The Child Development and Leadership (CDL) program will no longer be available for upcoming students, leaving many concerned about how it will affect future seniors and their career pathways. Counselor Mrs. Miller explained that students currently in the program will be directly impacted.

“Losing the CDL program will affect a couple kids because they are trying to complete the CDL pathway,” Miller said.

She added that many students will lose the opportunity to finish their certification and gain real-world experience working with children, which was a major benefit of the program.

“It helps people have an understanding of what working with children looks like… it gives them some real world practice working with kids,” Miller said.

According to Miller, at least 30 students were involved or interested in the pathway, and many are now unsure how to continue their plans. The cancellation has created frustration and disappointment among both students and parents.

“There have been concerns… people who are frustrated and sad that the program is not continuing,” she said.

With CDL ending, students will need to shift into other pathways such as graphic design or JROTC, or apply to specialized programs like CCTE or magnet options.

“We have to talk about their feelings and help them make a plan for their classes coming up,” Miller said.

Even with the change, counselors are encouraging students to adapt and explore new opportunities. Miller emphasized that while the program is ending, students can still find meaningful career paths moving forward.

“I encourage students to always advocate for what they believe in… but also consider what other areas could they be learning something new in,” she said.