FHSD Announces New Name and Logo for Experiential Career Learning (XCL) Program
FHSD Announces New Name and Logo for Experiential Career Learning (XCL) Program
Forest Hills Excels with XCL
Forest Hills School District is excited to announce the rebranding of its successful and fast-growing Community Partnership Program, now officially known as Experiential Career Learning (XCL).
The name XCL (pronounced “excel”) was selected after careful consideration and feedback from students and staff. The name change reflects the program’s growth and its evolving focus on hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for success in life after high school.
“Experiential Career Learning more accurately represents the wide variety of opportunities we offer students,” said Melanie Hartong, FHSD Workforce Development Specialist. “From healthcare career exploration and leadership development to work-based career programs, mock interviews and in-school events, XCL emphasizes the experience-based learning that equips students with real-world knowledge and skills.”
By choosing the shorthand XCL, the district also strengthens the connection to its guiding slogan: Engage. Empower. Excel. By providing meaningful, experience-based learning, the district is ensuring that all students are equipped to pursue their goals and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Future-Ready Graduates
FHSD has always had a strong commitment to preparing students to be future-ready graduates, which is one of the five key priorities of the FHSD Strategic Plan. While these efforts involve staff members across all schools and departments, XCL is a critical component of the district’s comprehensive approach to live up to the District’s vision of striving to ensure success for all students. That commitment extends to students no matter their future path after graduation—whether they choose to attend college, embark on a career, serve in the military or follow other pursuits.
XCL helps students become future-ready by integrating academic and real-world experiences, encouraging innovation and emphasizing how learning applies even beyond the classroom.
Through XCL, FHSD will continue to:
- Enhance systems of support for students’ academic, social, emotional and physical growth.
- Align staffing and programming to maximize opportunities for all learners.
- Build essential future-ready skills such as engaged collaboration, empathetic communication, creative problem solving, critical thinking and adaptable learning.
- Provide flexible tools and resources that foster creativity and deeper thinking.
- Promote reflection and ownership in learning, preparing students to take charge of their futures.
A New Look for a New Era
Alongside the new name, the program is unveiling a fresh logo designed to complement the district’s primary identity. The logo features a road and leaf design, symbolizing both the journey students take through career exploration and the growth they achieve along the way. The tagline, “Forest Hills Excels with XCL,” further reinforces the district’s mission to engage, empower and help every student excel.
