Career & College Prep
Middle and high school years are an exciting time when your child starts thinking about what comes next—and we’re here to support you both every step of the way. At WAVA, your student can explore career-focused courses, sparking new interests and helping them discover what they really enjoy.
As your child works toward their diploma, they’ll build real-world skills and start exploring future possibilities—whether that means stepping into a job, heading to college, or pursuing a training program. These experiences can help them feel more confident about their next steps and make choices that truly fit their goals.
Students can also:
Participate in career clubs
Prepare to take industry-recognized certification exams upon graduation1
Gain workplace skills
Job Shadow Week
Schools powered by K12 teamed up with businesses nationwide to give students the opportunity to explore different career fields and discover their passions. Watch as our students experience Job Shadow Week.
Career Clubs
WAVA students can enroll in career clubs, also called career technical service organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs enable students with similar career interests to connect, develop professional skills, participate in service projects, take field trips, and compete against other schools at local, state, and national levels.
WAVA offers these career clubs:
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:
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
- 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
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
This national CTSO is for students interested in the services surrounding families and consumers. Participation allows students to:
- Build real-world skills
- Explore career opportunities
- Engage in events and competitions
- Apply for scholarships and awards
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 5,000,000 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 be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.