Middle School Career Exploration: Building Pathways Early
Thursday 06/25, Noon-2 PM Eastern (Zoom)
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 will highlight Pennsylvania’s Career Ready initiatives, emphasizing the importance of beginning career development in middle school and the shared responsibility across the career development ecosystem. Attendees will also explore tools such as Pennsylvania 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.
The session will also explore how PACDA members can contribute to meaningful, engaging career exploration experiences for middle school students. Participants will 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.
Speaker:
Rachael Minard | LinkedIn
Professional Leadership
Rachel is a part of 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.
Education
Master of Science in Education and Counseling, St Bonaventure University
Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice, Edinboro University
Certifications
School Counselor, St Bonaventure University and State of PA Dept of Education
Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), NCDA
Career
Rachel has over 25 years of experience as a counselor in Coudersport Jr-Sr High School.
NCDA CEUs: This program is eligible for 2 NCDA CEUs.
- CEUs are free for PACDA members and non-members
- If you attend the program live, simply complete the post-program survey and receive your CEU certificate.
- If you register for the program but do not attend live, you will receive an email with a link to the recording. Watch the recording and then complete the post-program survey to receive your CEU certificate.
- NCDA is the National Career Development Association (www.ncda.org/). See https://ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/credentialing for information on NCDA credentials and Continuing Education requirements.
Act 48 credit:
PACDA and PSCA members: After the event, complete the post-event survey, then email ceu@thepacda.org to obtain your certificate of attendance, which you can then submit via the PSCA website.
Not a PACDA or PSCA member?: You may be able to obtain Act 48 credit. After the event, complete the post-event survey, then email ceu@thepacda.org to obtain your certificate of attendance. Submit this to the Pennsylvania Department of Education via your local education agency, which will have the final say on whether this program qualifies for Act 48 credit. Or, you may submit via the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association for $10.
