Horizons Background

The Peoria Public Schools Foundation’s Horizons program is a lunchtime educational opportunity for middle school students in Peoria Public Schools. The intent of this program is to facilitate opportunities for students to investigate various industries and occupations which will allow them to make more informed choices during middle school, high school class selection, and beyond. Additionally, the students learn goal-setting techniques, study skills, as well as career and education information.

How it began
In the Fall of 2013, the idea for Horizons was born through collaboration between the Peoria Public Schools Foundation and the Peoria Public Schools district leaders. Both organizations recognized the need to help middle school students find their path to success by providing the following:

• An environment where students can explore potential career opportunities.
• Access to community leaders who would serve as mentors and examples for students.
• An environment where students are allowed to dream big and create a plan to achieve their educational and career goals.

How It works

Horizons meets with students during their lunch period once a week for an entire semester. During this time students are introduced to different career areas by using a variety of exploration techniques. No two meetings are the same, thus providing a unique experience for the students as they learn more about themselves and their own career opportunities.

Horizons Meetings include:

• Professional Speakers: Students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in a variety of industries about their careers and the educational path they took to reach their dreams.
• Customized Investigation Time: Whether it is using web-based investigation tools about career trends, industry facts and occupational opportunities, students will learn and understand some of the possibilities open to them after high school.
• Career Fair: Students will research and organize their own Career Fair to showcase their findings and educate fellow peers and the community about a variety of industries and career opportunities. 

Trish O’Shaughnessy - Director, Community Engagement and Horizons Program
Email: patricia.oshaughnessy@psd150.org
Phone: 309.696.3406

Horizons Program in the Peoria Journal Star 11/25/14

A special video highlighting Trish O'Shaughnessy - Director, Community Engagement and Horizons Program.