness in High School Graduation Ceremonies
April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024
High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
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High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
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High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
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High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
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High school graduation is a significant event for students and their families. It is the culmination of four years of hard work, learning, growth, and development. It marks the transition from dependence on families and educators to a more independent and self-sufficient beginning of adulthood. And, receiving a high school diploma is a critical requirement for many postsecondary next steps from college matriculation to different trade programs to certain employment roles.
The diploma that students receive at graduation, and associated transcript, document the specific and unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences each student has gained during the previous four years. In other words, high school graduation is a visible and formal marker declaring that a student is college and career ready (CCR).
High school graduation ceremonies, however, rarely acknowledge and honor the full breadth and depth of the CCR work that students have completed. Typically, these events spotlight the very highest level of academic achievement with valedictorian and salutatorian speeches and a nod to students who are graduating in the top ten percent. Just focusing on academic outcomes as measured by grade point averages, however, leaves out the rich set of meaningful and noteworthy CCR experiences and achievements from a student body.
Tips to Expand CCR Recognition at Graduation
In order to honor the broad diversity of CCR work, schools can and should expand what is celebrated and honored at high school graduation ceremonies. Use these five tips to build CCR achievements into graduation ceremonies and communicate to the school community that CCR is a priority and that successfully being college- and career-ready is truly an accomplishment.
Have graduation cords or sashes for completion of different career pathways.
To honor students’ engagement and hard work in career readiness pathways, schools might consider honoring graduates of various career pathway programs with cords specific to their fields of study. Similar to honor cords for academic achievements or those that represent membership or participation in school clubs and activities, this visual representation of the hard work and dedication to career readiness offers an opportunity for students to be acknowledged and celebrated as they prepare for their next steps.
Include pinning or the awarding of certifications.
Some schools offer the opportunity for students to earn professional-level certifications as part of career readiness programs. These certifications require a great deal of time, testing, practical hours, and/or a variety of other preconditions and are the same as those adults must complete to earn the same credentials. Schools might incorporate celebrations of completion of these certificates and programs into the graduation ceremony. For instance, students who have completed certified nursing assistant programs might receive their pins; those who earn their EMT certifications might have their name and specialized achievement announced. Students who earn these valuable credentials should be recognized for their commitment to their future career alongside other honors and accomplishments.
Celebrate students who complete a certain threshold of work-based learning (WBL) hours.
Oftentimes, students who dedicate time to sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities receive recognition for their commitment. Similarly, students who spend their time participating in work-based learning should be recognized as these efforts often require a substantial amount of time and focus, in-depth engagement and study, and a prioritization of career development over other activities. Schools might create a special award for the student who has completed the most WBL hours or spotlight the top five students with the most WBL time contributions.
Invite industry partners to be on stage to shake hands when diplomas, certificates, and other honors are awarded.
Industry partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to experience hands-on, real-world learning. Including these career leaders in graduation ceremonies not only honors their time and commitment to students and learning, but also showcases the value of their relationships with students. Having industry partners at graduation ceremonies works to communicate that these are important members of the school community and their mentorship is appreciated.
In the graduation program, alongside where students will attend college, include a list of career destinations.
In high school graduation programs, many schools list where students will be attending college the following year. To truly communicate the college and career readiness focus of CCR programs, schools can broaden this to list all students’ future plans, including straight-to-career next steps and trade schools. Doing this reinforces that there are many different successful postsecondary pathways and that the diversity is valued by the community.
Graduation is a Beginning Rather Than An End
High school graduations are often referred to as commencement ceremonies. This is because they signify the beginning of this next phase of life for students–whether going on to college or straight to career. The goal of CCR programs and efforts is to ensure that when students take this critical step they are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to successfully take on new roles and responsibilities to be successful. With this backdrop, it only makes sense for high school graduations to more fully recognize and embed CCR achievements in the program. Doing so fuels CCR efforts and builds a culture that explicitly prioritizes CCR for all students.
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