The Creative Counselor: Tracker - A Virtual Job Shadowing Community Career Awareness Program

Introducing Tracker: Igniting a Passion for Career Exploration

I've got something super exciting to share with you all. It's a fantastic program I created for my students called Tracker. I came up with this program to get my students pumped about exploring different careers in our community. Let me tell you all about it!

The Adventure Begins: Tracker's Field Trips to Exciting Workplaces

Tracker is like a little adventure case with a zipper pocket - perfect for carrying around some cool stuff that he collects on the job. Tracker absolutely loves learning about different careers! Every week, Tracker gets to go home with a different student on a special field trip to their parents' workplaces. It's an awesome opportunity for Tracker to learn about various careers and what they involve.

When Tracker comes back from his field trip, the student who took him home gets to present a fabulous report. They create a poster filled with pictures of all the amazing things Tracker got to experience and learn about. Then I film their presentations and show them on our morning news show for the whole school to see. How cool is that?

Now, to make sure everything runs smoothly, we've got a permission slip in place. So, before taking Tracker home, students need to get their parents to sign it, giving permission to take Tracker to work and participate in some on-the-job training. They're also responsible for snapping pictures of Tracker doing cool things, like operating a forklift at Lowes or flying a Fighter Bomber for the Air Force. Talk about exciting!

Permission Slip

To keep things organized, I provide students with clear directions and a handy report form to fill out when Tracker returns, after a week. It helps them capture all the awesome details of Tracker's adventure to share with their classmates.

Report Form

Showcasing the Adventures

And here’s a dog-gone great promotion: I created a huge display to showcase Tracker's adventures. I usually have five posters hanging at a time, representing the five Schools of Study: Arts and Humanities, Business Management and Information Systems, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technologies, Health Science and Human Services, and Public Services. Under each poster, I write the name of the job Tracker visited in that particular field of study, along with the name of the student who took Tracker on that field trip. It's a way to give a shout-out to the students and their chosen careers all year long, even as I change the posters.

Now, let me share some of the incredible places Tracker has been - Atlanta Bread Co, American Red Cross, McEntire Air Force Base, Gamestop, and South Carolina Law Enforcement. These field trips offer our students a glimpse into a wide range of exciting careers in our community and inspire them to dream big!

At Atlanta Bread Co, Tracker got to witness the artistry of talented bakers crafting mouthwatering pastries and bread from scratch. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air as Tracker learned all about the business.

The American Red Cross took Tracker on a heart-pounding adventure. Our little explorer had the chance to learn about life-saving techniques. Tracker witnessed firsthand the dedication and courage required to respond swiftly to emergencies and provide vital assistance to those in need.

McEntire Air Force Base was an absolute thrill for Tracker! Our adventurous companion got an up-close look at high-flying fighter bombers, witnessing the power and precision of our brave men and women in uniform. It was an awe-inspiring experience that left Tracker dreaming of soaring through the skies.

Tracker's visit to Gamestop was a gamer's paradise. Our little explorer dove into the world of video games, learning about the latest releases, and gaming trends. Tracker's joystick skills were put to the test as they tried their hand at various gaming challenges.

South Carolina Law Enforcement provided Tracker with an inside look at the fascinating world of crime fighting. From forensic investigations to patrol cars and police training, Tracker witnessed the dedication and teamwork displayed by law enforcement officers. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked an interest in justice and public safety.

Here is one of Tracker's videos:

Inspiring Dreams: Tracker's Impact on Career Aspirations

These captivating field trips exposed our students to diverse careers. As Tracker explored these incredible places, our students enjoyed envisioning themselves as future bakers, paramedics, pilots, gamers, or even law enforcement heroes. The possibilities are endless, and Tracker is just the beginning of their exciting journey towards fulfilling careers in our community.

So, my fellow school counselors, Tracker is truly making a difference in our career awareness program. It's opening their eyes to the boundless opportunities that await them right in their own community. Together, let's continue to provide hands-on experiences to excite our students to dream big and conquer the world!