The transition from high school to college or a career can be tough if a student has not been adequately prepared. Equipping students to make this transition is a priority at Dayspring Christian Academy. We do this through a unique class in our students’ junior year — Apprenticeship Class.
The students focus on spiritual, academic, personality and leadership strengths leading to college and career possibilities. They use the learned information to help them design a path of further study or training. SAT preparation and the college application and acceptance process are addressed as part of this class. Students are challenged to take on responsibility for the next level of education and growth for future pursuits. A successful transition from high school to either college or a career path is the goal of this course.
The Principle Approach is a “reflective teaching and learning” method that is applied in Apprenticeship Class. Students research information regarding their own personal aptitudes, spiritual giftings, interests, and abilities and apply that information to careers of interest. They reason through the process of choosing a career that may “fit them,” and the path to achieving it, including further education if required. Students develop a notebook through the course of the year to use as a portfolio to collect essays, transcripts, and information pertaining to each college or training center of interest. They create comparison charts for colleges, financial aid, and scholarships. It is a record of their personal journey and pursuit for the future. Before the close of the year, students have the opportunity to shadow/apprentice a career of interest for four days. They return from the experience with insight and stories to share with the class. It is a great time of understanding what really happens “on the job.” Some are introduced to careers they had never considered or even known about. Many students return inspired with changed ideas, clearer direction, or confirmed plans for the future.
I can remember one student’s story of dreams to be a podiatrist until she witnessed firsthand the pros and cons of working with people’s feet. Her dreams turned to nausea and her plans happily moved in the direction of nursing. Another student thought her only desire was to work with animals, but after apprenticing in an elementary class found she loved working with kids and desired to pursue that further. Another student I can remember came back beaming with excitement for their future in business and marketing. There are many stories like these. There is great value in engaging in the areas of interest for greater understanding. Every aspect of Apprenticeship Class helps prepare students for the transitions ahead.
At the age of 16, the thoughts and plans for college and career may seem far off. When students in 11th grade are then presented with the rapid timelines approaching, the thoughts and plans can be overwhelming. Together, we look to Christ for guidance. At the heart of our Apprenticeship Class is Christ. Matthew 6:33 says, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. (AMP)
Parents and students are not alone on this journey. Together with Christ’s leading, we inquire, research, engage and pursue all that He has for each individual student. Apprenticeship Class enables students to consider how they have been created, seek the Lord’s direction, experience a possible career, and gain confidence as they move foward on the path God has for them.
To learn more about Dayspring Christian Academy, please contact Karol Hasting at 717-285-2000 or schedule a private tour using the button below.