Pathways

Helping students discover, determine the best path, and prepare for successful careers.

All of our students participate in our Pathways Curriculum, designed to prepare students for life after high school. We focus on three core areas: Interest and Career Exploration, Foundations of Professionalism, and Personal Finance. As part of this program, students investigate and experience a variety of career pathways, discover the components of communicating professionally, and practice managing personal finances.

Interest and Career Exploration

What am I interested in and what kind of work do I want to do?

Students identify their strengths, explore their values, learn about the economy and professions, and explore career opportunities that are suited to their interests and strengths. They benefit from career fairs and guest speakers, and complete at least 30 hours of career experiences through internships and job shadowing.

Key Objectives

Explore and identify personal interests, values, preferences, and dislikes
Identify strengths and how to use them
Explore pathways: military, trade school, college, apprenticeship
Identify two pathways of interest and explain why they may be a fit
Participate in multiple career experiences at local businesses
Compete paid internships through “Find the Why!”
Work in a design workshop which emulates postsecondary work
Complete 30-60 hours of internship experience before graduation
Complete a minimum of 40 hours of service experience before graduation
Create plans with actionable next steps beyond high school, including a back up plan (e.g. find a place to live, apply for part time jobs, etc.)
Visit local businesses and learn from professionals about their careers and the paths they took to achieve their goals
Complete and submit applications to school(s), the military, or job(s)

Foundations of Professionalism

How can I succeed in the workplace?

Students practice important communication skills and build relationships with people that can support them in various life and work situations.

Key Objectives

Identify key components of active listening and practice listening actively
Identify how to use a growth mindset when responding to setbacks
Discover how to reframe failure
Review, update, and manage social media profiles in a professional manner
Create a list of people to consult for help in various life and career situations
Create an effective resume and cover letter that reflects strengths, passions, and personality
Prepare for and participate in multiple mock interviews with HR professionals from the business community
Create/update a personal email account to use professionally
Create a portfolio that captures and showcases their work
Find a career mentor and build a relationship with them

Student working on personal finance

Personal Finance

What financial resources do I need for my path beyond high school?

Students gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to manage their finances and pursue the career path of their choice. They set financial goals for themselves and understand available financial resources.

Key Objectives

Identify and implement strategies and tools to manage resources and money
Review and manage assets.
Determine the type of account that is best for their financial goals and open or manage that account
Investigate consequences of credit card debt
Create example and/or real budgets that reflect their plans for after high school
Identify common financial terms, forms and information they need to be familiar with
Understand the cost/benefits of their intended career pathway, earnings potential, lifestyle factors, and longer-term vision
Create a budget for six months post graduation

Internships with Community Partners

Quest Forward students participate in a wide variety of internships with community partners. These internships instill values of community service and civic engagement, and expose students to opportunities that can help them refine their college goals. Here are some of the amazing internships our students have completed:

Internship at Adkins Guitar and Music in Omaha
Internship at Brownell Talbot’s Camp Discovery for Youth in Omaha
Game Director at Camp Amikaro in Fremont, NE
Animal Health Intern at Chalco Hills Vet Clinic in Omaha
Shop Assistant at DC Automotive in Omaha
Internship at Dent Pros in Omaha
Internship at Keystone Glass in Omaha
Internship at La Bella Vita Montessori in Omaha
Apprenticeship at Nebraska Maintenance Academy in Omaha
Assistant Pastry Chef at Oh My Sweets in Omaha
Assistant Audio Engineer at Rainbow Records in Omaha
Apprenticeship at Turner Construction in Omaha

Zayza

“Pathways has given me the chance to explore many careers, and it’s strengthened my passion for becoming a high school drama teacher. Interning at the Omaha Community Playhouse gave me real, hands-on experience doing what I love.”

Zayza, QFHS Class of ‘26

“I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, so visiting OCi was a chance for me to get a behind-the-scenes look at a successful business. I learned a lot about the different roles in a company and how they all work together to make a business run.”

Manny, QFHS Class of ’25

Manny

Lindsey, QFHS Graduate

“Volunteering at Rose Hill Elementary and creating fun educational games for reading and math really showed me how much I enjoy helping kids learn. That experience made me realize I want to become a teacher and make a difference for the next generation of students.”

Lindsey, QFHS Class of ‘24