This process begins in kindergarten and continues through post-secondary education. In elementary school, students are introduced to careers through career-day events or guest speakers. Middle school students begin to explore possible careers through activities such as job shadowing with someone in the workplace and career exploration courses. High school students will be asked to choose a broad-based career major by the 10th grade, in order to select courses that will help prepare them for that career. Before graduation, students will participate in a work-based learning experience such as job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships or cooperative education.
Course work is rigorous, and students are held accountable through regular assessments.
Teachers and counselors will engage in professional development to learn more about other professions and careers. Such experiences may include summer internships or job shadowing activities in business or industry. Teachers then may work together to develop integrated lesson plans based on what they have seen in business and industry. Employers will help in developing curriculum for the schools and by providing work-based learning experiences for students and educators. Local partnerships across the state are eligible for planning and implementation grants through Job Ready.