Career Exploration

For more information about Simley's career exploration programs, click here to learn more on the Career Pathways webpage.


Simley High School partners with local businesses for career coursesCenter for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Courses 
Simley High School is a part of the national Center for Advanced Professional Studies Network, in collaboration with the other TriDistrict high schools, Henry Sibley High School and South St. Paul Secondary School. As part of the network, Simley offers CAPS courses that give students an in-depth look at different industries with the help of local businesses. Students report to the business for class and learn directly from employees, with support from TriDistrict high school teachers. Students complete the class with high school Language Arts credits and have the opportunity to earn an internship in the spring. The goal of the courses is to give students hands-on experience in a chosen career field so they can make informed choices about the college education or career that fits them best.

Course Benefits
  • Up to 9 Simley High School elective and English credits
  • Opportunity for an internship with a local business
  • In-depth understanding of a career field
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on experience
  • Current courses
    • Business & Entrepreneurship, taught at Evolve Workplace
    • Careers in Healthcare & Medicine, taught at Twin Cities Orthopedics Training Haus
    • Transportation Business & Technologies, taught at North American Trailer

Certified Nursing Assistant class labCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Class 
Simley High School's Certified Nursing Assistant course is a one trimester class where students can earn a professional certification and college credit. During the semester, students learn the skills and knowledge they need for the state's Certified Nursing Assistant exams in the Simley's nursing lab. The lab allows students to practice with medical equipment to perfect their skills for the state certification exams they take at the end of the trimester. Students also complete 24 hours of clinical work at a local healthcare center to understand the daily responsibilities of a CNA.

Course Benefits
  • 5 college credits
  • Opportunity to take the skills and written assessments to earn state certification
  • 24 hours of clinical work
  • In-depth understanding of a career field
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on work experience

Emergency Medical Technician classEmergency Medical Services Training
Simley High School partners with Pine Technical and Community College to offer Emergency Medical Services courses. Students earn college credit in each course and, upon completing both courses, can become a certified EMT. Students in the Emergency Medical Responder and Emergency Medical Technician classes learn the medical and professional skills they need to earn certification and be hired as an EMT. As part of the class, students also have the opportunity to work with and learn from local emergency services staff.

Course Benefits
  • Up to 6 college credits
  • Opportunity to take the skills and written assessments to earn state certification
  • In-depth understanding of a career field
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on work experience

Exploring the Teaching Profession
In partnership with the University of Minnesota's College in the Schools program, Simley High School offers students an opportunity to explore careers in education. Students volunteer in local schools and discuss the factors that shape schools today in order to develop a better understanding of the daily responsibilities of a teacher.

Course Benefits
  • In-depth understanding of a career field
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on work experience

Genesys Works intern and mentorGenesys Works Internship
Through the non-profit Genesys Works and its Twin Cities partners, Simley High School students can apply to a 14-month career program that includes a paid internship. Students attend professional training during the summer before their senior year. After completion of the summer skills training, students are placed with a partner company for an IT job during their senior year. Partner companies include Target, Ecolab, Southwest Airlines, and other global companies. Students earn three Simley elective credits and can earn more than $13,000 during their internship.

Course Benefits
  • 3 Simley High School elective credits
  • Ability to earn more than $13,000 during senior year internship with a local business
  • In-depth understanding of a career field
  • Opportunity to gain hands-on work experience