Students at NDA aspiring to be involved in IB might soon have the additional ability to do so through the IB Career-related Program (IBCP for short).

The IBCP is similar to the already available IB Diploma Program; however, it shifts focus on preparing students for their future careers. 

A small pilot program is likely to be available as soon as next year. 

Mr. Christian Dory, the head of the project, explained the two major benefits that this program will grant to students. 

“First, it offers them a Personal and Professional Skills course designed to prepare students for every kind of career,” he explained. “Second, the program offers students a progression of classes that will help them with their future career path.”

The Personal and Professional Skills course (PPS for short) will be a two-year class in which students will create their IB portfolios for certification. 

Dory used an example of a student aspiring to go into a medical field. He explained, “The student would be scheduled for all the appropriate science classes that would lead them down the medical sciences career pathway.” 

Another major benefit of the IBCP is the opportunity to be placed in an apprenticeship or internship in their field. 

 A student taking this program will be able to experience aspects of their career and decide if they want to pursue that career in the future which can help save time and money when deciding what classes to take in college. 

“A student in the medical sciences pathway could get an internship with Bellin or Prevea,” said the program head.

Dory added that there are plans to partner with NWTC to allow students to take classes at NWTC and earn graduation credit for NDA. 

Mr. Matthew Schultz, the current IB coordinator, stated, “The IBCP excites me because it provides another access point for more students to take IB.” 

Schultz believes that all NDA students are capable of taking IB classes. 

“I believe this program will help them realize their academic potential,” he claimed. “This program will give students the opportunity to get career training in high school, but they will also develop critical thinking skills through their participation in at least 2 IB classes and a Personal and Professional Skills course.” 

The coordinator is additionally excited by the Service Learning Component, saying, “This will help Notre Dame become even more present in our community as our students will be using the skills they acquire in this program and putting them to good use.”

According to Schultz, the IBCP compares well to the current IB Diploma Program. 

“IBCP students still have to take at least 2 IBDP classes, embrace the IB philosophies of thinking globally and acting locally, and there is a substantial core group of requirements that students need to meet,” he explained. “Colleges still respect the IBCP in the same way that they respect the IBDP and students often have an advantage when applying to certain programs that colleges offer.” 

In Schultz’s words, “The IBCP may not be for everyone, but it will certainly appeal to many students and benefit them while they are at NDA.”