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 40 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
Complete two career experiences
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 places and meet people to learn about their pathway of interest
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 practice an interview
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

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 community partners that have provided internships for our students:

Future Faces of Family Medicine in Santa Rosa
Goldridge Fire Department in Santa Rosa
HomeSmart Advantage Realty in Santa Rosa
Jewels of the Forest in Sebastopol, CA
American Medical Response in Santa Rosa
Sonoma Technology Inc. in Petaluma, CA
Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA
Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa
Live Musicians Co-Op in Santa Rosa
The Oak Leaf Magazine, Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa
Camp Winnarainbow, Berkeley, CA
Research Team at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
LandPaths in Santa Rosa
Goatlandia Farm and Animal Sanctuary in Santa Rosa
Chamber of Commerce in Sebastopol
Cookie…Take a Bite! in Santa Rosa

Student Stories

Rene visited the Santa Rosa Fire Department to explore what it’s like to be a firefighter with the Captain. During his visit, he had the exciting opportunity to ride along with the captain, put on the full firefighter gear, learn how to use a fire hose, and get a hands-on look at the tools and skills firefighters use to keep our communities safe.

Rene, Class of ’29

Thomas began attending the Junior College at age 12. With a strong passion for culinary arts, he’s now taking the next big step by heading to the Culinary Institute of America to continue pursuing his dream.

Thomas, Class of ’25

Thomas is a student at QFHS Santa Rosa

Yatzhiry

After volunteering over 300 hours at Manzanita Elementary, Yatzhiry found more than just a way to give back—she found her calling. Thanks to the guidance of an amazing speech pathologist mentor, she discovered a passion for helping others communicate and has now committed to UC Merced to start her journey in speech-language pathology!

Yatzhiry, Class of ’25

Ready to Learn More?

Our team would love to talk to provide more details about our programs, the application process, and what makes Quest Forward High School unique. Book a time to chat using the button below.

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