Kick-off Celebration Set for Unique Web Site Devoted to Helping
Parents Assist Their Children Plan for Career Success

CONTACT: AMANDA BLANTON, EXT. 2247

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/27/2001
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- A one-of-a-kind web site devoted exclusively to helping parents to assist their children in planning wisely for career success is up and running.

The Partnership for Academic and Career Education (PACE), located at Tri-County Technical College, will host a kick-off celebration and demonstration of its web site, called Your Child's Career, Monday, May 7, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held in the College's Industrial and Business Development Center.

Parents, students, school district superintendents, PACE board and committee members, guidance counselors and middle and high school principals will be able to view a demonstration and talk with several of the Tri-County graduates who are featured in the "Career Spotlight" section of the web site.

Other sections include: why career planning is important; the career development process; what local schools are doing to help; what employers are looking for in the 21st century; and questions and answers.

"A lot has been written to help parents with career planning for their children, but in our research, we found no web site that deals specifically with parents helping their children," said Amanda Blanton, director of the College's Collaboration and Special Projects office and former career specialist with PACE. Two years ago the PACE board initiated this web site project as part of a school-to-work initiative.

"The PACE board was looking for a way to make an impact on the tri-county area," said Dr. Reginald Christopher, superintendent of Anderson School District One and chairman of the PACE board. "We wanted to make it easier for parents to help their children to plan for career success. Using the web site is an excellent way to do that. It will be a tremendous asset for parents and students."

"We do want parents and students to understand all of the career options that are available today," echoed Mrs. Blanton. "The web site focuses on helping parents to understand the importance of being involved in career planning from middle school on up. They need to make sure their children are taking the right classes in high school to gain the skills necessary to go directly into a job following graduation or to pursue a two-year or four year degree," she added.

If you are planning your courses wisely in high school, you increase your chance of career success, she explained.

"For example, take a look at the graduate testimonials highlighted in the career spotlight section. These are people who had a plan, worked the plan and are successful," she added.

Without a plan, you rely on chance to lead you in your job search and in your career," said Mrs. Blanton, who is a certified career development facilitator and has worked in career planning and placement for years in various jobs all over the country.

Parents who don't have a computer at home can access the web site from a public library and at their child's school. The web site address is www.yourchildscareer.org. It is being marketed to parents through avenues already in existence, such as student newsletters, PTA meetings and conferences.

"The site is easy to access, and it's comprehensive," said Mrs. Blanton. "We've tried to include information and the tools parents need to feel confident as they help their children with career planning. I can't stress how important career planning is. The more planning you do, the less that is left up to chance and other factors that will affect where you end up."
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