CAREER PATHWAYS
Certification Programs & Courses
As a part of Reach's Career Pathways program, high school students have the option to earn industry-recognized credentials to support their career readiness goals. Students can choose from the certification courses listed below during their pathway journey, helping them build the skills Pennsylvania’s employers need in the workforce.
Students are advised to contact their counselor to discuss the best options for their selected career pathway.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
The Microsoft Office Specialist Program provides industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through project-based testing. This gives students real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft Office programs.Microsoft certification prepares students for future academic or workforce opportunities and tells employers that students have demonstrated the ability to command the full features and functionality of Microsoft Office programs. Certification gives students a powerful tool that will help them to chart their own course, fulfill their ambition, and realize their potential.
Reach will offer certification opportunities for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
This certification program is available for all career pathway programs.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
The Microsoft Technology Associate certification is an entry-level credential that validates fundamental technology skills and knowledge among students who are pursuing a career in technology.
The Microsoft Technology Associate certification is specifically targeted at students who are interested in computer science, coding, and additional traditional IT careers.
Reach will offer Introduction to Programming using Python, Introduction to Programming using Java, and Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS.
This certification program is available in the Arts & Communications and Information Technology career pathways.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification
The ESB certification, sponsored by Intuit, ensures tomorrow's leaders are prepared with the tools they need to get ahead in today's competitive landscape. Whether students are starting a landscaping company or launching the next billion-dollar startup, this certification, validates a students' understanding of core business principles, including the essentials needed to launch and maintain a successful business.
This certification program is available in the Business Administration Career Pathway.
Communication Skills for Business (CSB) Certification
While the key skill being taught in this certification is communication, students will also learn the other 3 of "the 4 C’s":
- Critical thinking - which will happen as they think through how to effectively communicate
- Collaboration - which will stem from effectively communicating with others
- Creativity - which is required to present appealing communications
The CSB certification gives students a resume-building credential that proves they understand good communication and have the skills needed to be effective and efficient in their jobs, potentially saving their employers money by not communicating poorly.
This certification is available in all career pathway programs.