Virginia Community Colleges Career Coaches are community college employees who are based in local high schools to help high school students define their career aspirations and to recognize community college and other postsecondary programs, including apprenticeships and workforce training, that can help students achieve their educational and financial goals.
The fundamental purpose of the VCCS Career Coaches Program is to empower students to make informed decisions about their career and educational plans and to prepare students for success in postsecondary education and training. While the day-to-day functions of a career coach vary according to local needs, major responsibilities include:
- Facilitating the development of individual career plans and portfolios.
- Relating information on careers, career pathways, and related employment.
- Connecting students to early college programs such as Tech Prep and Dual-enrollment.
- Easing the transition of students from high school to postsecondary education and the skilled workforce.
During the 2007-2008 school year, career coaches served in 130 high schools across Virginia, providing one-on-one or small group coaching to over 41,000 students. As a result of working with a career coach, over 15,000 students developed written academic and career plans. Detailed outcomes can be found in the 2007-08 Career Coach Annual Report
- 80 percent or greater satisfaction rate of students receiving coaching services based on the coaches' knowledge of career information and assistance to students, in making career and college plans.
67 percent change in students without plans to continue postsecondary education prior to meeting with the coach to having plans to continue to postsecondary education after meeting with a coach.
89 percent of high school principals indicating that the coach program met or exceeded overall expectations.
7 percent increase in statewide community college enrollments from high schools with a career coach when compared to high schools without a coach.
5 percent increase in statewide dual-enrollments in high schools with a career coach when compared to high schools without a coach.
4 percent increase in statewide community college enrollments in career and technical education programs from high schools with a career coach when compared to high schools without a coach.
Career Coach Grants
Career Pathways Grants
Career Coach Annual Report
Career Coach Contact List
Career Coach Supervisor Contact List
Regional Career Coach Leadership Team
Listing of Virginia High Schools served by Career Coaches