This subcategory to our site is where you'll find information about some
programs that offer RHS students some unique career and learning opportunities.

A unique blend of curriculum and careers is being offered to RHS students as part of the School to Career program directed by Guidance (631) 369-6723.



Working with a dynamic group of educators and the Business Advisory Board, RHS has designed a career study program that utilizes professionals to both stimulate classroom learning and expose students to professionals in a broad range of career areas. The Business Advisory Board helps students prepare for job interviews, network and take steps to successfully enter the workforce. Each year, the high school hosts an "Essential Skills Day" covering topics such as "Career Planning and Assessment" (Getting to know Yourself), "Career Development" (The Tools You Need to Succeed), "You're Hired; Keeping the Job You Love". Speakers include representatives from Suffolk National Bank, ESBOCES, LI Science Center, Enviroscience, etc. In addition, community members participate annually in a Mentoring Breakfast. Students are teamed with professionals in their area of career interest who, over breakfast, share information about their chosen profession with the students.

Members of the community from various careers are also enlisted to visit a class relevant to their job (e.g., a police detective might visit the Forensics class). The professional will participate in the learning goals of that class and share information about what it is like to work in his or her particular field. Students can receive passes from their regular class to attend these class presentations.

Local partnerships do much more than just provide job insights. This partnership helps students connect school-based and work-based learning. The students begin to see the relevancy of what they are studying in the real world of work.

Events like the lessons in Community taught by RHS students planning to become teachers and a trip to BestBuy by the Home and Careers class at the Middle School and students from the Pulaski Street School has teamed the district with the Junior Achievement Program, who helps facilitate these events.

Internships, part-time jobs, job shadowing, a mentor breakfast, an Awareness Day and career fairs are other ways students can obtain experience in or information about careers. There are several opportunities offered each year for students to meet potential employers.

East End career fairs like the one at the Jamesport Community Center, provides activities that are not only fun, but educational and informative. These include a "Did you Know?" orientation panel, featuring little known information about the following industries: Tourism, Government, Professional Services and the Trades.

The Guidance Department works in tandem with the Business Advisory Board all year long to match students with particular interests to schools which offer scholarships and majors in a particular career choice, or to help students find a good fit in a particular college, continuing education program, or career.

This year the Guidance Department sponsored several major events that included:

Campus Connections
On November 24th graduates from the class of 2009 joined members of the senior class at RHS.  There were approximately a dozen round table discussions in the cafeteria followed by a full panel discussion  in the auditorium. Current high school seniors were able to ask former RHS graduates about the colleges they were attending. >Guidance Department Promotes a Variety of College and Career Events

NCAA / Financial Aid Night at RHS
The RHS Guidance Department hosted an informational evening for parents and students concerning the NCAA clearing house and rules of recruitment. Financial Aid Night featured a presentation by financial aid representative from Suffolk County Community College, who gave  a comprehensive workshop regarding college costs and financial aid. >Guidance Department Promotes a Variety of College and Career Events

On Site College Application Day
Riverhead High School hosts On-Site College Application Days for seniors.  Nine local private colleges were in attendance including St. John’s University, LIU/CW Post, NY Institute of Technology, Adelphi University, Mercy College, St. Joseph’s College, Dowling College, Briarcliff College and Five Towns College.  For these special events all of the schools listed waived application fees.  This initiative had the potential of saving each RHS senior $385.00 in application fees! >Guidance Department Promotes a Variety of College and Career Events

Related Links:

New York Career Zone

LI Works - The Long Island Works Coalition is Long Island's first comprehensive effort to forge collaborative working relationships between employers and the educational community.

America's Career Resource Network (ACRN)

U.S. Department of Education