How CEF sets students up for successful futures

High school is a time for students to prepare for their future. Young adults start to consider their career aspirations and how to achieve them. Teachers at Collierville High School recognize this season of decision-making and want to set them up for success. Collierville Education Foundation is proud to help support these teachers’ efforts with grant materials that give students insight into their future paths and the confidence to succeed in whichever they choose.

Future health professional practice

For students interested in the medical field, CHS offers a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) medical courses. CEF supplemented Angela Whitmore-High’s health science classes with a BT Inc. Blood Pressure/Pulse Assessment Simulator. This tool enhances students' competency in blood pressure and pulse assessment through advanced simulation technology. Hands-on learning is an advantage for students who are deciding whether to pursue the field in college. The industry-relevant experience is priceless, especially in a high school classroom setting.

Business Wardrobe Lending Closet

For business-minded students, purchasing a full professional wardrobe may be out of reach. With Collierville High School’s Business Wardrobe Lending Closet, students don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket. Students can borrow business professional attire for various school or school-sponsored organization activities. The closet includes blazers, ties, scarves, and more, thanks to CEF’s grant. When students borrow from the closet, they also receive professional coaching as a part of their visit. This includes professionalism tips and job skills coaching as part of the CHS College and Career Readiness Initiative.

Students in the entrepreneurship, work-based learning and Future Business Leaders of America programs developed an electronic system that tracks inventory and visits. They also created a borrowing contract that was vetted and approved by both teachers and administration. The process of creating the system and contract gives students a real-world example of a work project they may complete in their careers.

Academic gallery walks

The Carnegie Institute of Technology reports that “85% of job success comes from well-developed communication and soft skills, which are directly related to public speaking.” The more times students practice presenting and public speaking, the better. At CHS, both English and math students are working together to critically think and display their work in an academic gallery wall. When students work together to research, craft a presentation, and showcase their work to other students, they are strengthening a variety of skills. Combining two subjects, collaborating, and practicing public speaking together will certainly set them up for a successful future.

Know an innovative teacher who would make a great grant recipient? Encourage them to apply for the 2025-2026 grant cycle.