Career and College Prep
Career and College Prep is available to 7–12th graders at Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) by K12. Whether your student is college-bound, eager to start a career, or still exploring their options, our Career and College Prep program helps them graduate with a map to their future.
Emily Johnson
CTE Coordinator
[email protected]
Preparing Students for What’s Next
Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer support early and often. At Washington Virtual Academy, we help students use their middle and high school years to figure out where they want to go and plan how to get there.
Middle School Career Exploration
In middle school, our 7–8th graders can take career exploration courses to discover their interests early, find their strengths, and start thinking about the career pathways they’ll take in high school.
High School Career Pathways
In high school, 9–12th graders can take a deeper dive into a career-focused concentration of their choice. Career pathways are an excellent way for students to get a jump-start on a career immediately after high school or to help them make the right decision about their college major.
Exciting Industry Clusters to Study
Real Support for Real-World Opportunities
At WAVA, students can discover their strengths and take important steps toward their future — whatever that future may look like for them. WAVA students can:
- Get guidance from dedicated counselors on colleges, scholarships, and career goals
- Earn college credit in select courses with dual enrollment at our partner institutions
- Prep to take industry-recognized certification exams during high school or after graduating1
- Participate in Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSOs)
- Develop marketable skills through hands-on and project-based learning
- Get assistance with résumés, interview prep, and more!
Hands-On Career Training Opportunities
Your student won’t just read about career skills — they’ll put them into action. Project-based learning gives them hands-on experience as they explore potential career fields and build a portfolio of work that showcases their skills.
Career and Technical Student Organization Offerings
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) extend classroom learning into the real world. By joining, students gain access to industry networking, competitive events, and leadership scholarships.
SkillsUSA Membership
With curriculum that covers 130 job categories and more than 600 national partners — businesses, trade associations, and unions — SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to:
- Practically apply what they learn in the classroom
- Take courses in addition to those offered by the WAVA course catalog
- Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
- Earn scholarships offered exclusively through SkillsUSA
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
BPA is one of the premier organizations for students pursuing careers in business and information technology. BPA is a co-curricular activity that provides students with opportunities to participate in professional, civic, and service projects. Membership allows them to:
- Take part in academic competitions and community service activities
- Work toward earning industry-recognized certifications
- Participate in the Torch Awards program, which guides service learning projects
- Develop leadership skills by running for local or national office
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Emphasizing family relationships, career readiness, and community leadership through family and consumer sciences education, FCCLA offers intracurricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. The FCCLA helps to:
- Provide opportunities for making decisions, assuming responsibilities, and preparing for adult life
- Strengthen the function of the family as a basic unit of society
- Encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community
- Promote greater understanding between youth and adults
HOSA–Future Health Professionals
An international student organization, HOSA promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry and enhances the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. Founded in 1976, HOSA empowers students to become leaders in the global health community. Participating students are encouraged to:
- Develop effective leadership qualities and skills
- Make realistic career choices and seek successful employment in the healthcare field
- Learn and identify current healthcare issues, environmental concerns, and survival needs of the community, the nation, and the world
- Get involved in local, state, and national healthcare education projects
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
FBLA helps students prepare for careers in business and business-related fields through leadership development, academic competitions, community service, awards, and more.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
TSA is a national, nonprofit CTSO for middle and high school students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Since TSA was chartered in 1978, more than 5 million students have benefited from membership. Students in TSA can:
- Compete in a wide variety of STEM competitions — from biotechnology and cybersecurity to STEM animation
- Participate in intracurricular activities and community service
- Gain 21st-century leadership skills
1Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to better prepare students, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will receive further preparation for certification testing.