High School
Preparing our graduates for success in life means connecting our students with resume and portfolio-building experiences that set them apart.
Our DiplomaPlus initiative aims to ensure all students graduate with a diploma and at least one "market-value asset" — such as an internship or client-connected project experience, college credit, industry certification, or entrepreneurial experience — that supports future success in the workplace, college and/or in other professional pursuits.
These assets represent marketable skills that are in high demand by employers and can be placed on a resume or portfolio.
Our goal for 100 percent of LSR7 students to graduate with at least one market-value asset starts starts in elementary and middle school, where students experience career curriculum to help them understand their passions and talents. And it culminates in high school, where all students have their pick of specialized programming and career pathways to pursue — including opportunities to earn a DiplomaPlus credential or "market value asset."
Keep reading to learn more about how all LSR7 students can earn market value assets during their high school experience.
Regan O. carries cash for the register from the Faulkner's Ranch office building. Regan O. has a paid internship at Faulkner's Ranch, where she is responsible for the daily operations of the business, including managing staff and setting up the registers. When she graduates, Regan will earn an internship credential through the LSR7 Diploma Plus program.
Weston H. measures liquids into a test tube during General Biology. Weston H. is taking three classes this semester through LSR7's partnership with Metropolitan Community College: Longview.
Alexas G. sorts merchandise during her internship at Made In KC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DiplomaPlus a graduation requirement?
No. DiplomaPlus is an achievement recognizing that a student has earned one or more of the following market value assets in high school: work or internship experience, extensive college credit, industry certification, or entrepreneurial experience.
Can anyone participate?
Yes! Our goal is for for 100 percent of LSR7 students to graduate with a Diploma Plus credential.
Why should a student pursue a DiplomaPlus credential?
Whether a student has a plan for college or a plan to go into the workforce, DiplomaPlus credentials boost resumes, strengthens college applications and boosts confidence and self-worth for students along the way.
How does a student or parent track DiplomaPlus progress?
Completion of assets will be tracked through a portal called Transeo that is linked to a student’s Powerschool login. Students and parents can check on the status of DiplomaPlus credentials, just like grades.
Client-Connected Project Asset
Students complete meaningful workplace job tasks that develop readiness for work, knowledge and skills that support entry or advancement in a particular career field. Learners analyze and solve authentic problems, working in collaboration with other learners and professionals from industry, not-for-profit, civic or community-based organizations.
- Work involves authentic methods and tools used by professionals in work environment.
- Experience includes mentoring and evaluation by working professionals.
- At least 24 hours of work with at least 4 hours engaged with a client.
- Output is viewed as value-add by external stakeholders and resume-worthy.
Client-Connected Projects
Early College Credit Asset
Students earn the Early College Asset through nine (9) or more hours of college-level credit, progressing toward an industry-recognized degree or credential from any of our postsecondary partners (MCC, UCM, UMKC, MSU, MST).
- International Baccalaureate Program
- International Baccalaureate Career Program
- Missouri Innovation Campus Program
- LSR7 Early College Program
LSR7 International Baccalaureate Career Program
View more opportunities for earning college credit in our Career & Educational Planning Guide.
Learn about the LSR7 Early College Program
Internship Asset
Students complete meaningful workplace job tasks that develop readiness for work, knowledge and skills that support entry or advancement in a particular career field. Learners perform meaningful job tasks at worksite, virtually or approved location, under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.
- Should qualify for high school and/or college credit and/or be paid
- Minimum 120 hours within a calendar year, at least 60 onsite
- Performance evaluated by work manager in addition to educator
- Internship completion substantive enough to be included on students’ resume
A marketing internship for a LSW student
Industry Credential Asset
Current lists published by state education departments will be reviewed with employers and validated for applicability and relevance as either a Industry-recognized Credential (IRC) or a stackable credential. There may be a small number of regional ‘custom’ credentials identified that also become part of this category. Examples of certifications or stackable credentials available to LSR7 students include: CNA, AWS, iCAR, Autodesk, Cisco, CompTIA, TestOut, NIMS, ASK, MT1, Microsoft, ProStart
View a full list of industry-recognized credentials offered in LSR7.
Nursing certifications & college credit for STA student
Entrepreneurial Experience Asset
Students identify a compelling social or market problem and mobilize resources to research and solve it. The project originates with the student or group of students but must include interactions with the business community. Professionals who might help solve the problem include a Project Sponsorship, Project Reviewers, and/or Informational Interviews with a Subject-matter Expert (SME). Leveraging input and support from multiple stakeholders, students iteratively analyze, prototype, implement, reflect and adapt potential solutions. Outputs of MVA-level entrepreneurial experiences include a market and stakeholder research summary, a ‘business plan’ that includes an assessment of costs and benefits associated with development or operation of their solution, and feedback from relevant external stakeholders obtained through exhibition or ‘shark-tank’ type pitch opportunities.