"Getting Employers On-Board" issue (October)
A newsletter (for adults) about career readiness (for kids)
Dear Readers,
Did you know that students can now “walk” through the office of a real company, shadow an employee, learn about jobs they never knew existed, and discover what skills those jobs require — all from a laptop or mobile device? This is exactly what’s happening with thousands of EvolveMe student members, who, through Worktour activities in the platform, are being introduced to over 20,000 high-demand careers. (Read the story.)
Once students find a career cluster that is a good match and that excites them, the ideal scenario is to pursue a work-based learning experience in that area to start developing the requisite skills. I call this the “ideal scenario,” because the research shows that such career-connected learning is an effective way to get kids informed, inspired, and connected. (Read the research.) It’s also what students themselves want. (Read even more research!) Optimally, some of this work happens in collaboration with one or more employers. However, for many young people, that next piece is challenging, because, unfortunately, not nearly enough employers are providing work-based learning programs for high school students. Research shows that only 5% of internships are available exclusively to high schoolers, and 32% are available to high school or college students. (Read the story.) The work-based learning gap isn’t just bad news for teens, but also has devastating ramifications for the broader workforce, where specific skills are in high demand and short supply. In healthcare alone, for example, the World Health Organization predicts a shortage of some 10 million healthcare workers by 2030—a number that could be dramatically reduced by getting young people inspired about and involved in healthcare work. (Read the story.)
Despite the work-based learning barriers we face today, I am excited to read about employers and organizations who are breaking the mold. In Indiana, for example, an employer-led coalition has plans to roll out as many as 50,000 high school apprenticeships. (Read the story.) The High School Freshwater Summer Scholars internship program at UW-Green Bay is giving teens a unique opportunity to participate in vital ecology research that may help them jumpstart careers in the field. (Read the story.) The Berrien Talent Collaborative in Michigan is investing $500,000 in high school apprenticeships, working alongside some of the area’s biggest employers like Whirlpool and Corewell Health. (Read the story.) And, Penn State Berks is helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of future engineers through its Engineering Ahead Program—now in its ninth year. (Read the story.)
It’s true that, despite some stellar employers and programs, there is still a sizable mismatch between need and opportunity in the work-based learning space. This is a challenge that can be solved and ASA is striving to create major momentum in the landscape. To that end, I am proud to close out this issue by sharing details of a new $4 million funding opportunity for five like-minded organizations that are working to build and launch youth career-connected learning initiatives. If your organization fits the bill, I encourage you to apply. (*See the details at the end of this issue. Don’t miss the October 17th deadline!)
Sincerely,
Jean
P.S. - If you’d like to reach me directly, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at press@asa.org
Youth Career Readiness: The One Question Podcast
I am thrilled to invite all parents, guardians, and educators to a new podcast I’ve launched with my co-host, author and thought leader Michael Horn! In the show, we are joined by a wide array of experts and influencers in the arts, sciences, and beyond to tackle the questions that are on adults’ minds as they prepare their children for life beyond school. In our first two episodes, Michael and I were joined by award-winning artist Common, followed by actress, author, and entrepreneur Tanya Wright. See you there! (Listen to the podcast.)
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS & RESEARCH
How Do Today’s High Schoolers Fare As They Enter Adulthood? View the Data. (Education Week, September 30, 2024)
A Non Profit Organization Empowering Visually Impaired Students - Project Visionary (AP News, October 4, 2024)
How the ‘Opportunity Gap’ Impacts Success in Life (The Hechinger Report, October 3, 2024)
Career-connected Learning Yields Positive Impact on Learners’ Future Plans (K-12 Dive, September 19, 2024)
Want to Hone Students’ Critical Thinking Skills? Give Them More Opportunities for Input. (K-12 Dive, October 3, 2024)
Project Lead The Way Inspires STEM Learning at Brunswick Middle School Through MCCC (Medina County Life, October 2, 2024)
The Panera Bread Foundation Announces 2025 Grant Open Application Period (PR Newsire, October 3, 2024)
EVENTS
Finally, below is a list of upcoming events and recaps of recent panel presentations and podcasts that elevate critical conversations in the youth career readiness space.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Culture Shifting Summit 2024 (New York, October 24-25 – Learn more)
SOCAP 2024 (San Francisco, October 28-30 – Learn more)
AMLE 2024 (Nashville, November 6-9 – Learn more)
EVENT RECAPS
Back to Basics: Three Ways to Unlock Student Success (Read the recap)
From Ikigai to Internships (and More): Giving Kids Their Power Back (Read the recap)
Funding Opportunity to Scale Demonstrated Impact in Career-Connected Learning
Applications are now open for Round Four of the Catalyze Challenge. Round Four will award a total of $4 million to up to five organizations that are ready to scale transformative direct service career-connected learning solutions for learners aged 11-22. The Challenge will focus on two themes: career exploration for young adolescents, and activating industry partnerships. If that sounds like you, or an organization you know, you are invited to apply before October 17th. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a national community of career-connected learning practitioners. (Find more details and apply here.)