With Career-Connected Learning, It’s Time to Think Outside of the Box
In an ideal world, young people entering the workforce would have the experience and education needed to make informed, confident decisions about their careers. However, only 8% of managers believe that entry-level employees are ready to contribute to the workforce and 47% of Gen Z believe they had enough information to decide what postsecondary pathway was best for them.
To ensure that young people enter the working world with their eyes open and equipped with the necessary tools and skills, engaging and new approaches to career-connected learning are a must. Whether that’s through programs that provide learners with the opportunity to create a functioning society within a school, through learning how to play squash, or providing learners with professional attire and work-based learning experiences, it’s necessary that we consider out-of-the-box methods to maintain student interest in future readiness.
At American Student Assistance® (ASA), we are proud to support three organizations that are taking a unique approach to career-connected learning: MicroSociety, SquashBusters, and Suits for Seniors. Keep reading to learn more about how they approach preparing students for success in the working world.
Constructing their own world
MicroSociety is an experiential learning model that turns career-connected learning into practical experience by transforming schools for one period a day into functioning microcosms of adult society within their school, including (but definitely not limited to) banks, businesses, research labs, and even their own form of government.
Through this practical experience, students gain skills that will help them succeed both in and out of the classroom, such as reading and writing, budgeting, calculating taxes, conflict resolution, and how to successfully interview for a job. By managing their own society, students can connect what they learn in class to the real world.
“At MicroSociety, we believe every student deserves early and sustained exposure to careers that can transform their future. Thanks to ASA’s generous support, we will expand opportunities for middle schoolers to dream of new jobs for future societies, fueling their motivation to learn and succeed. Using our new digital platform, we will introduce students to emerging careers in technology, finance, and public service. These opportunities will help them discover where they fit in and see beyond their zip code to the limitless possibilities ahead.” — Carolynn King Richmond, President and CEO, MicroSociety Inc.
With their grant from ASA, MicroSociety will be redesigning and formalizing their model for middle grade learners, which includes leveraging their online platform to reflect our digitally-focused society.
Getting their heads in the game
SquashBusters combines middle and high school academics with the game of squash. Serving youth in Boston, Lawrence, and Providence, SquashBusters provides their participants with several hours of squash instruction and practice per week, along with mentorship and college and career readiness education.
By combining education with squash, they hope to provide young people with more opportunities to plan for and achieve a successful future, increase their durable skills through leadership opportunities, and improve their overall health and fitness.
“SquashBusters (SQB) is founded on the belief that the power of sport, relationships, and opportunity can change the trajectory of the most underserved youth. Through the multi-year support of American Student Assistance, we have been able to expand our career readiness program and, in the first year of the grant, hire a Director of Career Success.
“Our career curriculum creates pathways to academic success and expands opportunities for personal and professional development. This exploration and skill-building is supported by SQB staff, volunteers, and mentors to help students reflect and guide their academic pathways and eventual high school and post-secondary coursework that can lead to career attainment, passion, and success. We’re excited to continue partnering with ASA to expand our career exploration curriculum and support the post-secondary to employment transition for our oldest student cohorts.” — Rodney Galvao, CEO, SquashBusters
With their grant from ASA, SquashBusters will expand their career readiness component in its Engage, Enroll, Employ program for middle and high schoolers.
Dressed to impress
Suits for Seniors is working to set young people up for success by ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in their chosen career pathways. Through the program’s courses, participants will learn leadership skills, personal finance, entrepreneurship, college and career readiness, and wellness.
Their internship program provides learners with hands-on experience in a professional setting in their chosen fields, allowing them to build crucial workplace skills and learn about potential career pathways.
“Thanks to ASA’s support, Suits for Seniors is expanding career pathways for students by connecting them to transformative internship opportunities. This initiative equips young professionals with real-world experience, industry mentorship, and essential skills to confidently transition into the workforce.” — Jervonte Edmonds, Founder and CEO, Suits for Seniors.
With their grant from ASA, Suits for Seniors will provide hands-on internships and new professional attire for students in Palm Beach County, FL.
ASA is proud to support organizations like these that are taking unique approaches to ensuring that young people are future-ready and prepared to make strong, confident decisions about their futures.
