Practical Strategies for Turning Middle Schoolers’ Passions into Career Dreams

When you think middle school, “career exploration” might not be the first phrase that comes to mind. But according to ASA research, 80% of middle schoolers already say they're stressed about deciding on their future career path—a sentiment likely exacerbated by how we frame the “career question” to kids. What if, rather than what do you want to be when you grow up, we asked kids what makes their hearts sing? Or, what do they love to do in their spare time? This interactive session empowers educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to leverage middle school students' natural interests as the foundation for career exploration. Participants will brainstorm creative, interest-based frameworks (e.g., sailing for leadership, technology for entrepreneurship) to incorporate students’ passions and hobbies into career readiness education, work through stakeholder buy-in scenarios, and leave with actionable messaging strategies to garner support among educators, parents, employers, and school administrators for a diverse range of career exploration programs at the middle school level.