EmpowerED Exploration: Classroom to Career
At Stafford County Public Schools, we are committed to expanding career learning opportunities for all students through our EmpowerED Exploration Initiative—a comprehensive approach designed to prepare students for success in their future careers.
Our initiative focuses on three essential stages: Awareness, Exploration, and Immersion. Students begin by developing an understanding of various career paths, exploring their interests through interactive experiences, and engaging in activities that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. As they progress, they participate in career assessments, projects, and expos that help them identify their strengths and potential career pathways.
By the time students reach high school, they are immersed in real-world experiences, applying their skills in chosen career pathways and preparing for life after graduation. This strategic approach ensures that every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their career goals and succeed in the workforce.
Awareness
Career awareness in elementary school begins with engaging activities designed to introduce students to a wide variety of career paths. In fifth grade, students will explore careers through a virtual reality experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in different professions. Additional activities, such as career days, guest speaker sessions, career cafes, and career dress-up spirit days, provide interactive opportunities for students to learn more about the world of work.
School counselors will guide students through these experiences, helping them create their first academic and career portfolio. This portfolio will evolve over time and transition into the Academic and Career Portfolio Plan (ACPP), which is updated annually to help students track and refine their career goals throughout their academic journey.
Engagement Mapping
At the elementary level, students are introduced to the concept of college and career readiness through engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement about future possibilities.
Career Day events, organized at the school or grade level, invite parents and community partners to showcase their careers, providing students with real-world insights into various professions. Career Lessons facilitated by school counselors help students explore different career options, teaching them about the skills and education required for various fields.
Students also participate in the Community Helpers Program, where they learn about the roles of firefighters, teachers, doctors, and other essential workers in their communities. This program helps them understand the importance of different jobs and the people who contribute to the well-being of others. Through high-level career discovery, students begin exploring how their interests and hobbies can relate to future career paths, fostering early connections between their unique qualities and the world of work.
As students progress, they engage with tools like SchoolLinks, which offer progressive lessons and interactive activities to deepen their understanding of various professions.
These lessons encourage students to reflect on their strengths, interests, and skills while exploring how these traits align with potential career pathways. Additionally, a Virtual Career Experience provides an immersive opportunity to explore different professions and gain a closer look at the world of work.
These early experiences lay the foundation for students to imagine their futures and consider the steps needed to achieve their goals, fostering a sense of possibility and excitement about the opportunities ahead.
Exploration
Career exploration in middle school offers students the opportunity to dive deeper into various career paths and secondary education programs. All sixth graders will participate in Career GPS (Guiding Pathways to Success), where they can visit exhibitor booths showcasing careers across different industries.
In seventh grade, students enroll in a Career Exploratory Class (Pathways to Success), allowing them to explore career clusters and identify their areas of interest. Eighth graders will take part in High School Discovery Nights, where they can learn about secondary programs and specialty centers, helping them make informed decisions about their educational and career pathways. These experiences lay the foundation for students to discover their passions and begin planning for their future careers.
Grade Level Engagement Mapping
Middle school students engage in college and career readiness through SchoolLinks progressive lessons and activities designed for grades 6-8. These interactive lessons help students explore career clusters, identify personal interests, and begin shaping their future goals.
Students also participate in Community-Based Instruction (CBI) through the Office of Student Support Services (OSSS). These experiences provide real-world exposure to workplace environments, reinforcing practical skills and preparing students for future success. Together, these opportunities create a strong foundation for informed decision-making as students transition to high school and beyond.
Sixth Grade
Career GPS: Guiding Pathways to Success is an exciting event for all sixth-grade students, hosted at the Stafford Regional Airport. Industry professionals set up interactive booths featuring demonstrations, activities, and handouts to engage students and showcase their fields.
As part of Stafford Schools’ EmpowerED Exploration Initiative, Career GPS aligns with academic career planning and the division’s strategic goals. By introducing real-world examples from all seven career clusters, the event helps students see the connections between their classroom learning, high school programs, and future career opportunities.
This immersive experience encourages students to explore possibilities and envision their paths to success.
Seventh Grade
In seventh grade, students delve deeper into career exploration through the Pathways to Success course. This class introduces students to career clusters, helps them identify areas of interest, and provides tools for planning their future. Through engaging activities and projects, students gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths and the skills needed to achieve their goals.
Additionally, Civics and Economics incorporates career-related Standards of Learning (SOL), connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. These lessons emphasize the relationship between economic concepts, civic responsibilities, and career opportunities, fostering a well-rounded approach to career readiness.
Eighth Grade
Eighth-grade students are introduced to high school programs and pathways through Discovery Nights, hosted at all high schools. These events provide an opportunity for students and families to explore specialized programs, learn about course offerings, and ask questions about the unique opportunities available at each school.
Additionally, the High School Pathways Video Series offers a convenient and engaging way for students to gain insight into various pathways and programs. These videos highlight academic and career options, helping students make informed decisions as they transition to high school and begin charting their future.
Immersion
Career immersion in high school connects students' academic learning with real-world experiences, allowing them to apply and further develop their skills in practical settings. Through participation in Specialty Centers, Secondary Programs & Pathways, and advanced courses like DE/AP/IB, students gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Events like the Chart Your Future/Intern Expo and Secondary Program Info Nights provide additional opportunities to explore career options and connect with potential employers.
Work-based learning experiences, industry certifications, and credentials help students build essential skills and prepare for future careers. Decision Day marks the culmination of this journey, celebrating students’ achievements and readiness for life after graduation. Through career immersion, high school students gain the confidence and expertise needed to successfully transition into the workforce or higher education.
Grade Level Engagement Mapping
At the high school level, students deepen their career readiness through immersive experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. SchooLinks progressive lessons and activities for grades 9-12 guide students in refining their career goals, building essential skills, and planning their post-secondary pathways.
Students can participate in work-based learning opportunities, including externships, internships, and school-based enterprises, to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Additionally, eligible students can benefit from Community-Based Instruction (CBI), facilitated by the Office of Student Support Services (OSSS), which offers valuable exposure to workplace environments while fostering independence and practical skills.
These experiences prepare students for life after high school by equipping them with the tools and confidence to pursue their academic and career aspirations.
Ninth Grade
Discovery Nights provide ninth-grade students and their families with an opportunity to explore the specialized programs, pathways, and opportunities available at each high school. Hosted at all high schools, these events allow attendees to meet staff, tour facilities, and gain insight into course offerings and extracurricular activities.
Students can learn about advanced academics, career pathways, specialty programs, and other resources that align with their interests and goals. Discovery Nights are a valuable step in helping students navigate their high school experience and build a strong foundation for future success.
Tenth Grade
Tenth-grade students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of high school programs and career pathways through Discovery Nights, hosted at all high schools. These events provide valuable insight into specialized courses, advanced academics, and extracurricular opportunities, helping students align their interests with their future goals.
Eleventh Grade
In 11th grade, students focus on exploring post-secondary options and preparing for life after high school through a variety of engaging events.
Chart Your Future is a division-wide event designed to connect students with a wide range of post-secondary opportunities. This expo features exhibitors from colleges, universities, trade schools, military organizations, and local employers, helping students explore options for education, enlistment, employment, and engagement.
The Intern Expo, hosted by the Workforce NOW Committee of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, brings together over 100 regional businesses offering internship, externship, and job opportunities for students across PD16. This event provides invaluable connections for students looking to gain work experience and build their professional network.
Additionally, the Spotsylvania Towne Center College Fair offers students the chance to meet with representatives from various colleges and universities, while Mock Interview Day provides a realistic setting for students to practice their interview skills with local professionals, preparing them for future job opportunities.
These events equip 11th-grade students with the tools, experiences, and connections needed to make informed decisions and take the next steps in their career and educational journeys.
Twelfth Grade
In 12th grade, students focus on finalizing their post-secondary plans and preparing for the transition from high school to the next chapter in their lives.
Chart Your Future is a division-wide event that helps students connect with a wide array of post-secondary opportunities, including colleges, universities, trade schools, military organizations, and local employers. This engaging expo allows students to explore various options for education, enlistment, employment, and engagement after graduation.
Decision Day is a division-wide celebration dedicated to recognizing each senior's post-secondary plans. It’s an opportunity to honor students’ achievements and publicly acknowledge their next steps, whether they are pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or serving in the military.
The Ready S.E.T. Go Program (Work-Based Learning) offers students hands-on experience and real-world applications in the workplace, while Start on Success (OSSS) provides additional support for students with disabilities, focusing on skill-building and independence for life after high school.
Mock Interview Day gives students the chance to practice their interview skills with local professionals, preparing them for future job opportunities and ensuring they are ready to succeed in their chosen career path.
These experiences and programs support 12th-grade students in making confident, informed decisions as they take the next steps toward their futures.
Post-Grad
After graduation, students continue to receive valuable opportunities to explore and connect with various post-secondary options through additional programs.
Chart Your Future continues to support students by providing a division-wide event designed to help recent graduates explore diverse opportunities for education, employment,
and engagement. The expo features exhibitors from colleges, universities, trade schools, military organizations, and local employers, ensuring that students have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Project SEARCH (OSSS) is a unique program for students with disabilities that provides hands-on work experience and job training in a real-world setting. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, this program helps students develop essential skills and secure employment post-graduation, preparing them for independence and success in the workforce.
The Start on Success (SOS) program provides postgraduate students with the opportunity to gain paid work experience while developing essential skills for employability and independent living. SOS students split their day between working at major community businesses and engaging in classroom instruction, bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
Lifelong Employability with Advocacy & Development (L.E.A.D.) aims to create an educational environment that fosters employability and independence. Students in the
program work towards achieving their individual goals in learning, training, employment, and independent living, empowering them to succeed in their chosen paths.
Together, these programs ensure that all students have the tools, resources, and experiences needed to thrive beyond high school, whether they choose to enroll, enlist, employ, or engage.