XCL Program
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XCL (pronounced “excel”) is Forest Hills School District's districtwide Experiential Career Learning initiative, connecting students in grades 9–12 at Anderson and Turpin High Schools with meaningful, real-world career exploration opportunities.
Through partnerships with businesses, organizations and professionals throughout Anderson Township and Greater Cincinnati, XCL helps students explore career interests, develop essential professional skills and build connections beyond the classroom.
More than a collection of programs and experiences, XCL represents a coordinated approach to career exploration and readiness. By connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities, XCL empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures and develop the confidence and skills to pursue their goals.
Whether students plan to attend college, enter the workforce, enlist in the military or pursue another postsecondary pathway, XCL helps prepare them for success beyond high school.
We are grateful for the community partners who generously share their time, expertise and resources to invest in our students and the future of our community.
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Explore XCL Opportunities
XCL offers a variety of programs and experiences designed to meet students at different stages of career exploration and readiness. Opportunities include:
- Job Shadowing: Individualized opportunities to observe professionals in fields that align with students' career interests.
- Healthcare Career Exploration: Structured, hands-on experiences introducing students to healthcare professions and workplace environments.
- Breakfast With Business: Interactive conversations and networking opportunities connecting students with professionals across a variety of industries.
- Aspire: A cohort-based experience for select sophomores focused on personal growth, professional skills, career exploration and community engagement.
- Junior Jump Start: Career readiness experiences that help all 11th-grade students develop essential professional skills, including résumé development, interviewing and workplace communication.
- Career Quest: An individualized career coaching experience for select high school seniors, offered in partnership with LEAD Training, that helps students identify career interests, explore postsecondary pathways and develop actionable plans for life after graduation.
- Industry and Community Experiences: Career-focused site visits, workplace tours and hands-on learning opportunities coordinated with teachers, student groups and community partners.
How to Get Involved
Students at Anderson and Turpin High Schools can find information about XCL opportunities, registration links and request forms through their school's student communication channels:
- Anderson High School: StudentSquare, under "Anderson In the Know" links
- Turpin High School: THS All Student Google Classroom
Interested in Job Shadowing?
Students interested in exploring a particular career can complete the XCL Job Shadowing Request Form to request a connection with a professional in their field of interest.
The request form is available during the first and third quarters of the school year, with job shadowing experiences coordinated for the second and fourth quarters, respectively.
Looking for Other Opportunities?
Information about additional experiences, including Breakfast With Business and Healthcare Career Exploration, is shared with students throughout the school year. Registration details, eligibility requirements, and participation information are provided as opportunities become available.
Students and families with questions about XCL opportunities are encouraged to contact Melanie Hartong, FHSD Workforce Development Specialist.
XCL was previously known as the Community Partnership Program. Learn more about the XCL name and rebrand.
