Helping Careers Academy 2026: Exploring Paths That Make a Difference

Finding the right path after high school isn’t always straightforward. For many students, it’s less about having all the answers and more about having the opportunity to explore what’s possible. That’s where Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) continues to make an impact through its Helping Careers Academy.

Now in its continued run of successful summer programming, this four-day experience is designed to introduce high school students to careers centered on helping others—while also building practical skills they can carry into any future path.

A Closer Look at the Program

The Helping Careers Academy: Explore Careers that Make a Difference is open to students in grades 9–12, as well as recent graduates. The program focuses on career pathways in areas such as mental health, social work, peer support, human services, addiction recovery, and prevention/postvention.

It’s a structured but approachable experience—one that balances career exploration with real-world skill-building.

What the Week Includes

Each day highlights a different area of growth and discovery:

• Day 1: Job Seeking Skills

  Resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation help students build confidence as they begin entering the workforce.

  
  

• Day 2: Financial Literacy

  Students are introduced to essential financial concepts, including student loans, credit, and banking.

  
  

• Day 3: Careers with a High School Diploma or Associate’s Degree

  An overview of meaningful career options that don’t require a four-year degree.

  
  

• Day 4: Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree and Beyond

  Exploration of professional roles in fields like counseling and social work, along with the education needed to pursue them.

  
  

Guest speakers from across the helping professions are a key part of the experience, offering insight into what these careers look like in practice and how individuals can get started.

More Than Just Information

Students who attend all four days will receive a $50 Walmart gift card, but the lasting impact of the program goes beyond the incentive. Participants gain exposure to career options they may not have previously considered, along with practical tools that support both personal and professional growth.

Program Details

Sessions will be offered throughout July 2026 in multiple counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Union, Delaware, Morrow, Champaign, Logan, Mercer, Paulding, and Van Wert.

Applications are due by May 22, 2026, and space is limited.

Creating Opportunities for the Future

The Helping Careers Academy reflects PASS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communities by investing in young people. By providing early exposure to meaningful careers and equipping students with essential life skills, the program helps build confidence, direction, and a sense of possibility.

These programs are funded through local Mental Health & Recovery Services Boards (ADAMHS Boards), whose investment ensures students across participating counties have access to these valuable experiences.

Not every path is clear from the start—but opportunities like this can help illuminate the way forward.

Learn More

Applications are available on the PASS website under the Events tab.

For additional information, contact:

In Logan and Champaign Counties: Dr. Cassie Branan, OCPC – cbranan@passaah.org

 In Union, Delaware, and Morrow Counties: Tabbie Glass, OCPC – tglass@passaah.org 

In Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Van Wert, Paulding, and Mercer Counties: Jessica Maag, OCPS – jmaag@passaah.org

Exploration is often the first step toward purpose. The Helping Careers Academy offers a space for that exploration to begin.