Kara Blanchard is the Community Student
Workforce Developer for Chicopee Public
Schools. In this capacity, Ms. Blanchard
helps students of all ages along their
career path through career awareness and
exploration at the elementary, middle
school, and high school levels.
Ms. Blanchard connects high school students
with work-based learning opportunities via
internships, co-operative learning
experiences, and job shadows. These
opportunities allow students to get an up
close look at what a job or career field
looks like, and to obtain the experience
that employers are seeking. It also provides
a chance for the student to observe
professionals in their field of interest.
Oftentimes, students add these activities to
their college applications and resumes, or
reference them in job interviews.
The aspirations of younger Chicopee Public
School students are supported through guest
speakers and presentations, mentors, career
fairs, and online career exploration
opportunities.
Its never too early to start thinking
about what you want to be when you grow up,
Blanchard said.
Students
of all ages are encouraged to think about
their path to career success.