A Career Exploration Program for Middle School Students

Peoria Public Schools Foundation

The Peoria Public Schools Foundation’s Horizons Club 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 educational information. 

Horizons Club meets with students during their lunch period once a week for a school year. 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 Club Meetings Include

• Professional Speaker/Mentors: 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 goals.

• Customized Investigation Times: 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.

We are in need of community members to serve as mentors for the students and share their story. The commitment can be speaking to one club one time, or an ongoing commitment to speaking with multiple schools. 

If you would like to become a mentor/speaker and share your story, please contact –

Trish O’Shaughnessy

Community Engagement Coordinator, Peoria Public Schools Foundation

(309) 696-3406

Send email to Patricia O'Shaughnessy

 Visit the Peoria Public Schools Foundation at www.ppsfoundation.org