Carpinteria High School has earned the Career Choices Silver Medal, joining an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their outstanding life- and career-planning programs.
The award, presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, honors schools that excel in preparing students for success in college, careers and life.
“Carpinteria High continues to lead with purpose, using the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com to help students create skills-based, forward-thinking plans for their futures,” the school said.
“All of our freshmen take this course,” said teacher Kevin Dolan. “It’s not just a class, it’s a graduation requirement. It gives them clarity.
“Whether they’re college-bound or exploring the trades, the 10-year plan helps them connect what they’re doing in school to what they want out of life.”
The Career Choices Silver Medal is awarded to schools that demonstrate strong outcomes in post-secondary planning, career readiness, and equitable access for all students, according to Academic Innovations.
“It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead,” said Mindy Bingham, author of the Career Choices curriculum and CEO of Academic Innovations.
“Thanks to the team at Carpinteria High, students are building life strategies that are grounded in self-knowledge and real opportunity.”
The school’s counselors use students’ 10-year plans to guide one-on-one discussions about course selection, interests, and future opportunities. Administrators use it as a motivational tool, while teachers encourage exploration through real-world financial planning and career research, Academic Innovations said.
Some students earn dual enrollment credit through Santa Barbara City College’s Professional Development 138D course, building confidence in their ability to succeed in higher education, the school said.
Carpinteria High also partners with AHA! (Attitude, Harmony, and Achievement), a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that supports students with social-emotional learning; helping them navigate workplace dynamics, conflict resolution, and personal growth alongside their academic planning.
“We’ve seen students go from unsure to focused,” said assistant principal Jeremiah Sobenes. “When they realize they can shape their own path — whether it’s college, a trade, or something in between — it changes everything.”