Middle School Career Exploration: Building Pathways Early (6.25.26)

Pennsylvania is leading the nation in middle school career exploration, earning the highest possible ranking in the national Extending the Runway report (sponsored by Brightbound) for preparing students for future success. As the Commonwealth expands its focus on early career readiness, career development professionals across sectors—including K–12, higher education, workforce development, outplacement, and private practice—play a vital role in shaping these efforts. The presentation highlights PA’s Career Ready initiatives, emphasizing the importance of beginning career development in middle school and the shared responsibility across the career development ecosystem. Listeners explore tools such as PA CareerZone and gain insight into how collaboration between educators, workforce professionals, and career practitioners can help students build transferable skills, expand career awareness, and establish a strong foundation for future success. Participants learn practical strategies for designing hands-on career readiness activities, building cross-sector partnerships, and connecting students to real-world career pathways through mentorship, workforce exposure, and community engagement. ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Rachel Minard serves on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Middle School Career Exploration Impact and Learning Network team. This team is participating in a multi-state coalition focused on expanding career readiness and postsecondary success for students. By building on Pennsylvania’s national recognition for excellence in middle school career exploration through the “Extending the Runway” report, the PDE team is helping develop and support innovative career-readiness initiatives that emphasize student voice, hands-on learning experiences, and strong community partnerships. Rachel has over 25 years of experience as a counselor in Coudersport Jr-Sr High School. http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-minard/ Eligible for 2 NCDA CEUs.