Dive Brief:
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Career-connected learning — which focuses on providing access to skills-based education and work experiences — has had a positive impact on students' career awareness and postsecondary planning, according to a survey of middle and high school students in New Hampshire conducted by Gallup and the New Hampshire Learning Initiative, a nonprofit that supports students' postsecondary development.
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About 42% of middle school and 47% of high school students polled said they learned about a job or career they were previously unaware of while at school this past year. And nearly 60% of students who participated in an internship or externship said their CCL experiences helped inform their post-high school plans.
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Career-connected learning can expand the number of students who can access good jobs and careers, said a report on the survey’s findings. To further improve these opportunities, the report recommends schools include a greater variety of CCL activities, partner with community organizations, and connect students with mentors.
Dive Insight:
The survey, which included 8,500 5th-12th graders from 25 New Hampshire schools, found that 48% of high school students and only a quarter of middle school students said their schools' career activities included the types of jobs and careers they are interested in.
About 90% of students reported that they participated in at least one career-connected learning activity at their school. Most — 54% — participated in one to four CCL activities, and 31% participated in five to nine activities. Only a small population of students — 5% — accessed 10 or more CCL experiences.
The survey found that 59% of the students polled want to participate in more CCL activities.
"Respondents who participate in career-connected learning are more likely to be hopeful about their futures," the report said.
Some of the CCL experiences New Hampshire students participated in include studying about careers during a class lesson, taking a field trip to learn about a career, participating in a mock job interview, and attending a career fair.
Other states have also promoted CCL activities in their schools. Oregon Career Connected Learning, a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordination Commission, has a framework to support students' career awareness, preparation, exploration and training.
Career Connect Washington works with schools and employers across the state to give real-world job experiences to students. Its Career Launch registered apprenticeship program had 9,430 participants from K-12 schools from July 2023 through March 2024.
