The Christian Vocational College
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
What is the Christian Vocational College?
The Christian Vocational College (CVC) is the Family's high school, college and vocational training program all in one. It has been developed for students preparing for full-time Christian service careers, enabling them to gain quality vocational training and practical job experience along with their academic studies. Besides a basic high school diploma program, the CVC lays the foundation for careers in pastoring, teaching, counseling, missionary and evangelistic work, publishing, performing, and much more, as well as providing training in a wide range of other vocational job skills.
Students in the program are encouraged to explore and develop their own interests, talents and Christian convictions. Through flexible courses and scheduling, along with valuable on-the-job training opportunities, students are able to study and obtain experience in a variety of job skills. Graduates from the program have a head start on life because of their occupational training and "real-life" learning experiences.
Students in this program have many unique opportunities open to them. Some students travel and study abroad, living and working with active Christian workers in different parts of the world. Other students become actively involved in local Christian ministries, or make use of locally available vocational training opportunities.
The CVC program includes both short-term training in which only a few hours, days or weeks are required to learn the skills needed to do a job; and more in-depth specialized training, which may take several months or up to two years to complete.
Is the CVC a college or a high school?
Both! The term "college" has a number of meanings in different countries and areas of the world. In the US it usually means post-secondary education. In Britain, "college" is usually the title given to post-secondary schools, like technical or trade schools, or specialty schools, but the term is also used by some secondary schools. In Australia and New Zealand, "college" can be used for high schools or for tertiary schools such as teachers colleges or technical colleges, but not for universities. In other parts of the world, the word "college" refers to secondary education and it is often used in the same way the term "high school" is used in the US. Considering the courses we have available (a combination of secondary and post-secondary courses), and the ages of our students (high school age and older), the term "college" quite accurately describes our program. Within the Christian Vocational College, there is an Academic Studies Department (high school) where students can earn their high school diplomas.
Does the CVC have a campus or is it a home-based program of studies?
The CVC program is a home-based program of studies. It is designed to meet the needs of Family youth around the world. Our students live and work in over 50 mission fields, operating under varying economic, social and political conditions. Therefore learning opportunities vary, as does the access to local resources. The program is designed to remain flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of differing opportunities and conditions that our students face, while giving them the fundamental tools and guidance needed to secure a sound education. In this program students are taught how to translate their present unique learning opportunities into an ongoing Christian vocational education. The CVC program places greater importance on actual learning experiences than on classroom and textbook studies, though this is provided as well.
How are CVC courses supervised?
Each student in the program has a CVC Course Supervisor. Course Supervisors must meet certain requirements set down by the CVC, but do not themselves need to be highly skilled in the various subject areas or vocational fields being studied by the students, since specific job training is largely given to the students directly by their Vocational Training Overseers. Vocational Training Overseers are experienced workers who teach the students during their on-the-job training time. The vocational learning arrangements are very much like the apprenticeship programs, or cooperative education programs operating in many secondary schools around the world. An area CVC Instruction Coordinator keeps official records of students' achievements, issues diplomas and vocational certificates, and provides counsel and assistance as needed by the students and Course Supervisors.
A CVC Course Supervisor must be of sound Christian character, well-versed in the Scriptures and Christian principles, and sensitive to the needs of aspiring young Christians seeking full-time service ministries. His or her main responsibility, besides providing counsel, encouragement and professional concern, is to act as a link between the student, the Vocational Training Overseers, and the CVC Instruction Coordinator. The Course Supervisor should be available to help counsel and coordinate all CVC-related study or job learning activities in which the student may be involved. Supervisors will need to help students establish and keep accurate records of all study and vocational work experiences, oversee certain tests, assist in the evaluation of student progress, keep a file copy of all CVC student records and progress, correspond with the CVC Instruction Coordinator about the student's progress, and, if transferred to another job or location, arrange to pass all materials on to a new Supervisor. The job of the Course Supervisor is very important to the success of a student in the program.
How does the CVC program of studies work?
The CVC program gives students the opportunity to further their Christian and vocational studies through active involvement in real-life career training situations. CVC students have the opportunity to learn Christian ministries and vocational skills directly from others involved in full-time Christian service, as well as acquire other practical job skills from classes and field trips, working with skilled members of the community, or through audio-visual and textbook instruction.
Besides the range of studies and ministerial activities available in the CVC program, students may, within certain guidelines and the approval of their CVC Course Supervisor, develop their own courses and adapt their own program of studies to meet their particular needs and interests. This flexibility allows students to take full advantage of many local training opportunities.
In the CVC program, on-the-job experience, knowing the subject material and developing the skills to continue learning and improving are stressed above theoretical or rote learning. Therefore, many course exams are open-book or oral examinations, or the student may be asked to demonstrate their skill or knowledge in some practical way, such as performing a task while being observed, or teaching the skill to others.
Since career training and experience involve many different instructors, and a wide range of skills and learning situations, the CVC program encourages the use of the simple pass-fail approach to most student grading. However, traditional letter grades or percentages are used where appropriate. Students who master a course or vocational task will receive a "pass" grade; those who cannot demonstrate sufficient proficiency will receive a "fail" grade, but will, of course, be given the opportunity to be re-tested after further study. Where simple grades do not provide a sufficient means of evaluation, written evaluations by the Course Supervisor or Vocational Training Overseer may be given.
Students in the Academic Studies Department (high school) of the CVC program, upon successful completion of the requirements, will receive a CVC High School Diploma. These students may at the same time also qualify for Christian Studies or Vocational Proficiency Certificates in their fields of specialty if they have met course and on-the-job hour performance requirements.
Each Christian Studies Certificate or Vocational Proficiency Certificate is supported by a Study Record and Experience Log detailing courses taken, training experience and accomplishments. Students are also encouraged to compile personal portfolios to fully document their training with letters of recommendation, transcripts of marks, personal rsum of job and learning experiences, photographs, etc. A CVC graduate is well on his or her way to success in the Christian ministry or vocation of his or her choice, having already demonstrated the occupational skills, work habits, experience, knowledge and attitudes needed.
Who will most benefit from the CVC program?
1. Students who want to pursue an active Christian ministry and want to get a head start in their training.
2. Students who must frequently travel due to their own or their parents' ministries, yet want to continue to progress in their education.
3. Students who find the hours, location or condition restrictions of traditional schools cumbersome.
4. Students who think Christian ministerial education needs to be an integral part of life and learning.
5. Students who desire personal instruction and training from committed Christians.
6. Students who appreciate individual training that traditional schools often cannot provide.
7. High school students who want a diploma that reflects their academic and vocational achievements.
8. Students who appreciate the benefits of Christian counseling as part of their education.
9. Students who learn better by doing and being shown how to do a job rather than solely through textbook instruction.
10. Students who want to accelerate their vocational learning.
Can students obtain advanced placement or credits for work already done?
Absolutely. All students entering the CVC program may apply for advanced credits for Christian and vocational studies and work already completed. They must simply (1) complete the appropriate form relating to their studies, and (2) demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter or skill involved to their CVC Course Supervisor or Vocational Training Overseer.
Students may apply to receive advanced credit for any CVC course being offered as long as they possess sufficient knowledge, skill or experience to meet the requirements. Proof of ability in a study area may be determined by written or oral examination, demonstration of skills, letters of recommendation covering previous training and experience, or other suitable evaluation as determined by the CVC Course Supervisor. If students are able to prove their proficiency in a subject or field, they will be granted advanced credits toward specific courses at the recommendation of their CVC Course Supervisor. Students may also be given recognition for partial accomplishments in a course if they have already studied reading material related to the course, or received some training in that particular field.
In addition to the regular courses, students may be involved in a number of short special-interest courses. These may be taken in different ways, such as: video instruction with analysis and discussion, youth conferences, camps or seminars, training courses, computer-based studies, presentations or performances for various events. Many of these activities may be recorded as part of other courses the students are studying, or the event or course may stand on its own with course credits assigned to it.
Any student who has received specialty training or experience not specifically mentioned or available in the CVC program can arrange for a special course number and course name assignment, and obtain credit.
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THREE MAIN DEPARTMENTS OF THE CVC
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THE ACADEMIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT (High School)
CVC offers academic studies in the following subjects:
1. Language Arts
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Social Studies
5. Foreign Languages
6. Health and Personal Development
7. Physical Education
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THE CHRISTIAN STUDIES DEPARTMENT
CVC offers an advanced, practical Christian service training program which provides training in six areas of theological study:
1. Bible Knowledge
This intensive study gives students a thorough overview of the Bible as well as insight into the history of Christianity. Students learn how to look for answers to their personal questions by "searching the Scriptures" (John 5:39) and seeing how Scripture applies to modern life. Scripture memory is stressed. This is an excellent general preparation program for students who plan to go on to careers in Christian service.
2. Christian History and Heritage
These courses provide students with a foundation in living the Gospel and learning about the rich heritage and history of the Family missionary movement, and the life and work of our founder, David Brandt Berg. Students also study the lives of great men and women of God through the ages, explore Christian literature, and discover many universal underlying principles of Christianity. Students study the role of Christianity in today's modern world. They also study about other religions, with the purpose of finding areas of agreement and unity, with the goal of learning to understand others.
3. Christian Service
This series of Christian studies focuses mainly on personal character building and discipleship training. Courses serve to strengthen the students' relationship with Jesus, their faith life, fellowship and unity with other believers, plus provide spiritual help and guidance in overcoming problem areas of life. Students study about the great power of prayer, healing, miracles, praise, etc.
4. Christian Outreach
This series of practical courses, studies and personal experiences focuses on developing the skills needed to be active in a Christian outreach ministry. Students learn various ways to carry the message of the Gospel to the world through witnessing, public speaking, media management, teaching Bible classes, leading public prayer and devotions, distributing Christian materials, providing humanitarian relief to disaster victims, and showing a sample of God's Love to the many disadvantaged people in the world, such as the poor, homeless, orphaned, handicapped, those in prisons, victims of war, disease, drugs, crime, etc. Students also study how to organize and promote public dramatic and musical performances, and how to raise funds for Christian projects.
5. Christian Counseling
These courses provide an excellent foundation in Christian counseling. Students receive considerable training and personal experience in counseling and working with people of all ages, with the goal of helping them find lasting spiritual solutions to their problems and difficulties. These courses not only stress techniques for working effectively with individuals and groups, but also focus on strengthening the personal moral character of the student.
6. Christian Leadership
Students receive firsthand leadership training and experience to help them become Christian leaders, pastors and shepherds of the flock of God. Students who succeed in this course of studies will be well on their way to becoming Christian leaders and ministers of the Gospel.
Family students of good character and expressed desire to dedicate their lives to full-time Christian service, who complete certain course and leadership requirement, are eligible to receive a Christian Ministerial Ordination Certificate.
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THE VOCATIONAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The CVC provides training in seven major areas of vocational studies:
1. Child Care and Education
Students aspiring to ministries involving children will find the CVC child-care training program an excellent preparation. This program provides extensive courses in all aspects of caring for children and young people, from babies through preteens and teens, preparing students to become recreational directors, group counselors, Sunday school teachers, teachers or teaching assistants. The CVC program gives students the opportunity to become actively involved in organized child-care situations, giving them valuable experience in working with and caring for children.
2. Industrial Arts
Students seeking training and experience in an industrial trade or vocational area will find that the CVC provides them with opportunity for practical training and experience. CVC offers several training electives such as building maintenance and repair, construction, automobile and equipment repair, basic electronics, computer installation and maintenance, as well as drivers training.
3. Home Economics
Training in Home Economics provides the foundation needed for several areas of full-time Christian service. In this practical training course, students have opportunity to gain mastery in many domestic and home-life skills, including nutrition and meal planning, cooking, sewing and clothing care, interior decorating, housekeeping and domestic management.
4. Secretarial and Business
The CVC Secretarial and Business program provides training in secretarial and computer skills, care of office equipment, office and business management, accounting, public relations and marketing.
Again, the advantage of the CVC program is the extensive opportunity available for practical on-the-job training. In addition to mastering business and office skills, students in the program learn responsibility, diligence, good work habits, and how to work in cooperation with their co-workers.
The Secretarial and Business program includes a creative and challenging program in promotions, marketing, sales and distribution, and public relations.
5. Communications
Active Christian ministries often require audio-video skills, public speaking and writing skills to communicate with the public through the media or on a person-to-person level. Students are given the opportunity to study journalism, photography, audio recording and mixing, video production and editing, newsletter and magazine writing and editing, and computer applications.
We have also included foreign language studies in this department, as well as sign language and teaching English as a second language. Learning a foreign language is essential in reaching members of that language group with the Gospel. CVC students are encouraged to learn at least one foreign language. Many students in the CVC program develop foreign language skills through living in foreign countries or ministering in ethnic communities.
6. Creative and Performing Arts
A multitude of learning opportunities are available to CVC students wishing to develop their creative, musical and artistic abilities. Christian workers with these skills are always in high demand. Students in this program participate in live performances, and many have recording opportunities and occasions to work with talented Christian artists, musicians and performers.
Areas in which CVC provides study opportunities and training in creative and performing arts include music, art, graphic design, acting, singing, dance and choreography, set design, costume design and costume making, and more.
7. Survival Skills
In today's world, we often see or experience wide-scale emergencies such as floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and social or urban unrest. The planners of the CVC program felt the need to provide training for students in the leadership skills needed to cope with survival and emergency situations. Many young people trained in the Family have already distinguished themselves nationally and internationally for their demonstrated leadership abilities in times of crisis. We hope many students will avail themselves of these learning opportunities so they will know what to do and how to assist others and/or save lives in crisis situations or times of emergency. Students in this course learn to cope in difficult situations, give emergency first aid, and survive life-threatening natural or man-made disasters and dangers.
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For more information about the Christian Vocational College write [note: this address and phone number replaces those found in the printed version of this booklet]:
Christian Vocational College
14542 Brook Hollow #166
San Antonio, Texas 78232 USA
Fax: (210) 490-4549
Phone: (210) 697-3272
E-mail: CVCollege@aol.com
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Christian Vocational College