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.

Check out the rewarding and well-compensated careers available in the manufacturing and building trades industry. Click here to show your students a video - Careers in the Trades 2024 - highlighting sample career paths, average national wages, and estimated job growth. Then hold a class discussion about what students noticed, liked, or learned!

This fall, career kits are available for classroom use! The Electrical Wiring Kits are designed for up to 30 students, and offers 13 hours of instruction across 3 lessons, teaching essential electrical wiring principles and techniques through real-world, hands-on tasks. This also might be a great after school session for your students! Contact me if you're interested in borrowing these kits for your classroom.

Check out the curriculum here!

The Schools to Tools Mobile Field Trip is touring schools across Michigan and features engaging hands-on challenges alongside dynamic virtual experiences that lets your students step into the world of the skilled trades. Click here to request a stop!

Shine a spotlight on the creativity and career opportunities Manufacturing brings to the world using Learning Blade. This free, hands-on curriculum helps students explore exciting careers with missions like:

• Beneath the Waves, Building Submarines

• Car Manufacturing

• Lightweight Aircraft

Learning Blade is a fully funded resource provided FREE to all Michigan educators.

Explore the missions and sign up for your FREE account at LearningBlade.com/MI. Contact me to connect with other Muskegon County teachers already using the curriculum!

Discover Manufacturing Week: Oct. 13 - Nov. 25, 2025

Muskegon and West Michigan manufacturers are hosting dynamic, hands-on tours for 6th - 12th grade students! Tours are ≈2 hours and showcase high-skill, high-pay careers, dispelling myths and inspiring students toward apprenticeships, scholarships, and on-the-job training.

To register for a tour, click here.

Access the Educator Toolkit, click here.

Questions? Contact Sasamon Parker at 231.767.3607 or sparker@muskegonisd.org.

1. From the home screen, click on Explore at the top.

2. Click on Careers from the drop-down menu.

3. Next, click on More Filters on the career search page.

4. Find the section for Career Clusters and have students select a cluster that interests them, or specifically check the box for Manufacturing and/or Construction Trades to align with career awareness month.

5. Have students research at least one career from the selected cluster(s).

6. Hold a class discussion about the careers they liked. Discuss what they learned, what was interesting, what skills are needed, the required education and training, and the job outlook for that industry.

• If you have students moving into your district who have used Xello, please reach out to the Xello client solutions team or your Career Specialist to assist with transferring their accounts before using Xello this school year. Xello cannot 'merge' accounts if students have completed work in both districts.

• Kickstart to Career is designed to give students an early boost to a great career, to encourage hope, build savings, assist with career training or college expenses, and increase financial education. The program is managed by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Students can make withdrawals for any education or training expense after high school.
• Watch this 2 minute Youtube video for an overview of Kickstart to Career.
• Ready to launch KickStart to Career activities for your 6th & 7th graders? If you haven't received flyers to send home with students, send me an email and I will deliver them to you.

Seventh graders can earn money for their KickStart to Career savings account by using the Xello platform to explore their future.

• $5 for a completed Talent Portfolio: An online "scrapbook" to document their skills, interests, and career ideas.

• $1 for a graduation plan: Creating a plan for after graduation.

• $1 for a future goal: Setting a future goal in Xello.

This is a great opportunity for students to explore career options and save for their future at the same time!

This school year, sixth graders have a few ways to earn $6 for their KickStart to Career (KtC) savings accounts.

All rewards will be deposited into student accounts in May. Families can track the progress of their child's KtC account directly in PowerSchool.

Many Muskegon County students explored the future of technology at Tech Showcase 2025 on September 16 at the Grandville Robotics Center! This high-energy event delivered on its promise, featuring numerous hands-on exhibits designed to expose students to the vast world of tech careers.

During their 90-minute exploration, students not only learned about various fields but also identified their own motivations related to the Computer Science industry. They discovered exciting roles like UX Designer, Information Security Analyst, Mobile App Developer, Robotics Engineer, Video Game Developer, and more!

Students Speak Out on STEM Careers:

"There are SO many!"

"It is fun!"

"I love working with computers!"

"There are a lot of jobs!"

Pictured: Middle School students from Charles Hackley, Oakridge, and Three Oaks Academy enjoying their engaging experience at the Tech Showcase!

You are invited to join Kent ISD STEAM Connect—an exclusive day designed for educators. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with fellow educators, industry partners, and experts in the STEM field, fostering valuable connections and insights. Click here to register: Cost is $35

This is a great opportunity to connect career exploration to your classroom, and here are some ideas:

• Field trip to MCC Sturrus Center Fab Lab and/or STEM Lab
• Field trip to a community college/university for post-secondary exploration
• Industry partner tours to learn about different careers in the community
• Scholarships for your students to attend a career focused summer camp
• Click here for more information. Deadline to apply is October 23, 2025.

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 - Muskegon Area CTC

tschuitema@muskegonisd.org

231.767.3628

Schedule a time to meet with me here!

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