Consider this: over the next 50 years, the U.S. population is projected to increase by nearly 50%; our knowledge base is expanding exponentially; and people are expected to change jobs five to seven times in their lifetime. Consider the implications for our workforce. Consider the implications for our students.
During Highlands’ students’ four years of high school, teachers continually make connections to careers related to the discipline under study; equally, if not more important, by word, experience, and modeling, teachers teach the five Workplace Readiness Standards that students throughout the state of New Jersey are expected to master before they graduate.

• All students will develop career planning and workplace readiness skills.
• All students will use information, technology, and other tools.
• All students will use critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• All students will demonstrate self-management skills.
• All students will apply safety principles

At Highlands all facets of schooling are involved in preparing students for the world of work including: academics, electives, physical education and health, internships, school and community service, extra-curricular activities, sports, and guidance. Teachers also provide additional career-related programs, eg. field trips, speakers, projects, and the like. Largely, career education is provided by infusion; teachers make a point of connecting the material under study to the world of work. Another means of helping students distinguish between career reality and expectations is our Career Day program held every other year in the spring.

The Guidance Department further supplements career education through the following:

• A variety of career websites are available on the NH website so that students have easy access when homework or research projects require career exploration. We also have multiple career resources and enrichment activities of which students are urged to avail themselves.
• In freshman year, while in Contemporary Business Technology class, students are introduced to Naviance and its various career and college resources.  By the time students graduate, many, if not most, will have selected a college major.
• In sophomore year, prior to scheduling, counselors meet with students for a workshop on careers, focusing on what they have learned about themselves as a result of taking an interest inventory The Holland Self-Directed Search. Counselors then make connections to students’ course selection choices. Students are urged to consider what courses they would like to have had by the time they graduate.
• In junior year, counselees take the Strong Interest Inventory. Counselors, along with counselees and their parents, discuss implications for both college programs and career interests at formal junior conferences.
  
• In senior year, counseling sessions and exit interviews provide time for our counselors to continue to encourage students to think about their future and the impact that a college major and career choice can have on their lives.