I hope you are all enjoying your summer. The Mentoring Network has been working closely with the Workforce Development Counsel to learn about the resources available to our middle and high school students to help guide them on a path to a meaningful career.
As we head into a new school year, I want to make you all aware of the resources that are available to our students from 8th grade through high school and beyond. The workforce Development Counsel, the State Board of Education and the Department of Labor have Launched nextsteps.idaho.gov to help connect our kids to What’s Possible.
As a quick overview of some of the resources available, I created some quick links below:
1. The high school landing below will guide you through the resources by grade for grades 8-12
https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/high-school-students
Each grade has its own landing page with suggestions on the key conversations a student should be considering; activities to help them discern the opportunities available to them; and resources to help guide them through their current school year.
Each section will guide students through areas to explore throughout the school year to stay informed. I have attached a PDF of each checklist above, as well.
2. Talking to your Counselor:
These checklists will guide a meaningful conversation to help connect students with the right resources. Students can have these conversations with a counselor, a mentor or a trusted teacher.
For 8th Graders: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/how-to-talk-to-your-middle-school-counselor-about-your-future
For 9, 10, 11th Graders: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/how-to-talk-to-your-high-school-counselor-about-your-future
For 12th Graders: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/senior-year-11-questions-to-ask-your-counselor
3. Start Planning your future:
https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/self-assessments-planning-tools/high-school-learning-plans
These pages contain a series of activities for each grade level that helps students determine where their interests lie and help them develop key skills they will need in their journey. These activities can be completed over the course of the year and may be a great way to engage with your mentee as they plan for their future.
8th Grade Pathway Plan: https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/8th-grade/
9th Grade Pathway Plan: https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/9th-grade/
10th Grade Pathway Plan: https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/10th-grade/
11th Grade Pathway Plan: https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/11th-grade/
12th Grade Pathway Plan: https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/12th-grade/
A few more fun landing pages:
Future Finder: Take a quick quiz about what you’re good at and what you’re into to see careers that are the best match for your skills and interests.
https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/future-finder
Browse Careers: Once Future Finder highlights a career, students can learn more about a particular career through this database which outlines by job the average salary; job characteristics; educational requirements and other key statistics and details.
https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/browse-careers
Idaho Scholarship Listing: Over 150 Scholarship opportunities for our students.
https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/scholarship-listing
I encourage you to spend a little time with the website to learn the valuable resources available. It is important to note that Nextsteps Idaho does not steer a student in a particular direction, there are resources for technical education, 2 and 4 year colleges and military pursuits. Each student is uniquely gifted and these resources can help them find a meaningful and valuable career path. The website is a treasure trove of resources but can be daunting to navigate. Should you or any student you are working with like more information or a detailed guide through the Website, I would be happy to spend time with you and your mentee one-on-one. Contact me HERE.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
Meaghan Orrall
Board Member
