CareerConnect for Elementary and Middle School Students

CareerConnect provides numerous opportunities for younger learners to begin exploring their interests and passions, and to discover how those interests and passions might someday fit into the world of work.

Overview

CareerConnect opportunities for students in grades K-8 include fun video talks with professionals about their work and workplace tours filled with hands-on activities. A focus is on the academic paths taken by professionals that have led them to their current positions.

Recent example: Students visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where they measured how fire affects air quality and watched scientists monitor fire activity across the world. Students also learned the basics of how meteorologists read weather data and presented their own mini weather reports.

Opportunities for grades K-8

Project Lead the Way, Launch and Gateway - Grades K-8

In PLTW Launch for grades K-5, students become hands-on problem solvers and learn to collaborate with their fellow students.
Engaging stories introduce the challenges students will work together to solve and they learn to become confident in trying new things, learning from mistakes and applying what they know to find solutions.
In PLTW Gateway for grades 6-8, students’ passion for discovery is fueled through explorations of coding and robotics, flight and space, and DNA and crime scene analysis.
As they engage in collaborative problem-solving focused on real-world challenges, students stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways and connect their learning to life.

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STEM SmartLabs - Grades K-8

SmartLab is an engaging program where students can explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM and media arts through project-based learning.
It’s a fully-integrated learning environment where everything from furniture and technology to curriculum and assessment work together to support hands-on, minds-on learning.
Students create remarkable projects that motivate them to inquire, explain, tackle new problems and celebrate their solutions in every lab.
Students explore. They problem-solve. They collaborate and create. And they learn.

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Virtual Exploration - Grades 6-10

Students in grades 6 – 10 hear live from professionals in a Chat and/or Challenge format
Chat: Professionals discuss their careers, their company and their industry. These fun live chats are caught on video to reach as many students as possible.
Challenge: Companies engage students in a real-life industry challenge, such as designing a web page for a department or developing a marketing plan for a new product. Students submit their solutions by deadline and companies select the winning student or team of students.

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Spark Industry Introduction - Grades 7 and 8

Learn about career possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM fields through fun, hands-on activities in professional workplaces.
Typically for students in grades 7 and 8 but other grades may also participate.
Spark workplace visits typically last two to three hours and feature hands-on activities and lively speakers to inspire students.

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K-8 opportunities by school

Prefer a list view of these schools? Click here.

FAQ

Are there any costs for students participating in K-8 CareerConnect opportunities?

No, CareerConnect provides support with any expenses for students and families.

What are my options if my K-8 school isn't participating in any CareerConnect opportunities?

We’re happy to work with your school to support a K-8 CareerConnect opportunity or work with a neighboring school to include your student. Email us!

Where do I get more information if my workplace wants to participate in K-8 CareerConnect opportunities?

We’re excited to hear from you! Please stop by our Partners page or send us an email and we’ll get right back to you.

Interested in learning more? Email us!