Career planning for KIPP Philadelphia students & alumni

Embark prepares the following groups for a successful career journey:

7th – 12th Grade

Support and empower students in grades 7 through 12 in developing their career aspirations and to make post-secondary educational choices that best prepare them for future career success, whether that choice is enrolling into a degree program, obtaining a professional certification, or going directly into the workforce.

Alumni in College

Provide career and internship support to alumni in college as they pursue their degrees. Counselors will also help a student determine the best degree or major to pursue based on their career goals.

Alumni Not Enrolled in Degree Seeking Programs

Connect alumni who are not enrolled in degree seeking programs to high-quality career readiness and training programs to increase opportunities to compete for higher-wage, in-demand occupations.

Natanee Roper

Natanee - KDCA Class of 2018

Natanee graduated in 2018 and always had an interest in the healthcare sector. Instead of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, Natanee was adamant that she needed a short-term learning opportunity and considered several career training programs. Within 6 months of graduation, she completed a program and an internship with a reputable hospital. She now works as a Direct Support Professional.

Embark is a critical part of ensuring that ALL students have opportunities for choice-filled lives. As a part of KIPP Philadelphia’s KIPP Forward program, Embark offers essential career programming for students and alumni, providing an opportunity to explore various career options based on their interests and aptitudes. KIPP Forward counselors implement a customized curriculum that helps students discover the “why” behind their interests, which will help determine a career path.

Program Components

Embark offers “responsive” programming with curriculum that is custom fit for each student’s needs. Embark has a knowledgeable staff, tools, and resources to support students and alumni in the following ways:

  • Completing a career interest and aptitude assessment
  • Exploring career paths to help select the right fit
  • Finding out about post-secondary institutions, training, or professional certificate programs
  • Creating a step-by-step career action plan
  • Creating or updating their resume
  • Performing mock interviews and interview preparation
  • Connecting students and alumni with a professional in their area of interest
  • Applying to degree programs, career training, and/or certificate programs
  • Applying for internships or professional training
  • Applying and preparing to secure full-time career opportunities

Overall Program Goals

  • Students choose and fully buy into a clear career goal/aspiration
  • Students select an immediate post-HS option to begin leading them toward that aspiration
  • Students receive the academic preparation to help them achieve their aspiration
  • Students gain the additional soft skills, mindset and self-awareness that are also needed to achieve their aspiration
  • Students have access to the experiences and knowledge that help shape and refine their aspiration (i.e. internships, summer opportunities)