Giving students the ability to Dream!
The First Step
Adults often ask young people, “What is your dream?” It turns out that is an unfair question. How can they have a dream if they do not know what is possible to dream about?
Career Labs USA is an innovative approach that reimagines career pathways by beginning in the middle school years. At this stage, students are eager to explore, experiment, and dream. Through hands-on workshops led by professionals, students have the chance to “try on” different careers like suits of clothes. They discover new possibilities, and begin to see themselves in futures they may never have considered.
We reach them at The First Step in their Career Pathway.
We view the career pathway as a continuum starting in elementary school and continuing through four “Ages” that last throughout their careers.
By focusing on The Age of Discovery, Career Labs complement the excellent work already happening in high school, college, and workforce programs by filling in a piece that is often missing – early exposure. To bring this model into practice, Career Labs USA was founded as the nonprofit home for programs built on this vision, connecting schools with employers and professionals to open doors for the next generation.
Together, we give student the ability to dream!
Career Programs
Career Labs builds partnerships between professionals, employers, and schools to train young people to become real-life heroes in successful careers who are making a positive impact in their worlds.
In-School Programs
In-School Labs are held after school or in-class. They combine storytelling, practical how-to steps, and hands-on workshops
Distance Learning
Quality distance learning experiences for students or anyone who wants to discover their possible dream careers
Corporate Social Responsibility
Our vision is to help professionals and employers create a virtuous cycle of giving back and bringing a new generation of inspired young people into their career fields
Online Career Discovery Courses
Students discover possible dream careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Each unit includes an overview of five key career sectors, an inspirational career story from a successful professional in the field, and career challenges for teams or individuals reflecting true-to-life work scenarios.
The course also includes a workbook and extensive resources for teachers to use either in a distance learning program or in their classrooms
Science Heroes
Environmental Science
Medical Research
Energy Science
Food Science
Oceanography
Technology Heroes
Computer Hardware
Digital Technology
Data Science & Big Data
Clean Technology (CleanTech)
Digital Content Creation
Engineering Heroes
Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Art Heroes
Visual Arts
Fashion & Costume Design
Digital Creative Design
Movie, TV, Streaming Video
Music
Math Heroes
Financial Planning
Economist
Finance & Accounting
Management Consulting
Statistical Research
Middle School Career Discovery Program
In-Class Instruction
Career and College preparation units with a focus on life planning are offered within the class schedule for each middle school grade.
After-School Workshops
Hands-on Career Workshops led by successful professionals who combine their career stories with fun team challenges
Career Assessments
Students discover their unique career strengths and motivators with the most accurate career assessment on the market
Career & College Fairs
Students meet representatives from local employers and colleges plus breakout sessions with Q&A in a fun carnival environment