Alumni, current students, teachers and mentors say FISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship program has laid a foundation for success.

By Rachel McReynolds

Frisco ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship program is building connections and career plans for ambitious high schoolers.

In ISM, students gain valuable insight into their chosen career years before college, working with industry professionals and developing key skills in research and communication.

And those lessons start early, as first-year ISM students prepare for and attend the annual ISM Business Symposium each September by writing résumés and working on their interview skills.

“Symposium is truly the kicking-off point for many of our students in their journey,” said Krishna Chetty, advanced academics coordinator. “It has brought invaluable experience and networking for the students as well as a true, direct partnership with the FISD community.”

What is ISM?

Independent Study and Mentorship is a rigorous elective offered at all 12 FISD high schools, designed for high-achieving juniors or seniors.

In ISM 1, students are conducting extensive research on their chosen careers, curating professional résumés and developing their interpersonal and public presentation skills — “All in an effort to make a strong professional impression and make informed career choices,” said Matt Pirtle, a Heritage High School teacher and ISM instructor since 2008.

ISM 2 students are “demonstrating the ISM mantra, ‘Set the Standard. Raise the Bar. Be the Example,'” he said, as they continue their independent research while expanding their professional skill sets and serving as leaders and role models for their peers.

To join ISM, students must complete an application and interview in the spring, to demonstrate readiness for the program’s rigor and self-paced nature.

“Students should choose ISM if they want to undertake an in-depth, intensive look into their desired future career,” Chetty said.

At the symposium

Panther Creek High School hosted this year’s ISM symposium, with mock interviews set up in the large, open library. Interviewers and ISM students sat across from each other at small tables, mirroring a true one-on-one interview in an actual workplace.

After a hearty handshake, they were off and running. Professionals representing a variety of careers — business, law enforcement, marketing, medicine, entrepreneurs and more — asked students to share more about themselves, their goals and why they chose their field.

For Liberty High School senior Callie, that “why” was personal: Her grandfather, who needed frequent scans as part of his cancer treatment years ago, inspired her interest in radiology. She wants to make such scans more accessible to those in need, including low-income communities, through mobile imaging services.

“I’d like to help reduce preventable, detectable diseases," she said.

Interviewers gave immediate feedback on students’ résumés and responses, as well as taking notes to be shared with teachers and students later.

Callie’s interviewer, CTE Coordinator Dr. Victor Jones, encouraged her to think about next steps for such an ambitious goal, such as funding and logistics. He praised her ability to listen to concerns and respond to them, and was impressed by her drive.

Around Panther Creek, ISM students rotated in groups between sessions, which included a panel of ISM alumni, networking room, branding discussion and more.

Jacklin, a senior at Memorial High School, is in her second year of ISM, joining her peers at the symposium to help with first-year student interviews. She said ISM is “a playground, a sandbox to try out anything you can think of.” And that’s exactly what she’s done, changing career focus from commercial real estate in her first year to music production.

“ISM is about finding the intersection of what makes you happy, what can make you money, what the world may need, and also what you’re good at,” she said. “Having that flexibility and the room to explore gives you the chance to reflect on who you are and who you wish to become.”

First a student, now a mentor

Once in ISM, always in ISM. That’s what brought Centennial High School graduate Rachel Sherbert and over two dozen other ISM alumni back to interview current students at the symposium.

Matt Pirtle was Sherbert’s teacher both years of ISM, “and his mentorship helped shape my growth and confidence," she said. She earned her bachelor’s in speech language pathology in 2021 and is on track to earn a nursing degree in December.

“ISM laid the foundation that I’ve continued to polish for nearly 10 years,” Sherbert said. “I come back because I know firsthand how much ISM shaped my life. I love seeing the next generation of students dream big, set goals and step into their own confidence.”

A few tables over sat Keirth Sivarajah, a Heritage High School and ISM alum now interviewing students. He was impressed by the high caliber of students involved in the program.

“The kids are so smart, like insanely smart, and just seeing that and seeing their passion is uplifting. encouraging and gives you hope for the future,” Sivarajah said.

For anyone hesitant about joining ISM, Sherbert has two words: “Do it.”

“Even if you’re unsure of your topic or career path,” she said, “the skills you gain in ISM will serve you for a lifetime.”

Learn more about ISM

Information for students and parents.
Information for volunteers and mentors.
Create a VOLY account and the required background check.

Have questions? Email Krishna Chetty.