Pathways to Purpose

The Options Program at Charlotte Catholic has recently established an extension for the upcoming school year called Pathways to Purpose. This program will be available to graduates of the Options Program until they turn 21. Three students in the Options Program at Charlotte Catholic will be participating in this program in the upcoming school year. Pathways to Purpose will be integrating life-centered academic, communication, social, and daily living skills to help them thrive in their personal and professional lives. 

The Pathways to Purpose program has been in the works for several years, but in January 2025 the diocese approved it for the 2025-2026 school year. After 12th grade, students will be able to participate in this program and learn how to communicate with the world around them through internships, resume building, personal finance, and interviewing skills. Dr. Leahy mentioned that students in the program will also be focusing on life skills, such as learning how to read a menu, write a resume, and read for enjoyment. 

Instead of working in the Options room, students will be engaged in a different location in the school. In addition, they will have their own Instructional Assistant/Job Coach to guide them through this program. 

Students will also have a full day schedule. In the first year of the program they will spend mornings working on life centered academic prep, communication and social skills. In the  afternoon, students will practice job exploration and career readiness skills that will help them learn how to work a job with others. 

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, students will participate in external internships with Charlotte Aquatics and the office of the Diocese uptown. In addition, they will learn to use public transportation by taking the bus to internships outside of the school. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they will participate in internal internships at CCHS such as running errands for the front office, and working in the cafeteria, spirit store, or mail room. 

Catholic values will also be integrated into the Pathways to Purpose program. Dr. Leahy mentioned that the program will emphasize Catholic teachings such as respect for human dignity, service to others, and the importance of the community. 

The faculty of the Options Program is excited to usher in this new extension and looks to further the academics and career readiness of students in the 25-26 school year.