COOL Experiences

Leander ISD is evolving our long-standing work-based experience (formerly known as COOL Week) as we adjust to our virtual world. This has presented an opportunity for us to begin offering COOL Experiences, a variety of platforms to engage students with potential career pathways. COOL Experiences seeks to EXPLORE, CONNECT, and INSPIRE.

Why is it so great?

One of the crown jewels of the LISD Pathways & Innovation program, COOL Experiences provide LISD students the opportunity to explore a career or industry in which they have an interest. College is an expensive place to find out what you want to be when you grow up. COOL Experiences allow students to “try on” careers before entering post-secondary education and training. The goal is for students to become aware of the skills, education, and training required for a specific career path.

For Partners

Business Partners have the flexibility to decide what works best within their framework. COOL Experiences occur throughout the school year in all career fields.

COOL Convos

COOL Convos offer a more intimate experience between students and career professionals. Facilitated via Zoom, Convos give students the chance to have a more personal conversation and ask questions about specific career paths;

COOL Webinar

COOL Webinars provide more of a one-way delivery of information about a career path directly from the COOL business partners to a larger student audience. Facilitated by an LISD host, students will have the opportunity to use the Q&A feature via Zoom to ask questions;

COOL Collaboration

COOL Collaborations will allow select students the opportunity to work on a hands-on project with a business partner;

COOL On-Location

COOL On-Location allows seniors the opportunity to intern or shadow with a business partner; and,

COOL Excursion

COOL Excursions are field trips or site visits allowing students the opportunity to gain insight into day-to-day operations and career fields.

More information for Business Partners

For Students

What is a COOL Experience?

See the COOL Smore Newsletter to learn more about COOL Experiences for students.

Questions?

Please contact your campus College & Career Transition Coordinator.

For Educators

The Summer Educator Externships Program provides Leander ISD educators with direct experience at a local business. Open to all Secondary Teachers, Counselors and Administrators, this 3-Day externship allows educators to learn the latest trends in the business world, grow knowledge of real world applications of content, build lasting industry partners for the classroom, earn 24 hours of CEU credit and a $1000 Stipend.

For more information see the Educator Externship information presented at the 2022 Continuous Improvement Conference

Questions? Contact Mitzi Powell, Leander ISD Career Development Coordinator: [email protected]

Educator COOL Externship Application Process

To Apply, submit the 2023 Educator COOL Externship Application by Friday, March 3rd.
References are due by March 10th. See Application for Reference Request link.