College and career exploration involves learning and participating in a variety of activities about the world of work. This exploration begins early in the elementary years as awareness. Students begin understanding there are many paths in the work world. It continues with research into career paths and occupations. There are two ways to explore careers. One is to investigate and the other is to experience. During the middle school years, students are engaged in both types of exploration. Children are learning more about careers, their requirements, and the life-style they represent. Students will also begin to relate their own educational choices and achievements to the opportunities they will have in the future.
Students are able to identify how their interest, values, and skills relate to careers.
Students learn about career paths and careers they have never considered.
Students begin understanding how they feel about various types of work, working conditions and work activities.
Students identify the post-secondary training, tow-year, four-year, or graduate degree programs needed to successfully purse certain careers.
Students learn about classes that are offered in high school that will give the knowledge and skills for certain careers.
Students can identify and demonstrate their abilities, strengths, skills and talents.
Students are able to engage in goal setting and define short and long term goals.
Students will recognize that they are growing and changing which will affect their careers throughout their lives.
Students will recognize they will have many life roles and these will be connected to their lifestyle.
Students will recognize that their educational performance is important for reaching their goals.
Students will make decisions and understand the potential consequences.
Students will learn to compromise in the decision making process.
Students will use career information resources to evaluate their goals and help with their plans.
Career assessments/exploration activities in SchooLinks.
Career speakers in classrooms (archaeologist, meteorologist, banker, engineers, chefs, etc.) and relating those careers to current SC teaching standards.
Off campus field trips (airport, manufacturing, news station, restaurants, etc.) when possible
Career Day - 6th & 7th grade
Job Shadowing - 6th, 7th & 8th grade
Individual Graduation Plan - 8th only
The U.S. Department of Education has organized occupations into 16 career clusters. Career Clusters are groups of similar occupations and industries. They were developed to organize career planning.
The 16 Career Clusters - Greenville County Curriculum Framework
1. Arts, A/V Technology & Communication: English, Foreign Language, Journalism, Visual Arts and Performing Arts
2. Business Management & Administration: Administration Services and Management
3. Finance: Accounting and Business Finance
4. Hospitality & Tourism: Culinary Arts
5. Information Technology: Information Support & Services and Programming & Software Development
6. Marketing, Sales & Service: Marketing Communications
7. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources: Agricultural Structures & Technology, Environmental & Natural Resources, Horticulture, and Plant & Animal Systems
8. Architecture & Construction: Architecture, Carpentry, and Construction Trades
9. Manufacturing: Machine Tool, Mechatronics and Welding
10. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Engineering, Math and Science.
11. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics: Automotive Maintenance, Automotive Collision Repair and Aircraft Maintenance
12. Health Science: Health Diagnostic Specialist, Health Treatment and medical Science & Research
13. Education & Training: Early Childhood Development and Teaching & Training
14. Government & Public Administration: Social Studies and Military Science
15. Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security: Criminal Justice and Law & Legal Services
16. Human Services: Cosmetology