Exemplary Career Guidance Programs: Investing in the Future

In the fall of 1995, a national search for exemplary career guidance and counseling programs was conducted. Programs were compared from the standpoint of the following elements: career guidance and counseling program plan; collaboration, articulation, and communication; and institutional support, leadership, and program evaluation. The nine programs selected were found to include intensive career exploration and planning activities, serve all students, and maintain a strong program support system. In the areas of collaboration, articulation, and communication, all nine programs were found to have forged strong partnerships with parents, business, community organizations, teachers, and other personnel. Administrative support and leadership were demonstrated in each of the programs in a variety of ways, including the following: institutional commitment/support, wide range of resources/facilities available to counselors, adequate financial support, qualified/credentialed guidance personnel, planned professional development activities, regularly scheduled program evaluation, and follow-up of program completers and noncompleters. (This document includes lists of best practices and contacts and profiles of all nine exemplary programs.) (MN)