Frequently Asked Questions for Students

  1. How is Ford PAS different from other classes or programs?
    The Ford PAS program is unlike most school programs. The curriculum is filled with real-world problem-solving and hands-on activities that make learning fun and meaningful. You may redesign a familiar product, such as a backpack or an athletic shoe, invent a clever company slogan and an eye-catching logo, figure out how to make your school more energy-efficient, and compare what life is like in different countries around the world. Many activities occur in the context of a business in which you work with teams to make decisions and develop projects and products. While working on Ford PAS projects, you’ll develop communication skills and gain confidence in presenting to a variety of audiences. You’ll also have the chance to talk with people in local businesses and colleges in order to find out what it’s like to work in today’s world and what you need to do to prepare for a rewarding career.
  2. Is Ford PAS all about business?
    Ford PAS introduces you to a number of fields, including engineering, technology, manufacturing, statistics, economics, and, yes, business. In addition to immersing you in these subjects, Ford PAS offers you academic challenges and equips you with life skills. You’ll learn how to write and speak more effectively; work productively with others to achieve shared goals; make informed decisions; be a critical reader, viewer, and listener; and solve problems like those you might deal with on the job. Participating in an academically challenging program will help prepare you to pursue the higher education needed for most good careers. The life skills you’ll develop are essential for success in any kind of occupational or educational path you travel. And no matter what career you pursue, understanding how businesses operate will be an asset.

    3. Top

  3. Will I have a chance to get out of the classroom?
     Ford PAS offers you the opportunity to see with your own eyes what goes on inside businesses and in laboratories and offices on college campuses. Ford PAS students have visited graphic design and cable TV studios, manufacturers of jet engines and industrial robots, advertising agencies, and advanced-science laboratories. On such excursions, you’ll get to hear from and talk to company employees and college professors, staff, and students. You’ll also learn about business and higher education opportunities from visits to your class by representatives from companies, colleges and universities, and other organizations in your community. You might meet a local entrepreneur who started her own online business, an engineer who ensures that the brakes on your car work safely, a public relations executive who creates publicity for charitable organizations, a college admissions officer who shares the secrets of effective applications, or a business owner from the Chamber of Commerce who provides an employment forecast for your community.
  4. Will Ford PAS give me other chances to experience firsthand what college and the workplace will be like?
     If you would like to pursue a specific interest related to what you learned in Ford PAS, ask your teacher, guidance counselor or your school’s Ford PAS coordinator to consider an out-of-school opportunity. Some Ford PAS schools arrange job shadowing, mentoring, and summer internships, such as a six-to-eight-week work experience or an opportunity to study on a college campus. In schools that offer internships, Ford PAS students get an opportunity to apply for a position and go through the interview process. While the company or college will ultimately make the hiring decision, you’ll gain experience talking about your skills and knowledge with a potential employer. If you secure the position, you’ll get to use some of the skills and knowledge you gain from Ford PAS.

    5. Top

  5. How will this program prepare me for college?
    Ford PAS is an academically challenging program that will help prepare you for college and careers by combining real-world knowledge and skills with exciting learning opportunities. The College Board (which offers the SAT and other tests of academic readiness) applauds programs such as Ford PAS that foster critical thinking through real-world problem-solving. Participation in Ford PAS will enhance the research, communication, and teamwork skills that contribute to a successful college experience.
  6. Can I get college credit for this program?
    That depends on your school. Some schools have an agreement with one or more colleges that allows students to earn college credit for Ford PAS modules. For information about college credit available through your school’s Ford PAS program, speak with your school’s Ford PAS coordinator or a guidance counselor.

    7. Top

  7. Are there other benefits to taking Ford PAS classes?
    Ford PAS students are eligible for special scholarships and opportunities available only to them. Registering on the Ford PAS Web site will also give you access to lists of other scholarships and useful resources for applying to college.
    If you’ve been a Ford PAS student, once you graduate from high school you become a member of the Ford PAS Alumni community. After registering with Ford PAS Alumni, you’ll continue to receive scholarship information, have opportunities to network with the Ford PAS community, and even become a mentor for other Ford PAS students.

    8. Top

  8. What will the time commitment be if I participate in Ford PAS?
    As with other high school courses, you should expect to have homework at least several times a week. You’ll also have projects that you’ll work on in teams. While most project work can be done in class, you may need to schedule some time outside of class to meet with your teammates.
  9. How can I fit a Ford PAS class into my schedule?
    Each state has different graduation requirements, which leave room for various electives. Some Ford PAS classes will count as electives. In some cases, one or more Ford PAS modules may satisfy part or all of an academic requirement. Consult with your school’s Ford PAS coordinator or a guidance counselor to figure out how Ford PAS can fit into your program of study.

    10. Top

  10. Can I still enroll in other elective courses if I participate in the Ford PAS program?
    You’ll need to make sure that you have room in your schedule to complete all the required courses for graduation. For help in answering this question, speak to the Ford PAS coordinator or a guidance counselor at your school.
  11. Why do other students like the Ford PAS program?
    Ford PAS students report that they enjoy the coursework and that they have a better understanding of the world of work because of the real-life activities the program provides. Students also like working in teams and tackling problems that may not have one correct answer.

    Click here to read what students have said about their Ford PAS experience.

    Top

  12. How can students contribute to their Ford PAS community?
    As a student, you are encouraged to be an active member of the Ford PAS community—not just at your school, but nationally! Your contributions may include sending in assignments or projects that you’ve completed for your Ford PAS class, photographs of students engaged in Ford PAS activities, and completed tests. Interviews and articles related to Ford PAS for featuring on the Web site are also accepted. In addition, you are encouraged to offer suggestions and feedback for both the Student Center and the Ford PAS program in general. Ford PAS regularly offers contests with great prizes to encourage your participation. Plus, you get “bragging rights”—you can tell everyone that your work is featured on the Ford PAS Web site.
  13. Why do students submit their work to Ford PAS?
    Ford PAS collects samples of student work for the benefit of the entire Ford PAS community. But, here are some benefits for you, as a student:
    • Student Recognition: Student work from Ford PAS modules is featured in the student gallery to provide a national audience for Ford PAS students’ accomplishments.
    • Peer Learning: By looking at other Ford PAS students’ work you can learn what your peers all around the country are doing and learn how they have approached the projects you have done or would like to do.

    Top

  14. I am interested in submitting my Ford PAS work. What do I need to do?
    Information on how to submit student work is available in the Student Center of the Ford PAS Web site. Read Student Guidelines for Submitting Ford PAS Work to learn about the types of work that you can submit, deadlines, submission requirements, and prize information. Submitting your work makes you eligible to win prizes and attend the annual Ford PAS National Networking Conference. If you have any questions about how to submit your work, email the Ford PAS Technical Assistance Group at info@fordpas.org, or ask your teacher to help you submit the work.
  15. I have a great idea for the Student Center. How do I share my idea?
    Your feedback and suggestions for improving the Student Center are greatly appreciated! To submit your ideas and suggestions, visit “The Suggestion Box”area of the Student Center. Or, email your suggestions to the Ford PAS Technical Assistance Group at info@fordpas.org.

    16. Top

  16. What happens after I graduate from high school?
    While in high school, you have special scholarship opportunities available to you. After high school graduation, you become a member of the Ford PAS Alumni community. By registering as a Ford PAS “alum” (alumnus or alumna) on the Web site, you’ll continue to receive news about opportunities and scholarship information for graduates, as well as be given opportunities to network with the Ford PAS community, and even become a mentor for other Ford PAS students.

 

Are you interested in finding out more about Ford PAS? Read the Student Quotes.