High school is a transformative period for self-discovery and exploration, prompting students to identify passions and life goals. Central to this journey is the crucial task of discerning a sense of purpose, a driving force that provides meaning and direction. Uncovering purpose is an ongoing process, shaping decisions and life throughout. Initiating this exploration early equips students to make choices aligned with their values, interests, and strengths, establishing a solid foundation for a meaningful career pathway.
Edina Public Schools is committed to providing practical, hands-on skills for the future of each student at Edina High School. The district has an exciting goal that by 2030, every graduating senior will have completed an internship, work experience or other opportunity to obtain real-world skills and credentials in a career area.
There are three ways we're working towards this goal:
Career exploration is woven throughout an Edina Public Schools education. Even in preschool it can be as simple as dramatic play. The opportunities expand from there.
Guest Speakers
Come in to speak to high school students during their flex hour on Thursdays to share your experience in your given field. We are also hosting guest speakers at our early arrival program (Hornet Central) at both middle schools.
Facility Tours
Facility tours provide potential interns with an opportunity to learn about the company's operations, see different departments and teams in action, and get a better understanding of how the company works as a whole.
Enrichment Classes
Explore different ways to find your purpose through fun enrichment classes. Try something new and exciting to find what really sparks your interest and find ways to weave this interest into a future career pathway!
Career/Job Fairs
Attend our career fair and/or job fairs to give students the opportunity to learn about different companies and industries.
Job Shadowing
By spending time with a professional in a field that students are interested in, students can learn more about the job duties, skills required and education and training necessary.
Hosting an Intern
Ready to become a YST approved employer and host a high school intern? Start the process by filling out the interest form. From there the Youth Career and Pathways Program Coordinator will reach out and have an initial conversation to discuss what needs your business has and how the YST Program Coordinator can help support interns at your site. Once businesses have confirmed interest in the program we will follow the YST employer approval process to have your business become an approved employer!
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a department at Edina High school that provides courses that are directly related to careers. CTE programs typically offered in conjunction with regular academic classes, and they can lead to industry-recognized certifications and/or associate degrees. CTE programs also typically include a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and work-based learning experiences.
Ways to Get Involved with CTE:
Serve on our CTE Advisory board to help strengthen school-to-work partnerships. The role of a CTE advisory council member is to provide guidance, input, and recommendations to help shape and improve career and industry-related programs in a school or a district.
Career and Technical Education Department Co-Leads
A visionary in STEM education hailing from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Shannon Seaver is a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of technologists and innovators. With a rich academic background from University of Iowa and Bemidji State University and an influential presence in Hennepin County. Shannon is dedicated to create career pathways for the future. Her commitment to the field is evident from her recent accolade as the 2023 TEKNE Educator of the Year, an award that celebrates outstanding STEM educators in Minnesota. Shannon's passion is not just limited to accolades; her genuine love for teaching is fueled by her students, who inspire her every day. A firm believer in the power of technology to shape the future, Shannon envisions a world where classrooms are the birthplace of groundbreaking ideas. As she continues her journey, she emphasizes collaboration and innovation, ensuring that the future of STEM education in Minnesota and beyond remains luminous.
Jodi Ramirez has been teaching engineering and computer science classes at Edina High School and Valley View Middle School for the past 15 years. She has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and a Masters in Education from St. Mary’s University. Prior to teaching, she worked as a civil engineer in the Air Force assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, South Dakota; Los Angeles Air Force Base; and Eskan Village Air Base, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She also worked as a civil engineer in the private sector designing residential and commercial developments for Bohlen Surveying and Engineering, Savage, MN. Jodi has three sons that have all graduated from Edina High School.
Components of a CTE Class:
Align to career pathways and industry standards
Provide technical skills training
Integrate academic and technical instruction
Offer work-based learning (WBL) opportunities
Lead to industry-recognized credentials/certifications
Prepare students for postsecondary education and career success
There's no better way to explore a career than with a formal work experience. Edina students can explore career pathways in a variety of ways such as volunteering, job shadowing, internships or paid work experiences.
We are very excited that Edina Public Schools received a 2023-2025 Youth Skills Training grant from Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. This grant will allow us to develop a pathway for students to explore the field of Information Technology. We're using this as a foundation to help connect well prepared students with paid internships.
