Our Program | 1862 Community

Lead. Think. Thrive.

At 1862 Community, we don't just prepare students for graduation; we empower them to lead with purpose, think critically, and thrive wherever life takes them.

Our programming combines classroom instruction, experiential learning, individualized coaching, and community partnerships to help students discover their strengths, explore future opportunities, and develop a personalized postsecondary plan for success. Through our four pillars, students gain the knowledge, experiences, and professional networks that prepare them to thrive long after graduation.

Our Four Pillars

At 1862 Community, our work centers on four interconnected pillars that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. By combining professional skill development, personalized planning, experiential learning, and career-connected opportunities, we provide a comprehensive approach to helping students discover their potential and build meaningful pathways to college, careers, and civic leadership.

Professional and Workforce Development

Students develop the essential skills employers and colleges value most, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, professionalism, conflict resolution, and leadership. Through interactive lessons, real-world simulations, and project-based learning, students build the confidence and workplace competencies needed to succeed in any professional environment.

Experential Learning and Community Support

Learning extends beyond the classroom through college visits, career exploration experiences, industry tours, leadership conferences, civic engagement projects, cultural experiences, and service-learning opportunities. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to the real world while developing leadership skills and meaningful relationships within their communities.

Postsecondary Planning

Whether a student's postsecondary path leads to college, career training, apprenticeships, military service, or the workforce, we provide the guidance and resources to help them make informed decisions. Students explore postsecondary options, navigate admissions and financial aid, identify scholarships, and develop personalized plans aligned with their goals and aspirations. 1862 helps students identify opportunities in their industry of interest and provides application and mentorship support.

Career Navigation and Individual Student Success

Every student's journey is unique. Through one-on-one coaching and small-group advising, we help students identify and pursue employment, internships, apprenticeships, summer programs, and other career-connected opportunities. Students receive personalized support in exploring career interests, preparing applications, and gaining hands-on experiences that strengthen both their resumes and their postsecondary pathways.

Our Approach

Empowering Students to Lead. Think. Thrive.
From the classroom to the community to a thriving career.

Classroom Facilitation

Partnering with instructional staff, 1862 facilitators “push-in” to classrooms once a week to deliver instruction. Our workforce development curriculum introduces students to professional expectations and workplace skills through interactive lessons, simulations, and project-based learning.

Continuum of Learning:

Freshman Seminar
Postsecondary Planning
Professional Experience and Civic Engagement

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Workforce Development and Resume Building

Our staff works one-on-one and in small groups with students to connect them to employment, internships, apprenticeships, and career exploration programs that align with their interests and future aspirations. Students receive hands-on support throughout the application process, from identifying opportunities and preparing application materials to developing professional skills for success in the workplace.

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Experential Learning, Events, and Civic Engagement

1862 Community combines classroom learning with a variety of enriching experiences that support students' personal, professional, and civic growth. Throughout the year, students participate in college and career exploration trips, leadership development events, guest speaker sessions, networking opportunities, community service initiatives, and cultural experiences that encourage curiosity, broaden perspectives, and strengthen connections to their communities.

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