Leadership Prep School in Frisco is doing more than preparing students to graduate; it’s preparing them to lead, thrive and succeed in the real world. For the graduating class of 2025, that preparation has culminated in a remarkable milestone: the first group of seniors to fully complete the school’s innovative Career Readiness Program.

Inside the Career Readiness Program

At its core, the Career Readiness Program reflects LPS’s founding mission to inspire students to learn, grow and lead for a lifetime.

The program is a multi-year, real-world learning experience that starts for all students in eighth grade and continues through graduation. Unlike traditional career prep initiatives, LPS’s Career Readiness Program is built into each school year, offering students growing opportunities to explore interests, build leadership skills and gain real-world experience.

LPS follows a structured five-year approach that includes:
  • Career assessments, mock interviews and resume writing
  • Personalized job shadowing and internship placements
  • Reflection and portfolio development
  • Community service and professional development days
  • A capstone Defense of Learning presentation, judged by a panel of educators, administrators and community leaders.
“The program was born from a belief that students should explore their interests, practice professional skills and gain insight into their future long before graduation,” Chief Academic Officer Audra Floyd said. “This program also addresses the whole student, incorporating social-emotional learning, leadership development and goal-setting benchmarks throughout the years.”



The goal of the program

Through internships, job shadowing and community engagement, students gain firsthand insight into the expectations and challenges of different careers. Along the way, they develop critical soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork, which are essential for success in any field.

“The goal of the Career Readiness Program is to ensure students graduate with more than just academic knowledge,” Floyd said. “LPS envisions graduates who are career-informed, confident and capable of applying leadership and professional skills in real-world environments.”

The program culminates in a capstone project called the Defense of Learning, where seniors present their portfolio and reflect on their journey before a panel of educators, administrators and community leaders. This presentation allows students to articulate their personal and professional growth and demonstrate the skills and growth they’ve achieved throughout the program.

By the time they graduate, students are equipped to step confidently into college, military service, trade careers or the workforce with a strong foundation and a clear vision of their future.

The impacts

The benefits of the Career Readiness Program are already evident throughout LPS. Educators have observed a noticeable increase in students’ motivation, sense of responsibility and maturity as they engage more deeply with their personal growth.

For many seniors, the Defense of Learning presentation serves as a powerful turning point. One student reflected, “I never imagined I could confidently speak about myself in front of professionals, but I did, and I’m proud of how much I’ve grown.”



The program also brings meaningful fulfillment to staff members. Monthly meetings between leadership and career-readiness teachers and their students provide crucial support and guidance throughout each phase of the journey. Beyond the classroom, the entire school community, including administrators and local business partners, is committed to nurturing student success, creating a network of mentorship and opportunity that helps empower students for their futures.

Learn more

To learn more about LPS' Career Readiness Program, visit the webpage here to learn more.

For additional information about Leadership Prep School and their programs, visit the website at www.lpsfrisco.com.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.