Career exploration and guidance are essential components of STEM education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. STEM Next is dedicated to strengthening career awareness and exploration in out-of-school time (OST) settings, equipping youth with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in STEM fields.
Possible Futures – Career Awareness Curriculum
This open-source curriculum enriches both school and afterschool settings by:
- Expanding career awareness through experiential learning.
- Encouraging students to explore diverse interests, talents, and options.
- Bringing real-world and career contexts to STEM subjects.
- Empowering students to develop vital employability skills.
- Engaging students in making informed choices.
Below are some adaptations of the Possible Futures Career Exploration Curriculum specifically for afterschool and summer programs:
- Communicating & Collaborating: Twelve lessons that combine lessons from the Communication and Collaboration units from the Skills for Success module from the Possible Futures Career Exploration Curriculum
- Career Exploration Activities: Designed specifically for Out-of-School Time (OST) providers looking for engaging hands-on and collaborative activities:
- Health Sciences (6 activities + career posters)
- Information Technology (4 activities)
- Lenses on the Future – Self (7 activities)
STEM Pathway Strategies
- Coordinating In-School and Out-of-School Settings: Aligning support between school and OST providers helps match student interests with available STEM opportunities. This coordinated approach allows youth to see the diverse array of STEM opportunities available and feel supported in their STEM interests across different learning environments.Â
- Building Relationships with Families and Youth: Engaging families and youth in STEM learning opportunities increases their comfort and enthusiasm for STEM programs. Continuous improvement of STEM offerings that connect to youth and family interests further enhances participation.