A Career Readiness Cord is an honorary designation that signals to future employers and post-secondary institutions that students have participated in a wide range of high school career preparation courses and have demonstrated evidence of 21st-century skills valued in the workplace.

Watch this video to learn more!

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria 1 - Demonstrates depth of knowledge about careers and workplace readiness through participation in K-12 Career and Technical Education coursework

Evidence:

• Complete at least two CTE credits within a K-12 setting (high school or Skills Center). The eligibility requirement for a cord is two credits (example: 4 half-credit courses, or 2 one-credit courses or two half-credit courses and a full credit course)
• The courses can be from multiple program areas (Ag, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Sciences, Skilled Trades, STEM)
• Running Start courses are not eligible.
• Seniors who are slated to take a CTE class during the second semester who will have earned at least 2 credits by graduation may apply for a cord.

Criteria 2 - Demonstrate 21st-century skills valued in the workplace 

Evidence:

• Online Application Form
• Resume
• Interview

Selection Criteria

Students will be evaluated using a rubric scored by a committee of business/industry partners and district leadership. Students that demonstrate criteria outlined on the rubrics for the application, resume, and interview will receive a Career Readiness Cord. 

Supports for Students

Students are encouraged to access the resources below and to take advantage of supports from the Career Specialists to ensure that they submit a high-quality application and are prepared for the interview.  by accessing the following before submitting the application:

Resources

• Copy of application questions (This document is for planning purposes only. Please complete and submit the application online)
• Rubrics 
• Resume and Interview resources

Career Specialist can support students with:

• Writing Support: Resume and application
• Mock Interviews
• Scheduling interviews

This process is designed to mirror a job application process. Therefore, revisions to application will not be permitted after the application is submitted. The application deadline is January 31, 2022.

Timeline 2021-22 School Year

• November 2021: Invitations to the class of 2021 students meeting minimum qualifications (or on track to meet qualifications by the end of the year) emailed to students and families
• November - January: Career Specialists available to provide application and resume support
• January 31, 2022: Online application materials due
• February and March: Career Specialist available to provide mock interview support
• March: Interviews
• April: Students notified of application status
• June: Cords distributed at Senior Awards event

Email your Career Specialists to arrange support or to answer questions about the process

• Bonney Lake High School: Jaclyn Layton
  
• Sumner High School: Melissa Nelson