Rising Stars Career Discovery

Rising Stars Career Discovery is an ideal way for young people from other countries to explore six potential career paths while experiencing American culture and interacting with American teachers and students. Rising Stars Career Discovery is offered as a one-week program in February and a one-to-two-week program in July of every year. Rising Stars is designed for students age 13-18.

The process of examining potential career paths includes special classes, hands-on activities, and exposure to working professionals. Rising Star students will experience six broad areas of concentration: STEM, Health & Environment, Entrepreneurialism (Business), Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Ministry & Social Justice. In addition to classes and self-assessments, Rising Star students will also learn how to apply to college in the U.S. from our team of professional college counselors.

The high school years are a time of incredible growth and opportunity for students as they begin the journey into adulthood and mature into independent individuals. As students enter high school, they do so with an eye toward the finish line: how do I make the most of my high school years; what is the right college – and major – for me; will I be accepted; how will I succeed once I am there? At Rising Stars Career Discovery, we intentionally guide students to explore these questions. As students work through each area of concentration, they rule out certain careers (saving time and money in the college years), and rule in other careers aligned with their talents and interests.

In February, Rising Star students will be immersed in school culture, attending classes, special sessions and campus events throughout the two-week-long session. In July, students will additionally visit several college campuses, including USC and UCLA, as well as local cultural and educational attractions to complement what they experience in the classroom.

All classes and activities are conducted in English, and students are expected to have a minimal working knowledge and understanding of the English language in order to fully appreciate and participate in Rising Stars Career Discovery.

Students groups and chaperones stay at local hotels or local college dormitories. VCS provides all bus transportation, including airport transfers, as well as daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Please call for pricing. We look forward to hosting your middle or high school students on our campus for two or three weeks of learning, fun, and American culture!