Preparing for Tomorrow: Online Students Get Unique Hands-On Career Experience

(Adam Hawf, Superintendent of Schools, K12) - In a virtual café, students write resumes, sit for interviews, and take on roles that imitate real-world jobs. In an RV-turned-lab, a health science teacher travels across her state, helping students earn professional certificates. In Colorado, others climb a 13,000-foot mountain while taking steps to earn a wilderness first aid certification. And in Tokyo, a young inventor confidently presents his creation—an AI-powered tool for early cancer detection.  

These experiences may look remarkably different, but they all share one thing in common: Each describes a hands-on career opportunity available to students enrolled in a K12-powered online school. 

At K12, students follow an award-winning high school curriculum with an incredible bonus—they can incorporate career-focused courses and experiences into their schedules that help launch them into their dream jobs right after graduation. From agriculture and business to engineering, hospitality, and manufacturing, students are introduced to a wide range of industries. While still in high school, they’re gaining real-world skills and knowledge that will help them be successful in the workplace. 

But they’re not just learning about careers—they’re experiencing them. These unique opportunities extend far beyond the online classroom through meaningful hands-on activities. K12 students earn certificates, shadow professionals, intern at major corporations, present at national competitions, and build essential skills. These students are getting a powerful head start discovering fulfilling and rewarding futures.  

Through student-led organizations like Business Professionals of America and SkillsUSA, students participate in leadership conferences, community service projects, and competitive events. Whether they’re creating a digital marketing campaign, showcasing computer model designs, or challenging peers in a national competition, K12 students are learning to lead, innovate, collaborate, and overcome challenges with confidence. 

K12 is committed to preparing students to become confident, job-ready individuals who can look toward the future with purpose and excitement. By giving them the chance to get hands-on in their chosen field, K12 is helping students get ahead and stay on a path to success.