For the second year in a row, Bear River High School has earned the prestigious Career Choices Gold Medal, joining an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their outstanding life- and career-planning programs.

The award, presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, honors schools that excel in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Bear River continues to set the standard with its program, using the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com® to help students create skills-based plans for their futures.

“What I love most about this curriculum is that it exposes freshmen to this idea and reinforces the belief that their time in our classrooms is really about honing the skills every individual needs,” said curriculum teacher, Jessica Lee. “Career Choices helps students see how their education connects to real life — it’s not just about content, it’s about practicing the skills that will serve them in any career.” 

The Career Choices Gold Medal is awarded to top-performing schools that demonstrate strong outcomes in college and career readiness, post-secondary planning, and workforce preparation. According to Academic Innovations, it also reflects a school’s commitment to equity and access for all students.

“It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead,” said Mindy Bingham, author of the Career Choices curriculum and CEO of Academic Innovations. “Thanks to the efforts of teachers and administrators at Bear River High School, students are developing long-term 10-year career and education plans that prepare them for adult life with confidence and clarity.”

Bear River’s results speak for themselves. In addition to repeated recognition for its innovative program, performing above the state average in graduation rate and ACT and SAT readiness —demonstrating how the program impacts students deeply on both an academic and personal level.

As Bear River High celebrates its second consecutive Gold Medal, it serves as a model of what’s possible when educators prioritize student-centered planning and lifelong success.

Nevada Union

For the first time, Nevada Union High School has earned the prestigious Career Choices Bronze Medal, joining an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their outstanding life- and career-planning programs.

The award, presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, honors schools that excel in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Nevada Union High School has quickly set a strong example with its program, using the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com® to help students create personalized, skills-based plans for their futures.

“Our goal has always been to help students see the value in planning their futures with intention,” said Liz Renteria, Career Choices instructor at Nevada Union. “It’s been amazing to see how deeply students connect with the curriculum—whether it’s through budgeting exercises or reflecting on their personal values—and how that translates into real, long-term goals.”

The Career Choices Bronze Medal is awarded to schools demonstrating strong outcomes in college and career readiness, post-secondary planning, and workforce preparation. According to Academic Innovations, it also reflects a school’s commitment to equity and access for all students.

“It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead,” said Mindy Bingham, author of the Career Choices curriculum and CEO of Academic Innovations. “Thanks to the efforts of teachers and administrators at Nevada Union, students are developing long-term 10-year career and education plans that prepare them for adult life with confidence and clarity.”

Nevada Union’s program stands out for its inclusive and evolving structure. All freshmen take the Career Choices course, paired with a semester of geography, ensuring every student begins their high school journey with a strong foundation in self-awareness and future planning. This year, the school expanded implementation by launching Module One across all sophomore English classes and providing targeted support to transfer students—ensuring that no student is left behind in developing a personalized plan.

The school also integrates a dynamic senior project where students select a mentor in their chosen career field, job shadow, and present their experiences to a panel that includes local community judges. Additionally, a new district coordinator connects the school with industry professionals who regularly speak to students about real-world career paths.

“Our community has really stepped up. Professionals are excited to engage with students, and the students are equally enthusiastic to learn from them,” Renteria added. “It’s a powerful way to bring career education to life.”

As Nevada Union celebrates its first Career Choices Bronze Medal, it serves as a model of what’s possible when educators prioritize student-centered planning and lifelong success.

Ghidotti advanced to silver from last years bronze: 

For the third year in a row, Ghidotti Early College High School has earned the prestigious Career Choices Medal. This year, the school advanced to silver medal status, joining an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their outstanding life- and career-planning programs.

The award, presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, honors schools that excel in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Ghidotti continues to set the standard with its program, leveraging the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com® to connect students with community members who help them create skills-based plans for their futures.

“We bring community members into the classroom to speak about their careers, and our alumni return to share their college and career experiences. It’s one of the most valuable things we do,” said Ghidotti Counselor Karla Aaron.

The Career Choices Medal is awarded to top-performing schools that demonstrate strong outcomes in college and career readiness, post-secondary planning, and workforce preparation. According to Academic Innovations, it also reflects a school’s commitment to equity and access for all students.

“It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead,” said Mindy Bingham, author of the Career Choices curriculum and CEO of Academic Innovations. “Thanks to the efforts of teachers and administrators at Ghidotti Early College High School, students are developing long-term 10-year career and education plans that prepare them for adult life with confidence and clarity.”

Ghidotti’s results speak for themselves. In addition to repeated recognition for its innovative program, the school ranked above state average in nearly every category, including graduation rate and college readiness—demonstrating how the program impacts students deeply on both an academic and personal level.

“Our whole school is built around college and career readiness, so it’s seamless when we add in other pieces. It’s not just a program—it’s a culture,” said Aaron.

As Ghidotti celebrates its third consecutive medal, it serves as a model for what’s possible when educators prioritize student-centered planning and lifelong success.