How Crismon College & Career Advisors Get Students Ready For After Graduation

Woman smiling and standing in between beds in the Crismon Rattler sports medicine room

Crismon High School (CHS) is setting the bar high when it comes to preparing students for life after graduation. Under the direction of Keri Fitch, Miranda Andree, and Maddy Dierbeck, the school’s college and career advisors, Crismon’s comprehensive college and career readiness program is designed to equip students with the tools they need to succeed, whether they choose to pursue higher education, join the workforce, or explore other pathways.

“We do one-on-one visits with every student from 7th grade through 12th grade twice a year,” shared Fitch. “During these sessions, we discuss career exploration, post-high school planning, and the importance of academics. We guide students on how to choose classes that align with their career interests. It’s all about planting seeds and helping them envision their future.”

These personalized sessions are complemented by dynamic events like Crismon’s biannual career days. “We bring in professionals from the community to talk about their careers,” Fitch explained. “Guest speakers exhibit students to opportunities they may never have considered. This year, we’re even taking a group to the Mesa Police Department’s forensics lab, giving students interested in forensics a hands-on experience.”

Fitch and her team take a highly personalized approach to supporting students. “We keep notes on each student and use that information to connect them with specific opportunities,” she said. “For example, if a student expresses interest in nursing, we guide them toward our nursing classes or external programs like EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology).” This tailored guidance allows students to explore potential careers with low risk. “It’s a great way to dabble in something without committing to it as a four-year university student,” Fitch added.

Crismon’s robust career and technical education (CTE) programs also play a role in preparing students. “We’re incredibly proud of our CTE offerings,” Fitch noted. “For students interested in healthcare, we have courses in nursing, medical assisting, and sports medicine. For those leaning toward education, we offer an education professions class. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience and discover what they’re passionate about.”

Fitch also highlighted a few success stories that demonstrate the program’s impact. “One student wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, so I introduced him to an Army recruiter. Now, he’s enlisted in the Arizona National Guard, and his confidence has soared,” she shared. “Another student overcame GPA challenges to secure the Lumberjack Scholarship at Northern Arizona University through strategic guidance from our team. These stories remind me of the difference we’re making.”

When asked what sets Crismon’s program apart, Fitch emphasized teamwork and support. “We have an amazing team,” she said. “Maddy Dierbeck and Miranda Andree bring their unique strengths to the table, and we all collaborate to ensure everything runs smoothly. We’re also fortunate to have a supportive principal and staff who understand the value of what we do.”

Looking to the future, Fitch hopes to increase parental involvement in college and career planning. “We’ve laid a strong foundation in our three years, but I’d like to see more initiatives to involve families. Parents play a critical role in supporting students at home,” she said.

Crismon High School’s college and career readiness program is more than a resource; it’s a launchpad for students to explore their passions and build their futures. As Fitch aptly put it, “Even if some seeds take time to sprout, we’re here to help them grow.”

Enroll your student today in Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) to have access to CTE courses and advisors at CHS who help students achieve excellence. 

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