SASKATCHEWAN LEARNING PROVIDES FUNDING FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Learning Minister Deb Higgins today announced almost $400,000 in funding for K-12 career development projects in 13 school divisions. The school divisions will develop initiatives to enhance career development programming that can be shared with other partners in the future.

"This new funding and the new Career Development Action Plan demonstrate the government's commitment to meeting the needs of Saskatchewan youth and the province's labour market," Learning Minister Deb Higgins said. "Through these career development projects our K-12 learning sector will assist students even more in becoming self-reliant career managers who can make smooth transitions between learning and work."

Today's announcement was held at Balfour Collegiate to recognize a joint career development project between Regina Public Schools, Prairie Valley School Division and the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises. They will establish a model for the implementation of web-based Personal Career Portfolios for students in grades 6-12 for English Language, Francophone and Immersion schools. The project will also provide a model for strengthening capacity for First Nations and Métis career development.

"Thank you for supporting our desire for every student to have a personal career portfolio," Don Hoium said on behalf of the three school divisions involved with this project. "A personal career portfolio not only highlights their achievements and experiences, it is also a powerful resource for students entering post secondary training or the labour market. One of the benefits of a personal career portfolio is the self-awareness the student develops about themselves, their strengths and experiences."

Saskatchewan Learning is awarding funding for K-12 career development initiatives in the following categories:

• personal career portfolios;
• parent engagement in career planning through School Community Councils;
• integration of Blueprint for Life/Work Design competencies in student learning and assessment;
• education, industry, First Nations and Métis organizations and business partnerships; and
• transitions to post-secondary education and the world of work.
  Projects must be completed by June 2008 and are to be developed for future province-wide implementation.

School divisions were encouraged to partner with business and industry, post-secondary education, career and employment centres, First Nations and Métis organizations, economic development authorities, community-based organizations and neighbouring school divisions.

"There are many good examples of effective practices in career development happening in Saskatchewan schools," Higgins said. "The Career Development Action Plan builds on successful approaches already in place. This is one more way that we are making Saskatchewan the best place for young people to live, work and raise a family."

For more information visit www.gov.sk.ca/youth-career-discovery/.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Learning
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2261