Advisors to The Future Is Mine (TFIM), whose network of districts is expected to expand to at least 27 this year, shared those ideas at an August meeting where they set goals for the 2009-2010 school year and exchanged ideas on program development.

"I've had my kids wear their TFIM T-shirts to school events to publicize the program," said Jackie Pfeiffer, who brought Pittsburgh Brashear High School into the TFIM network last year.

Thom Kostelec, from Monessen City High School, suggested that advisors take advantage of in-service days to talk to colleagues about career education, for which the Pennsylvania Department of Education has established formal standards, and introduce TFIM as a teaching vehicle. He presented an in-service unit last year and said he may repeat it. Kostelec noted that his goal is to get more students and possibly even another faculty member involved this year.

Other goals for the program were wide-ranging, from plans to involve TFIM alumni in one team's work, to providing more guidance on individual projects and spending more time directing students in web-based career research.

TFIM supports students in career exploration through three annual projects, one performed individually and the other two in teams. The team projects require students to reach out to peers, younger students and/or the wider community. By doing the projects, students not only have opportunities to explore career interests, they also develop leadership skills, find opportunities for civic engagement and build capabilities that are important in any workplace.

Other topics of discussion at the organizational meeting in Monroeville Community Park included new opportunities planned for districts participating in TFIM, and in other programs The Consortium offers.

Among them:

*TFIM participants interested in careers in elementary education or early childhood will be supported in hands-on experiences through The Consortium's literacy initiative. The Consortium's literacy program coordinator, David Pribish, will coach students in classroom management techniques, engaging children with story reading and other activities to present programs in their districts' elementary schools.

*Students with a vocational interest in culinary arts can explore the field though a weekend series of workshops Oct. 23rd-Oct.24th that Consortium board member and partner, Bud Geissler, vice president of Metro Tours, is organizing in conjunction with Hersheypark, the Hershey, PA-based resort and entertainment venue. Chefs from the park's own dining venues and other food industry executives will give presentations and workshops. The cost of the trip is $265 per student, including transportation, meals, accommodations and entertainment. Space is limited to 250 students and non-refundable deposits of $75 are due Sept. 20th. Mr. Geissler said he is prepared to help students with fundraising ideas to cover their costs. He can be reached at: rmgeissler@comcast.net or at 412-613-5361.