Occupational Course of Study Program Info

The OCS Pathway is a diploma pathway option for students who receive EC services with requirements that are intended to build work ready and (possibly) community college ready skills. The consideration of the OCS Pathway for students who wish to attend a 4-year college or university upon graduation is not an appropriate option. The Occupational Course of Study is a modified standard course of study consisting of courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Employment Preparation. Students are required to complete an OCS portfolio and work hours throughout their time in the OCS program. There are three work hour requirement levels: In-School, Community-Based Vocational Training and Paid. Students are also required to complete Health/PE, 4 Career Technical Education (CTE) Courses, 5 Electives, and any others as needed to complete local graduation requirements. OCS Students who complete their required courses, OCS portfolio, and all work hours (including providing proper documentation of paid hours) will receive a diploma. OCS Students who do not complete the required paid hours will receive an OCS Certificate of Completion. They have up to 2 years to complete and turn in the proper document for paid hours to receive their diploma.

150 In-School Hours

225 Community Based Vocational Training Hours

225 Paid Hours

In-School Hours: 150 Hours of successful school-based vocational training hours [i.e., school-based enterprises, campus-based jobs, hands-on vocational training in CTE courses (outside normal classroom time), vocational assessment activities] to be completed at school.

Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) Hours: Typically completed during Junior year of high school. 225 Hours of successful community-based vocational training (paid and non-paid Community-based activities include Job shadowing off-campus, Internships, Situational Assessments, Apprenticeships, Co-op programs, Part-time employment, Legitimate volunteer experiences and community service).

Paid Hours: 225 Hours of successful competitive employment (to be counted after credit for Employment Prep II-Service). Must turn in a paystub from paid job for the hours to be documented. Teachers are not solely responsible for assisting students in gaining paid employment. However, are a great resource to utilize if assistance is needed.

Diploma vs. Certificate:

Diploma: An OCS student who gains paid employment during high school, completes and turns in proper documentation (pay stubs) of all 225 paid hours before their graduation date, they will receive a diploma at their graduation.

Certificate: If a OCS student does not begin or finish their paid hours before graduation, they will receive a Certificate of Completion at Graduation. The student will have up to 2 years after graduation to complete and turn in the proper documentation (paystubs) to gain hours and trade in their certificate for their diploma.