At Lebanon Middle School, we use Missouri Connections to help students explore their interests, recognize their strengths, and learn about possible career paths. Students use activities such as the Career Cluster Inventory to discover career areas that may interest them and learn about the education or training different jobs require. Eighth graders also use Missouri Connections as part of their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) work.

Career exploration continues beyond the website through hands-on activities and visits:

• Sixth graders take part in Career Cafés, where they meet community members and learn about different jobs. They also explore careers through activities such as the GO CAPS visit.

• Seventh graders visit local college and career programs, including Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), and participate in experiences such as GO CAPS Ambassadors and career visits.

• Eighth graders attend the Lebanon Technology and Career Center (LTCC) Jamboree to explore trade and technical programs. They also learn about high school courses and pathways, visit college and career programs such as OTC and Missouri State University, and complete ICAP activities to help prepare for high school choices.

The goal is to give students time to explore before making high school course and pathway choices. Missouri Connections and our career activities provide a starting point for conversations about the future. They do not decide what a student should become; they help students learn about possibilities, set goals, and make informed choices as they move through school.