6th-8th Career Exploration

The Michigan Career Development Model (MCDM) is a framework, guided by legislation, that engages school communities, students, and their support networks in intentional and meaningful career awareness, exploration, and preparation for all students.

This month, we're focusing on MCDM's Target 6: Career Planning. Initiate an Educational Development Plan (EDP) and provide orientation to the purpose of the Talent Portfolio; review and revise each year!

• Xello aligns with the MCDM's required targets

• Is provided by the Muskegon Area Promise for all schools in the MAISD, K-12

• Dashboard reports provide your school with insights into student Xello usage, including lesson completion (completed or in progress), goal and plan setting, and inventory completion (Learning Style Inventory, Career MatchMaker, etc).

• The "Wall of Fame": Students get to put a sticker on a "Future Ready" mural once they hit 100%.

• V.I.P. Lunch: Top-performing classes get to eat lunch outside or in the gym with music playing.

• The "Golden Keyboard" Award: Create a traveling trophy (it could be an old keyboard spray-painted gold) that goes to the Advisory class with the highest completion percentage each week.

• Progress Visuals: Post a "Heat Map" or a thermometer chart in the cafeteria showing completion rates by grade level. Nothing motivates an 8th grader like seeing the 7th graders beating them.

• Shout-outs: Feature "Xello Stars" on the morning announcements—students who have completed their KickStart to Career rewards or completed 100% of their tasks.

• The "Xello Entry Ticket": Have teachers use a Xello task completion as the "entry ticket" to a fun Friday activity.

• Peer Mentoring: Have 8th graders who are 100% finished help 6th graders navigate their first few lessons. It builds leadership and clears the queue.

Oakridge 7th and 8th graders recently took a major step toward their goals! To celebrate their hard work in completing their Educational Development Plan (EDP) tasks in Xello, students enjoyed a pizza party and scored some awesome gear from our partners at CTC, Baker College, MCC, as well as Ferris State, Davenport, Northern Michigan, and Oakland Universities.

These students are officially fueled up and ready to take on the world! Because of their incredible ambition, Oakridge MS will continue hosting these celebrations throughout April and May.

Looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce? We have three distinct pathways to help your school build a thriving culture of career development.

• 1. Foundations: In partnership with Youth Solutions, our specialists help you design and launch a sustainable, multi-year career development roadmap tailored to your school and/or district.

• 2. Connecting Careers to the Core: Launching late summer/early fall, this PD equips teachers to weave real-world relevance into daily lessons. Move beyond theory with interactive workshops focused on transferable skills and student interests.

• 3. Comprehensive Career Curriculum: Give your students a clear compass. This curriculum guides middle schoolers through career exploration and their post-graduation path—whether that’s college, credentials, the military, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce.

Ready to get started?

Each school has different needs. To find out which of these opportunities is the best fit for your building, reach out to your MAISD Career Exploration Specialist today!

Join us for a hands-on look at Muskegon’s local industries and workshop new ways to inspire your students through career-aligned projects.

• 📅 When: June 18 (8 AM – 3:30 PM) & June 19 (8 AM – 12 PM)

• 📍 Where: Local Muskegon Industry Sites

• 💰 Perks: $300 Stipend, SCECHs, and lunch provided June 18.

• 🎯 Why: Network with industry partners and turn real-world observations into classroom-ready curriculum.

Space is limited to 12 educators! Three spots remain! Priority is given to 6th–8th grade teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. To get registered, please sign up on the link provided.

Continue to encourage 6th grade students to complete their four Xello core lessons: Time Management, Decision Making, Interests, School Subjects at Work, and connect to Xello Family.

Continue to encourage 7th graders to make a Plan, set a Goal, and submit a Talent Portfolio in Xello.

When students complete their Xello tasks, they receive a reward in their KickStart to Career (KtC) savings account from the Community Foundation!

Please have students complete KickStart to Career Xello requirements by May 22.

National Robotics Week: Educating students about the Robotics industry and its real world impact inspiring the future workforce. Check out Teach Engineering for specific lessons designed for middle school.

Share how robotics connects with other career fields - check out this resource - CS + Passion = Careers of the Future.

Is your student interested in history, art, or event planning? The Junior Museum Professionals (JMP) program is celebrating its 10th year of giving youth (ages 11–15) an exclusive look at how a museum truly works.

JMPs gain real-world experience by:

• Planning actual events (including managing budgets!).

• Assisting with museum programs and community engagement.

• Building professional connections and career-ready skills.

• Building confidence with public speaking

• Spread a love of history to the community

The best part? Many JMPs love the experience so much they return every summer until they age out!

Apply/Learn More at this link, https://lakeshoremuseum.org/kid-volunteer/

Get ready for a day of discovery! Join us for STEAM Along the Lakeshore, an interactive journey through many Muskegon cultural hubs. Students of all ages can explore hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math while connecting with future career paths.

• 🎁 Exclusive Swag: The first 750 students receive a free STEAM bag with a take-home kit, a commemorative t-shirt, and an activity passport!

• 📅 When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• 📍 Where: Activities held across Hackley Park, Hackley Public Library, Lakeshore Museum Center, MCC’s Lakeshore Fab Lab, and the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Don't miss out on this day of family fun and career inspiration!

Looking for an easy way to help students and families explore local career paths? West Michigan Works! and their six industry talent councils do the heavy lifting for you by promoting high-impact career events throughout the year.

From industry tours to talent councils, these regional events are designed to help students and families bridge the gap between the classroom and their future careers.

Action Item: Please share the link below in your next parent newsletter or student announcement to help families stay informed on upcoming opportunities.

🔗 Search Local Events Here: joficareerevents.org/o/wmw

Click the link to the Muskegon Promise updates from March 2026!

Interested in checking out what is happening in K - 5th with Career Awareness? Click the image to view the K-5 monthly newsletters.

Interested in checking out what is happening in 9th -12th grade with Career Preparation? Click the image to view the 9-12 monthly newsletters.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO LEARN MORE!

Have questions? Need resources? Please reach out! I am here to support you and your team!

Tricia Schuitema

Career Exploration Specialist, Grades 6-8

Muskegon Area ISD

tschuitema@muskegonisd.org

w: 231.767.3628, c: 231.767.5591

Please forward this newsletter to teachers and staff in your buildings so fellow educators can "subscribe" to get monthly career exploration newsletter updates!