The William S. Hart Union High School District Career Development Department offers a variety of opportunities, including the Career Path program and Regional Occupational Program, for students to explore their interests and gain experience valuable in the workforce or college classes after high school.

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Career Paths allow students at all six comprehensive high schools to participate in classes that interest them, such as interior design, media and entertainment and engineering. Students who complete the program receive graduation honors, a note on their transcript and a list of competencies to show potential employers.

“We want to give students the opportunity to explore different career pathways prior to college or going into the workforce,” said district spokeswoman Gail Pinsker, “and we are happy to offer new programs for all of our students this fall.”

Career Paths scheduled for Fall 2013:

* Arts, Media, & Entertainment

* Auto Business

* Culinary Arts

* Education & Family Services

* Engineering Environmental Resources

* Interior Design

* Graphic Design

* Health Services/Science

* Journalism

* Performing Arts

* Photography

* Public Services

* Video Production

The Hart District also plans to add the following for Fall 2014:

* Building and Construction

* Instrumental Music

* Studio Art

* Theater Arts

The ROP program offers after-school classes in a number of disciplines. In April, the district honored 18 ROP students at the 32nd annual Student Recognition Event. Winners of gold, silver and bronze medals had to submit an essay and project in their field, in addition to being interviewed by a panel of industry professionals.

Among the winners, Paige Stickles, student at West Ranch High School and member of the Health Sciences and Medical Technology ROP program, was selected for the 2012/2013 ROP Hall of Fame.

ROP students also made headlines at the ROP Virtual Enterprise Regional Competition in Oakland on March 17 and 18.

The students learned how to start and operate a business online through a simulation, and took fifth place for best company trade show booth, seventh place for venture capital, eighth place for company newsletter and 10th place for best company website.

To learn more about career training through the Hart District, click here.