Career Exploration
The Career Readiness Program encourages students to explore career interests while applying their leadership skills and knowledge to real world situations. Students in grades 8-12 complete requirements that enhance the curriculum in the classroom and give them the opportunity to explore careers for post-secondary life. LPS students will connect with the local community and showcase their leadership skills through mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and practicums.
Welcome to another exciting new school year at Leadership Prep School! We are energized by the incredible momentum of our Career Readiness Program and proud of the opportunities our students continue to experience as they grow into confident leaders, professionals, and innovators.
At LPS, our Career Readiness Program has evolved into a dynamic, hands-on experience that equips students with real-world skills, meaningful professional exposure, and authentic leadership opportunities. Over the past year, our program has expanded tremendously, creating deeper partnerships, stronger student engagement, and impactful learning experiences for all students in grades 8–12.
Our students continue to demonstrate exceptional growth through signature experiences such as Defense of Learning presentations, mock interviews, internships, student-led enterprise opportunities, job shadowing, and professional networking events. These experiences allow students to confidently communicate their learning, strengthen professional skills, and connect classroom knowledge to future career pathways.
In the 2025-2026 school year, we proudly expanded career exploration opportunities through over 8,900 job shadowing hours completed across a wide range of industries and community partners. Students engaged in immersive field experiences, Lunch & Learn sessions, guest speaker presentations, internships, and real-world application projects designed to help them discover their passions and career interests.
Our Mock Interview and Defense of Learning initiatives continue to be some of the most impactful experiences for students. With support from more than 100 business professionals and community volunteers, students practiced professional communication, interviewing skills, and career preparedness in authentic settings. The positive feedback from industry partners continues to affirm the professionalism, confidence, and leadership our students demonstrate.
One of the most exciting additions to our energized program has been the launch of our student-led enterprise, Lead and Latte. This initiative gives students hands-on business experience while developing skills in teamwork, customer service, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Through authentic business operations, students are learning what it means to lead with responsibility, creativity, and purpose.
In addition, the relaunch of our Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has significantly strengthened our Career Readiness Program. The BAC brings together business leaders, industry professionals, and community partners who collaborate with LPS to provide strategic guidance, mentorship opportunities, internship connections, and workforce insight. Through these partnerships, students gain valuable exposure to real-world career expectations while helping ensure our program continues to align with evolving workforce and industry needs.
Our growing network of partnerships with businesses, colleges, nonprofits, and community organizations has strengthened opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career exploration. This year alone, LPS has established partnerships with 67 organizations committed to supporting student success and workforce readiness.
As we continue to grow, we remain focused on preparing students not only for graduation, but for lifelong success. We are proud of the energy, innovation, and leadership our students bring to this program every day, and we look forward to another outstanding year of growth, achievement, and opportunity at LPS.
Should you have any further questions about our Career Readiness Program, please reach out to rshaw@lpsfrisco.com
Respectfully,
Retna Shaw
Career Readiness Coordinator, Leadership Prep School
Career Readiness Quick Links Page
Leadership Prep is an innovative secondary school in Frisco, Texas that demands excellence from teachers and students alike.
Leadership Prep provides a wealth of experiences, resources, support, and more for all our students, ensuring they exceed expectations and find the future they deserve.
