Arkansas LEARNS requires students to incorporate career awareness and exploration activities (§ 6-16-1802) to expose them to academic, career, and technical fields of study. As students progress towards high school graduation, it is crucial to offer opportunities for career-connected learning that are tailored to student interests and involve hands-on experiences. This approach can give students a valuable head start in planning their academic and career paths. This progression for early career experiences is designed to guide districts and schools in facilitating age-appropriate activities that enable students to explore a wide range of career choices that resonate with student interests. To learn more go to https://dcte.ade.arkansas.gov/Page/CareerReadiness
Students must complete four early career awareness and exploration activities per year and document them in their Student Success Plans beginning in 6th grade. These include any activity that creates links between what a student does in school and what a student wants to achieve in life, including exposing students to career and technical and academic fields of study. Activities may include, without limitation, the following: field trips, guest speakers, community services, dedicated curricula, and other activities designed to introduce students to occupations that are in demand in Arkansas. JPS 6th graders are exposed to a career/goal setting lesson, the "True Colors" Personality quiz, an annual career fair and/or guest career speakers, and a tour of Northeast Arkansas Career Technical Center.