Career awareness and exploration activities provide students with information about possible career clusters and specific jobs that are available, and how to explore one’s own abilities and interests. These activities connect their current activities and interests to a career path.
Examples include:
Interactive Tools - Xello college and career readiness software
Career Exploration Course
Job Preparation Workshops
Guest Speakers
The Illinois PaCE Framework helps students plan for life after high school. It shows what students should learn and do each year to get ready for college, a job, or the military. The framework includes steps like learning about careers, understanding how to apply to college, and knowing how to pay for school or training.
By following the PaCE steps, students can feel more confident and prepared for their future.
Cahokia students use Xello, an online program that helps students get ready for life after high school. It helps students explore jobs, learn about colleges, and make a plan for their future.
Xello also helps students complete steps from the Illinois PaCE Framework, like finding careers they are interested in, building a resume, and learning how to pay for college or training. They can save your favorite jobs and colleges and keep track of your goals each year. Parents can also gain access to the platform too.
Xello makes it easier to plan your future and reach your dreams!
Career Exploration: Wirth Middle School STEM Initiatives
The CTE Department proudly supports early career exploration and skill-building at Wirth Middle School through hands-on STEM learning experiences. In collaboration with science teacher Mr. Paul Prude, students engage in interactive projects using specialized kits and tools designed to introduce real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
By encouraging exploration at the middle school level, we help students build confidence, connect learning to future opportunities, and develop a strong foundation for future high school CTE pathways.
Take a look at some the structures and electronics that students designed and built below!
Take a look at some of the engaging activities that students have done in 9th grade Career Exploration class!
