Co-Creating Curriculum with Industry
Building Stronger Connections
Business and education are frequently seen as distinct systems, when in reality they are interconnected partners. Education equips individuals for lifelong success, including meaningful careers that strengthen our workforce and economy.
Business Involvement
Business and education are not separate pursuits. Education serves learners first while also helping build the skilled workforce that drives economic vitality.
Industry engagement in curriculum development has long been a cornerstone of career and technical education (CTE). Pennsylvania’s career and technical schools are required to convene Occupational Advisory Committees (OACs) at least annually. These committees, composed of employer and industry representatives, provide valuable insight into emerging trends, evolving skill requirements, and workforce expectations.
Unlike career and technical schools, traditional high schools are not required to maintain Occupational Advisory Committees. As a result, opportunities for industry input may be limited or inconsistent. Strong partnerships between educators and employers ensure that schools have access to current workforce insights, enabling more informed curriculum decisions and better preparation of students for future careers.
Key Objectives
Career Ready Lancaster! aims to strengthen connections between education and industry within high schools. Through this work, schools will gain practical tools and processes for engaging employers in meaningful and ongoing partnerships that support career readiness efforts.
Increase Employer Engagement in Curriculum Development and Credential Attainment
Increase employer involvement in curriculum development and credentialing efforts to better align educational outcomes with workforce expectations. Through sustained industry partnerships, schools will gain valuable insight into required competencies, emerging trends, and employer-valued credentials.
Create an Employer-Recognized Career Readiness Framework
Expand the High Five Framework into a regional career readiness credential that provides students with a recognized demonstration of employability skills valued by employers. The credential will focus on: Teamwork, Communication, Resilience, Integrity, Problem Solving
Occupational Advisory Committee Model
Research and assess existing Occupational Advisory Committee resources and models, then collaboratively with business and education partners, develop, pilot, and evaluate a practical framework for sustained employer engagement in project-based learning tied to curriculum and career readiness initiatives.
Team & Advisors
.
Dr. Erik Orndorff
Superintendent
Pequea Valley School District
Mel Upton
Administrator for Non-Traditional Learning and Career Readiness
Conestoga Valley School District
Jill Hackman
Career Counselor
Garden Spot High School
Dr. Lauren Miller
Executive Director
Lancaster STEM Alliance
Brian Troop
Superintendent
Ephrata Area School District
Dr. Ryan Axe
Superintendent
Manheim Central School District
Dr. Michael Snopkowski
Superintendent
Elanco School District
Aligned Projects
High Five Employability Skills
The High Five Cards represent real world workplace scenarios for teaching personal effectiveness skills to students who are often not exposed to workplace situations that require behavioral judgement. The High Five Project is a project that is funded by the STEM Alliance to build a high school curriculum around Five key employability skills, recognized by industry. It is being spearheaded by Garden Spot High School in conjunction with Career Ready Lancaster!
Community Partners
Finalized content will be distributed through CRL! Employer networks and channels and will benefit industry stakeholders.
Become The Solution
Together, we can strengthen Lancaster County’s workforce and create meaningful career opportunities for everyone. Join the work or make a donation to help build a stronger future for our community.