February 11, 2025

School Spotlight: Career Choices Curriculum Driving Student Success at Summit Charter Collegiate Academy

Garrett Thomas teaches the Career Choices curriculum at Summit Charter Collegiate Academy where he’s helped the team win four Career Choices gold medals in the last five years. He recently spoke on the importance of the program in guiding freshmen to discover passions and align their educational goals to their strengths. 

"The Career Choices curriculum provides students with valuable knowledge and insight into life after high school,” said GFSF curriculum lead, Garrett Thomas. “I enjoy sharing my journey to finding a rewarding career and discussing topics like personal finance, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles,” Thomas continued. “Students often tell me Career Choices is the most memorable and useful course they took in high school."

Summit Charter is a shining example of student success, exceeding the state average in graduation rate and SAT readiness. 

We encourage all educators who are committed to professional growth, student success, and community impact to apply for a Career Choices medal and join Summit Charter as a standout program.

Share your success story with us by applying, and you could win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards.

From Classroom to Career: Addressing The Maturity and Skills Gaps through Research and Proven Strategies

Academic Innovations CEO, Mindy Bingham, recently wrote an article discussing the need for today's youth to have more than just academic knowledge—they need emotional regulation, decision-making skills, and a growth mindset to thrive. However, many are falling short in maturity, leaving them unprepared for adulthood. Career Choices & Changes is designed to close this gap, guiding students through real-world skills, responsibility, and long-term planning.

Professional Development

We've created a variety of professional development options to suit your needs. We offer flexible, on-demand professional development aimed at respecting and understanding the diverse learning styles and time limitations of educators. Whether you prefer in-person workshops, online training modules, or personalized coaching, our resources are designed to help you effectively implement the curriculum and enhance your teaching experience.

We'll be at the following conferences and meetings:

If you’re attending the California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference, check your conference schedule for these great sessions!

• Dr. Karen Miles and Marlaina Schroeder Spivey will be presenting on Articulated Credit Model & Best Practices

• Karla Aaron and Cristina McFadden will be presenting Career Choices - Guide students through the Career Exploration process

• Tom Lamica, Rhett Carter, Erin Consorti and Karen Miles will be presenting “Path to Promise” - An equitable Dual Enrollment model

 If you are planning on presenting your program at the Educating for Careers Conference, contact Monica Carmo at monica.carmo@academicinnovations.com. We’d love to help.

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