The Career Connections Framework is a strategic tool designed to assist school districts in equipping students with the ability to envision and develop practical plans for their future careers. By aligning various initiatives focused on college and career readiness, this framework aims to support students in their journey to become productive and engaged members of society. The core focus of the Career Connections program’s activities is to provide a structured approach to career development across all grade levels, ensuring students are progressively prepared for the world of work.
Building Career Awareness in Elementary Grades (K-5)
In the elementary grades, the Career Connections program focuses on career awareness. Activities at this level are designed to introduce students to the concept of careers by connecting classroom learning to the world of work. The primary goal is to broaden students’ understanding of the diverse types of jobs available and spark their initial interest in thinking about their future paths. Key activities include:
- Workplace Visits and Career Interviews: Allowing young learners to experience different work environments firsthand and interact with professionals from various fields.
- Career Connections Learning Strategies: Integrating career-related concepts into everyday lessons, making learning relevant to future possibilities.
- Classroom Career Speakers: Inviting professionals into the classroom to share their career journeys and insights, providing real-world perspectives.
- Introduction to Ohio Career Fields and Pathways: Beginning to familiarize students with the career landscape specific to Ohio, including key industries and career pathways within the state.
Fostering Career Exploration in Middle Grades (6-8)
As students transition to middle school, the program shifts its focus to career exploration. Activities in grades 6-8 are geared towards helping students actively explore their own career interests through immersive and engaging experiences. The emphasis is on discovering different work environments and understanding the multifaceted nature of the workplace. To aid in this exploration, the program utilizes tools and assessments that help students identify and appreciate their individual strengths and interests. During these crucial years, students also begin to formulate initial plans for their futures, accessing career information and postsecondary education data to inform their decisions. This includes preliminary course selection and planning, alongside considering their career aspirations and goals. Exploration activities include:
- Advanced Academic and Technical Education: Providing opportunities to explore more specialized subjects and technical fields.
- Student Success Plan: Initiating personalized plans that incorporate career exploration and academic goals.
- Career Connections Learning Strategies: Continuing to embed career-focused learning within the curriculum.
- Workplace Visits and Career Interviews: Expanding opportunities for real-world workplace exposure.
- Career Courses: Offering dedicated courses focused on career exploration and development.
- Career Mentorships: Connecting students with mentors in various fields to provide guidance and insights.
- Career Research: Encouraging students to actively research different careers and industries.
- Service Learning: Integrating community service with career exploration, highlighting the connection between work and societal contribution.
- Career-Tech Student Organizations: Introducing students to organizations that offer hands-on experiences and career-specific skills development.
- OhioMeansJobs K-12: Utilizing the state’s online platform to explore careers and educational pathways. (OhioMeansJobs K-12)
- Career Pathways Exploration: Guiding students to investigate different career pathways and industry clusters. (Career pathways)
Guiding Career Planning in High School (9-12)
In high school, the Career Connections program concentrates on career planning, building upon the awareness and exploration phases. Activities at this level provide advanced, hands-on experiences within workplace settings. The core strategy during these years is to clearly link career options with educational decisions, empowering students to see the direct relevance of their schooling to their future careers. Furthermore, the program aims to equip students with adaptable skills, enabling them to revisit and refine their exploration and planning strategies throughout their lives as they navigate inevitable career changes. Career planning activities are designed to be comprehensive and impactful:
- Advanced Academic and Technical Education: Offering rigorous academic and technical programs to prepare students for specific career paths.
- College Credit Plus: Providing opportunities to earn college credit while in high school, accelerating their post-secondary education and career readiness. (College Credit Plus)
- Career Academies: Immersive programs focused on specific career clusters, offering specialized learning and real-world experience.
- Career Connections Learning Strategies: Continuing to integrate relevant career learning resources across subjects. (Updated resources coming soon)
- Career Pathways: Deepening the exploration of specific career pathways and providing focused guidance. (Career pathways)
- Career-Tech Student Organizations: Further engaging with these organizations for advanced skill development and career networking.
- Industry-Recognized Credentials: Facilitating the attainment of valuable industry credentials that enhance employability. (Industry-recognized credentials)
- Student Success Plan: Refining and implementing personalized student success plans with a strong focus on post-graduation career goals.
- Work-Based Learning: Providing structured work experiences like internships and apprenticeships to gain practical skills and workplace knowledge. (Work-based Learning)
- Career Mentorships: Continuing mentorship opportunities for guidance and support in career planning.
- Pre-apprenticeship Programs: Offering pre-apprenticeship programs as a pathway to skilled trades and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Part-Time Work: Recognizing and integrating part-time work experiences as valuable for career development.
- Service Learning: Continuing service learning to reinforce the connection between career and community contribution.
- OhioMeansJobs K-12: Utilizing OhioMeansJobs K-12 for advanced career planning resources and job market information. (OhioMeansJobs K-12)
The Career Connections initiative was launched in 2012 through a collaborative effort involving the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Board of Regents (now the Ohio Department of Higher Education), OhioMeansJobs, and the Ohio Department of Education. Since its inception, the program has been dedicated to providing Ohio students with a comprehensive and progressive framework for career development, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success.
