PATHWAYS to
FUTURE
CAREERS
new coordinator takes on founder ’ s legacy
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TAMARA GREGOR
PATHWAYS TO FUTURE CAREERS COORDINATOR EMILY PRICHARD TOOK OVER THE PFC PROGRAM IN AUGUST 2022 . PRICHARD ’ S LOVE FOR THE PROGRAM STEMS FROM YEARS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT .
There ’ s no better way to learn than on the job .
Over the past few years , Duncan High School has incorporated an internship program for juniors and seniors known as Pathways to Future Careers ( PFC ), from which students develop career ready skills . Former PFC instructor and coordinator Lesa Hefner , who founded the program in Duncan , said the initial goal with the program was to pair students with career aspirations and engage them with local businesses so partners can provide expertise and experience in the field of interest while teaching students tools they need for the future .
Since its inception , the program accumulated partnerships with over 100 different businesses within Duncan . Within the past five years , the program has seen over 300 students at Duncan High School participate .
In August 2022 , leadership for the PFC program changed hands as new coordinator Emily Prichard stepped into Hefner ’ s shoes .
“ Lesa ( Hefner ) built an amazing program and I want to continue that ,” Prichard said .
When the opportunity with the PFC program became available , Prichard wanted to go back to teaching .
“ This is my passion and my love ,” she said .
While this makes only her second year in public school , Prichard comes with educational experience both inside and outside the public school classroom . That includes time as a 4-H educator as well as an academic and financial assistance advisor for Cameron University . That experience is capped off with small business understanding .
The career-focus class earns students two credit hours for
“ I ’ M EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS CAREER PROGRAM , BECAUSE I SEE THE BENEFIT IT ’ S GOING TO HAVE ON THIS COMMUNITY AND ON THESE STUDENTS .”
Emily Prichard
DPS Pathways to Future Careers Coordinator
participation .
According to Prichard , one of the most important things about the program is the link created between students and local businesses and organizations .
“ Other schools have internship programs ,” she said . “ I believe
18 DUNCAN MAGAZINE | FALL 2022