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CHAPTER 3

Exemplary Career Guidance and Counseling Programs: 1995

POSTSECONDARY

Career Development Center
JOBS Program--OWLS
The Pathway Program
Student Services/Counseling Program

Career Development Center

Address: San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95207
Program Contact Marcela Rodgers-Vieira, Counselor/Coordinator
Telephone Number: (209) 474-5674

Description

San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC) is a state-supported community college located in a low socioeconomic area in Stockton, California, with an estimated enrollment of 18,000 students. The student population is highly diverse with 48% white, 20% Hispanic, 6% African American, and 26% Asian and others. To prepare SJDC students for the challenges of a changing workplace and increased global competition, the Career Development Center (CDC) assists all students and potential students at SJDC with the much needed career life planning process. The CDC framework is based on the National Career Development Guidelines, the California Community College (CCC) Student Matriculation Plan, the CCC Quality Indicators for Gender Equity and Single Parent/Homemaker Programs, and other career development resources.

The purpose of the CDC is to (1) enhance students' self-knowledge, and (2) refine skills in seeking and processing information, analyzing career problems, formulating creative solutions, choosing the most promising career opportunities, and implementing plans to accomplish goals that integrate their personal and career aspirations. The career life planning process empowers students to face career problems and crises, as well as to acquire skills and hone capabilities to manage their own career development over a lifetime. CDC offers numerous services, including assistance on educational, career, and occupational exploration; decisionmaking and goal setting; scholarship/financial aid information; résumé writing; college orientation; child care grants; and interview skills refinement. The strategies used by CDC staff in reaching out to students are individual assistance, group presentations and workshops, a sequence of one unit career development courses, and independent study.

Appendix F contains a copy of San Joaquin Delta College's application to the 1995 search for exemplary career guidance programs.

JOBS Program--OWLS

Address: Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
P.O. Box 3989
200 I Street Northeast
Miami, OK 74353
Program Contact Dr. Sue Stidham, JOBS Program Director
Telephone Number: (918) 542-8441

Description

Designed to assist individuals who are Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients, who are displaced homemakers, who have dropped out of schools, and who are "trapped" in low-paying jobs, the JOBS Program - OWLS (Older, Wiser, Learning Students) at the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, has given these individuals the hope and the opportunity to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of dependency on the welfare system. The program collaborates with various agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Job Training Agency, Native American organizations, area churches, and community-based organizations in helping these adult students realize their dream of obtaining an education.

Prior to admission to the program, OWLS participants complete a comprehensive intake process that involves an evaluation of cognitive, behavioral, and social skills, as well as needs, interests, and abilities. Students work with counselors in making educational and career decisions. When admitted to the program, students sign a contractual agreement to ensure program compliance and student success. Counseling services include individual and family therapy, physical and sexual abuse therapy, substance abuse counseling, and parenting and educational services. An essential educational service that OWLS participants receive is the availability of highly qualified tutors in math, science, health science, and English. These tutors also assist in delivering the employability module that includes "Return to Learn," résumé building, and job readiness skills.

Appendix G contains a copy of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College's application to the 1995 search for exemplary career guidance programs.

The Pathway Program

Address: St. Petersburg Junior College
P.O. Box 13489
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
Program Contact Tonjua Williams, Coordinator
Telephone Number: (813) 341-3767

Description

The Pathway Program paves the way for aspiring disadvantaged and other underrepresented students to enter the Nursing and Allied Health Programs in St. Petersburg Junior College. The program takes pride in its strong career guidance component and other services that enable students to increase their self-esteem and self-advocacy; improve their socialization, work, and study skills; gain knowledge on conflict resolution and problem solving; and make career decisions that match their interests, abilities, and aptitudes.

Services provided to Pathway participants include counseling, remediation, tutoring, assessment, financial assistance, resources, mentoring, career shadowing, and a well-planned curriculum. Pathway students sign individualized contracts that outline the expectations and requirements they have to fulfill. In addition, students can avail themselves of the services offered by other resource centers such as the New Initiative Program and Career Center. Successful graduates become ambassadors of the program. The impact of the program to students is captured best by one graduate's remark: "I want to give back what was given to me."

Appendix H contains a copy of St. Petersburg College's application to the 1995 search for exemplary career guidance programs.

Student Services/Counseling Program

Address: Renton Technical College
3000 N.E. 4th Street
Renton, WA 98056
Program Contact Michael Crehan, Counselor
Telephone Number: (206) 235-5840

Description

The Student Services/Counseling Program, an integral part of the Renton Technical College in Renton, Washington, serves a diverse student population that has an average age of 32. The program was established to serve all students, not just those who come to the counseling center. Guided by the National Career Development Guidelines and A Guide for Counseling and Guidance Services in Washington State, counselors are achieving their goals of facilitating (1) lifelong learning competencies; (2) personal effectiveness competencies required for social and personal development; and (3) life role competencies in multiple settings, including school, home, work, and community.

Students' basic skills, interests, and aptitudes are assessed to determine career direction. Counselors assist students in setting educational and life goals and in making appropriate career choices. They also act as a liaison among students, agencies, faculty, and administrators. To enhance student success, the Student Services/Counseling Program provides support services, including counseling, financial aid information, co-op placement, job fairs, career fairs, tutoring, transportation, child care, and mentoring. The program has been successful in graduating approximately 1,200 students from the various occupational programs each year.

Appendix I contains a copy of Renton Technical College's application to the 1995 search for exemplary career guidance programs.

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