Applications submitted by schools and colleges across the nations were received by NCRVE-OSS. Applications were reviewed by a panel of nationally recognized professionals in the field using strict research-based criteria that focused on three clusters of components: (1) Career Guidance and Counseling Program Plan; (2) Collaboration, Articulation, and Communication Efforts; and (3) Institutional Support, Leadership, and Program Evaluation. Teams made site visits to determine top ranking programs. There were six programs recognized as exemplary career guidance and counseling programs during the 1996 nationwide search. These programs exemplify school efforts in developing and implementing well-integrated, comprehensive career guidance programs that assist all students in their transition from school to the world of work and/or further education. Each is successful in helping all students make the connection between school and work. State Departments of Education in which the six programs operate endorsed these programs for their exemplariness and for meeting state educational priorities. The identified programs can serve as models for schools in responding to the career development needs of the growing diverse student population through comprehensive career guidance programs.
NCRVE-OSS announced the six exemplary programs in several national newsletters. Information about the programs was disseminated through the OSS' publications and during workshops and conference presentations. Program information was also entered into the OSS' database of exemplary programs. Professionals, agencies, and other educational institutions can access the information about these programs through the OSS database (http://ncrve-oss.ed.uiuc.edu). In addition, representatives of the various programs have shared their success during presentations at regional and national conferences.
This document contains the criteria used for identifying exemplary programs; a description of each recognized program; the name, phone number, and address of a contact person for each of the exemplary programs; and suggestions for effective program implementation. For more information, contact OSS or the program representatives.