Parents often ask their kids what they want to be when they grow up, but Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) takes that question very seriously. A new initiative called My Tomorrow tackles the task of preparing high schoolers for what happens after they graduate. With a mix of rigorous academics, technology support, and strong relationships with adult advisory teams, students get the preparation they need to meet their goals, whether that’s to attend college or join the workforce.
“There is a heavy focus on academics to build a strong foundation,” says Cynthia Sanders, ELA curriculum manager. “But that doesn’t leave out the arts!” An inter-disciplinary approach keeps students thinking creatively and making connections between subjects. Students can meet with professionals in the workforce from organizations such as PNC Bank or Duke Energy to explore fields of interest, create resumes, and participate in job fairs and mock interviews.
My Tomorrow will be introduced to lower grades over the next few years. Younger students meet with advisors on a regular basis to learn about things like working on teams, and also just to talk about their dreams. Sanders explains that guided questions from mentors get kids thinking about what people do in the world, and about what they might want to do someday. These meetings also reinforce the importance of school, and let children know that they have someone who believes in them.
“CPS is very dedicated to figuring out how to help every child achieve their goals after graduation,” says Sanders. “That’s the heart of the program.” To learn more, visit mytomorrowed.org.