workforce readiness | Discovery Education Nurture Curiosity Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:18:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 How Schools and Corporations Can Work Together to Build Student Career Readiness https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/future-ready-students/how-schools-and-corporations-can-work-together-to-build-student-career-readiness/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:34:07 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=183256 In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, preparing students for their future careers is more critical than ever. While textbooks and standard curricula provide foundational knowledge, connecting students with industry professionals can ignite curiosity, inspire career exploration, and build essential career readiness skills. Here’s how educators and corporations can work together to bridge the gap between classrooms and […]

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In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, preparing students for their future careers is more critical than ever. While textbooks and standard curricula provide foundational knowledge, connecting students with industry professionals can ignite curiosity, inspire career exploration, and build essential career readiness skills. Here’s how educators and corporations can work together to bridge the gap between classrooms and the workforce, especially when using platforms like Discovery Education’s Career Connect.

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The Importance of Career Readiness

Career readiness is about equipping students not only with the academic knowledge they need but also with the practical skills and insights that will enable them to thrive in their chosen fields. Enhancing student career readiness involves engaging students with real-world experiences and professional insights. This approach helps students understand the relevance of their studies and envision potential career paths. 

According to the Hechinger Report and surveys from American Student Assistance, a nonprofit focused on career readiness, about two-thirds of high school graduates said they would have benefited from more career exploration in middle or high school. Additionally, 80% of high school guidance counselors said their students were “overwhelmed” by decisions about college and career. By incorporating career readiness programs earlier in education, we can better align student skills with employer expectations, ultimately enhancing employability and career confidence and success. 

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Why should corporations get involved in fostering students’ career readiness?

Build a Stronger Workforce for the Future: Corporations play a crucial role in shaping students’ career readiness by sharing insights and opportunities. By collaborating with educational institutions, they can provide valuable resources and mentorship that bridge the gap between academia and the workforce. This partnership not only equips students with essential skills but also helps companies cultivate a talent pool that meets their future needs.

Strengthen Employee Engagement Through Volunteerism: Corporations have a unique opportunity to contribute to student career readiness by encouraging their employees to share their expertise with students. Employee volunteerism programs provide a win-win situation for both the community and the company. Companies that support skills-based volunteer programs benefit from increased employee engagement and retention, while students gain valuable insights into potential career paths. A virtual platform like Career Connect is designed to connect skilled industry volunteers with K-12 classrooms, offering a streamlined solution for educators and professionals to collaborate.

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How can schools engage students with industry professionals?

Implement a career readiness program: Introducing students to industry professionals through a career readiness program can profoundly impact their future career choices. For example, when students hear directly from a software engineer about their daily challenges and successes, they can better understand what a career in technology entails. This firsthand knowledge can spark a student’s interest in a particular field and motivate them to pursue related studies.  

When developing a career readiness program, here are key steps to consider:

1. Assess Student Needs: Before launching a career readiness program, it’s essential to understand the specific needs and interests of your students. Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather insights into the careers they’re interested in and the skills they want to develop.

2. Partner with Corporations: Reach out to local businesses and corporations to explore potential partnerships. Many companies, like those who partner with Discovery Education, are eager to support education initiatives and can provide valuable resources and expertise.

3. Utilize Platforms like Career Connect: Leverage platforms like Career Connect to facilitate interactions between students and professionals. These platforms offer many resources and simplify the process of organizing and scheduling sessions.

4. Prepare Students: Ensure that students are well-prepared for their interactions with professionals. Provide them with background information on the professionals they’ll be meeting and encourage them to develop thoughtful questions.

5. Collect Feedback: After each session, gather feedback from students and professionals to assess the program’s impact and identify areas for improvement. Continuous evaluation and refinement will help ensure the program’s success. 

Building student career readiness is a collaborative effort that requires the support of educators, corporations, and the community. By leveraging the expertise of industry professionals and utilizing innovative platforms, we can inspire the next generation of professionals and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. 

Bring Skilled Industry Professionals and Leaders into the Classroom with Career Connect

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Future-Ready Classrooms for Future-Ready Students https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/educational-leadership/future-ready-classrooms-for-future-ready-students/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:34:34 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=186785 The disconnect between today’s classrooms and the demands of the modern workforce has become impossible to ignore—and students agree. According to the latest Education Insights Report from Discovery Education, 80% of students believe that learning content tied to real-world experiences is essential. Yet over 60% doubt the skills they’re learning in school prepare them for […]

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The disconnect between today’s classrooms and the demands of the modern workforce has become impossible to ignore—and students agree. According to the latest Education Insights Report from Discovery Education, 80% of students believe that learning content tied to real-world experiences is essential. Yet over 60% doubt the skills they’re learning in school prepare them for the workforce, and 71% aren’t excited about entering it.

But what if classrooms operated differently and weren’t confined by brick walls or a single campus? That’s the mission driving Dr. Romules Durant, CEO and Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools (TPS). Through his innovative vision for future-ready classrooms, Dr. Durant is courageously transforming education to raise graduation rates, ensure students are career ready, and build a strong community.

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TPS leads Ohio urban districts in assessment progress with 4 stars.

45% of TPS schools scored at least 3 stars for the progress rating on closing the gap.

TPS Magnets and Academies are On Par or Exceeding the local high school on state testing.

Dr. Durant knows it can feel risky taking on a new approach, especially if stakeholders don’t fully see the vision yet, but he isn’t afraid to explore new avenues for bridging the gap between classrooms and industries. He actively collaborates with industry leaders who share his vision and are eager to partner with him. “It’s about taking calculated risks to change how schools operate,” he explains. 

Since Dr. Durant started in his role as Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools has turned into a top-rated school district in the state, and a model for others in how to implement successful work-ready programs, magnet schools, and specialized academies. In the latest Progress Rating from the Ohio Department of Education, nearly half of Toledo Public Schools received an Overall Rating of 3 or more stars, meaning they meet, exceed, or significantly exceed state standards.

Bridging Industry and Classroom​

The concept of future-ready classrooms starts with an “outside the box” perspective on bringing industries into the learning environment, and the determination to build strategic relationships with those who can make the concept a reality.  Dr. Durant and his team at TPS saw an opportunity to integrate the resources and expertise of their community to create hands-on, real-world learning experiences and work-based learning programs that focus on career exploration. This type of innovation requires thoughtful planning, relationship building, and of course, bravery. For Dr. Durant, that meant building trust and collaboration with all stakeholders, like the school board and local business leaders. Together, they decided to invest in initiatives that may not yet be the norm in K-12 education but show tremendous promise.

Redefining the Classroom

Classrooms don’t have to be just spaces for textbooks and whiteboards—envision multi-functional learning campuses that serve students, families, and communities alike.  

The Community Hubs at Toledo Public Schools are the perfect example of redefining the classroom. Today, six hubs offer academic and work-based learning opportunities for students as well as services and programs for the community, like financial management, childcare, homecare for senior citizens, mental health services, and even entertainment. It’s a dual-benefit model that exemplifies how blending education with community resources can make a tangible difference.

"Community members, like our senior citizens, can utilize the trades and services that are available. For example, we're finding out through local studies that what keeps a senior from owning their own home is the inability to do maintenance. We have a construction academy and landscaping program here on this campus. Put a ticket in, and a student, alongside a professional, will handle the issue."
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Dr. Romules Durant
CEO & Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools

The Power of Work-Based Learning

Career exploration should be central to every student’s academic journey, starting as early as elementary school. In fact, according to the Education Insights Report, 90% of middle schoolers today want more exposure to different career paths, while 88% wish they had more resources to better prepare them.  

Many countries around the world provide young students the opportunity to explore careers through work-based learning such as apprenticeships, intern- and externships, and immersive, future-ready classrooms. After an externship in Germany to study their workforce development programs, Dr. Durant implemented a strong emphasis on immersion. “That trip really helped set the stage for how to go about workforce development,” explains Durant. “We started erasing boundaries of communities and putting education at the place of industry . . . Imagine if you were able to go to school from 7-12th grade AND earn a degree at that place of industry. How better prepared you would be for the workforce!”

For example, the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering for grades 7-12 allows students to explore engineering in a fully immersive learning environment with the Electric Vehicle lab, the first of its kind for an Ohio public school. With 11,000 sq. ft. of space, including six vehicle lifts for hands-on learning and a classroom, this lab gives students the opportunity to learn firsthand about cutting-edge technology, as well a current mechanics and displaced autoworkers a chance to enhance their own skillsets and careers. 

Another inspiring example is the Aerospace & Natural Science Academythe aerospace campus is located at the airport where students can work on airplanes and even earn their pilot’s license, while the natural science campus is just next door to the Toledo Botanical Gardens.

“It’s about aligning kids to things they have an interest in, exposing them to career pathways, and that excitement is what brings them to school,” explains Dr. Durant. “I tell other superintendents that if you connect a student to a career pathway, that’s an increase in your graduation rate . . . the student is aligned to something where they can see and understand why this science experiment or this math skill they are learning matters.”

Through these programs, learning feels relevant. Students aren’t memorizing equations in isolation; they’re applying them on the job floor, in hospitals, and in labs. They’re building confidence as they earn credits toward 2- and 4-year degrees, as well as trade certifications, all while seeing firsthand how their future-ready classrooms tie directly to real-world careers.

Funding Innovation Through Relationships

None of these innovations are possible without financial stability and support. And Dr. Durant has proven that calculated risks yield remarkable rewards by establishing strong relationships with those who hold the purse strings“It’s through a strong relationship with the school board,” Dr. Durant says, “that we’ve been able to mitigate risks and ensure we have the resources we need to launch programs that truly change how students learn.”

Securing local funding for future-ready classrooms also needs strong relationships with the community. Partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, school boards, and city councils provide a wealth of opportunity for funding because all those involved have the same goal: ensuring students become successful members of the community.

Empowering Students. Strengthening Communities.

The goal of future-ready classrooms is clear—prepare students to thrive in a dynamic world. Students get a head start on building skills and earning credits, so upon graduation, they’re equipped with knowledge and experience to jumpstart their careers. Communities benefit, too. When young people feel supported, they want to work and live in the same neighborhoods that nurtured their potential, creating a strong, thriving local workforce. 

At TPS, this isn’t just a vision—it’s happening. Leaders like Dr. Durant are setting the standard, offering a clear model for schools and communities to follow. Discovery Education is proud to stand alongside courageous leaders like Dr. Durant to prepare future-ready students. We are continually innovating career exploration resources like Career Connect and the STEM Careers Coalition, as well as building partnerships with industry leaders that share our vision, to support career and workforce programs designed for 21st century students.   

With unique partnerships between Discovery Education and industry leaders, those same schools and communities can deliver students their holistic vision of what it means to be ready for the future.  Together, we’re rethinking education, one calculated risk at a time.

Jean Johnson

Jean Johnson

Access the Discovery Education career readiness guide, Expanding Opportunities: How District Leaders Can Champion Career Readiness, to learn key strategies for developingand maintaining career readiness programs in your district.

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Bringing Industry Innovators to Classrooms with Career Connect by Discovery Education https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/de-news/bringing-industry-innovators-to-classrooms-with-career-connect-by-discovery-education/ Sun, 06 Apr 2025 19:33:50 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=182928 At Discovery Education, we are always looking to meet educator’s needs. Educators require flexible, reliable, and high-quality services that fit in wherever learning takes place and really ignite student curiosity. We know that when students have early exposure to careers, it transforms how they explore and enter the workforce. Yet research shows that 83% of today’s […]

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At Discovery Education, we are always looking to meet educator’s needs. Educators require flexible, reliable, and high-quality services that fit in wherever learning takes place and really ignite student curiosity. We know that when students have early exposure to careers, it transforms how they explore and enter the workforce. Yet research shows that 83% of today’s learners can’t connect the skills they have and learn in school to future employment. Career Connect represents a new model in education in which career awareness and exposure start as a first stitch in the fabric of learning.

We’re offering a new solution that will drive student engagement by helping both educators and private sector partners better connect students to real-life experiences.

Career Connect is a groundbreaking new platform that connects educators to the industries, people, and skills that power our world. Career Connect breaks down barriers between companies and classrooms, directly connecting Discovery Education’s educators to our partners’ workforce like never before.

With Career Connect, teachers can request virtual classroom visits from industry professionals based on job types, industries, language preferences, and location. In addition, this new digital platform provides companies with a unique workforce development and employee engagement solution that supports their social impact strategy. Initial partners include Sanofi and Genentech whose workforce volunteers are currently on the platform ready to connect with educators.

Discovery Education is the worldwide education technology leader. Our K-12 team works to provide access to cutting-edge, multi-media curricular tools to our global audience of 4.5 million educators and 45 million students.

At Discovery Education, our work is amplified through private sector partnerships with over 75 like-minded companies and organizations bringing concepts of industry (like biotechnology, aerospace, modern agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, etc.) through no-cost, standards-aligned digital resources. With over 25 years of bringing innovative instructional tools and support to classrooms globally alongside industry-leading organizations, Discovery Education is the only organization with the existing infrastructure and educator trust to deliver such an ambitious reimagining of education.

We are always looking for ways for our partners to shed light on their industry and the durable skills needed to compete in today’s global market. Career Connect brings that to scale and empowers employees to feel the intrinsic value of leveraging their unique story to make a difference. Organizations partnering with Discovery Education to bring Career Connect are poised to improve employee engagement by simplifying skills-based volunteerism and offering employees rewarding experiences. Research demonstrates that employee volunteerism increases engagement, productivity, and overall sense of company mission.

And, for students, they learn the ‘why’ behind what they are learning in school in order to build on their transferrable skills as they grow in life and in their careers. Career Connect will assist with career exploration, equipping students with connections to the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their desired careers effectively by introducing them to the industry professionals they want to become. It’s an invaluable resource that helps classrooms explore different industries and career paths, ultimately helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

Today’s K-12 educators are in desperate need of meaningful and easy-to-implement career connectivity options. Likewise, the private sector seeks to build a future-ready workforce, highlight career opportunities, and drive social impact. Career Connect is the solution. 

Learn how to connect your students with industry leaders!

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Strategies for Encouraging Girls to Explore STEAM https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/future-ready-students/strategies-for-encouraging-girls-to-explore-steam/ Sun, 06 Apr 2025 19:20:22 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=183623 Educators, administrators, and corporate leaders all agree: we need to encourage girls to explore STEAM skills and consider STEM careers for their futures. But how? We asked members of the Discovery Educator Network to share content, programs, and ideas they have found to be successful in bringing more girls to the world of STEAM! Infusing STEAM […]

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Educators, administrators, and corporate leaders all agree: we need to encourage girls to explore STEAM skills and consider STEM careers for their futures. But how? We asked members of the Discovery Educator Network to share content, programs, and ideas they have found to be successful in bringing more girls to the world of STEAM!

Infusing STEAM Content in All Classrooms

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A major goal of the K-12 experience is to prepare students for their next step in life. So, when thinking about how to encourage girls to explore STEAM topics or pursue STEM careers, bringing these concepts into the classroom is top of mind for educators. Exposing students to STEAM experiences frequently will help them see how their personal interests align with process used in STEM careers, like researching concepts, testing ideas, and sharing results.

Check out these top four recommendations from the DEN for infusing STEAM into all classrooms:

  1. Offer a variety of opportunities for creative expression in the planning phase of projects. Consider how students can draw, sketch, or creatively outline plans for projects to help bring the “A” of “STEAM” into the learning process early. Some students may choose to create sketch notes from their research on a topic while others may choose to draw a prototype for a model they will create later in the process—offering a variety of arts-forward options for planning helps students connect all letters of STEAM throughout a project.
  2. Find creative outlets for students to share their learning. On the tail end of a project or unit, allow students to use an artistic method—like designing posters, writing songs, performing skits, or creating digital visual aids—as an opportunity for them to reflect on and share their learning. STEAM learning can inspire innovation—sharing the successes should be an exciting part of the process and easily lends itself to artistic expression.
  3. Designate a Maker Space for students to work on independent and collaborative projects. Creating a Maker Space in your school or classroom can sound overwhelming, but it should just be a place where students can gather to collaborate on projects and access a variety of art supplies. It can be a space in a common area such as the media center or just a corner in a classroom!
  4. Find opportunities for all teachers to utilize content or concepts. Collaborative planning can help all teachers find inspiration for future lessons. For instance, if your students are studying laws of motion in science class, the Physical Education teacher may have some motion-focused games where students can test the hypotheses and theories introduced in science class!

STEAM lessons will pave the way for new innovations and collaborative experiences, and it can also help girls picture themselves as scientists, tech-wizards, artists, mathematicians, and engineers. Use content that puts successful STEM women in the spotlight so students can envision how their interests can align with a career they may not have considered or even heard of before.

Project STEM's course through the Amazon Future Engineers' program isa great way to showcase women in STEAM. I also incorporate this content for 6th grade, which includes a lot of videos and resources that discuss girls in STEAM and provide examples of accomplished women in STEAM fields.
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Alexis Teitelbaum
PreK-6 Technology Explorations Teacher, PA

Explore STEM Career Resources

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Girls4Tech

Girls4Tech provides resources to educate, inspire, and equip young girls with the skills and confidence they need to envision themselves as future professionals in STEM fields.
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Career Tours by Amazon

Career Tours are free, interactive virtual field trips that showcase the real-life people and cutting-edge technology behind Amazon’s innovations.
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If/Then STEM Professionals

Have you ever wondered who creates your favorite video game, or protects the animals in the jungle, or works to cure cancer? The IF/THEN® Initiative is committed to showing young girls exactly what a scientist looks like.

Five Ideas for Dynamic STEAM Programming

Finding space for girls to comfortably explore STEAM topics and collaborate with other girls can mean extending your programming in new ways through clubs, contests, and special events. Read on for five ideas from the DEN to make your STEAM programming fun and flexible for girls!

We cannot hope that girls turn their graduation tassel and suddenly take an interest in STEAM topics. Instead, we need to find ways for them to explore STEAM early, frequently, and in encouraging settings. STEAM learning can be exciting for all students when there are clear connections between the different letters and students’ interests!

Learn More about What Educato Leaders are Saying

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Introducing an Immersive Learning Experience from CHS and Discovery Education https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/de-news/introducing-an-immersive-learning-experience-from-chs-and-discovery-education/ Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:34:12 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=183373 The CHS Foundation and Discovery Education have expanded their educational partnership by launching HARVEST: From Seed to Success, a gamified learning experience designed to engage students in agriculture and cooperative business. As part of the ongoing Cooperative Minds program, this new digital resource provides students with a hands-on, interactive experience that deepens their understanding of […]

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The CHS Foundation and Discovery Education have expanded their educational partnership by launching HARVEST: From Seed to Success, a gamified learning experience designed to engage students in agriculture and cooperative business. As part of the ongoing Cooperative Minds program, this new digital resource provides students with a hands-on, interactive experience that deepens their understanding of essential industry roles and the cooperative business model. 

Building on the success of “The Power of Cooperatives” Virtual Field Trip and its in-depth Career Profiles, the program now brings the learning experience into a virtual, browser-based environment. Students step into the role of a co-op farmer-owner, navigating the complexities of growing crops, working with ag professionals, and managing key decisions—all while gaining insight into how cooperative businesses function.

Preparing Students for Industry Challenges 

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the need for students to develop practical, industry-relevant skills is more pressing than ever. As students test soil, choose crops, and time their harvests, they are not only learning the fundamentals of agriculture but also practicing decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork in a real-world context. 

Programs like Cooperative Minds are instrumental in providing students with a sense of what it takes to succeed in industries like agriculture and beyond. By simulating the roles of professionals such as agronomists and co-op leaders, HARVEST opens students’ eyes to career paths that they may not have previously considered. The gamified approach to learning enables students to experiment with their choices and see the outcomes of their decisions in real time—lessons that can be transferred to various other ‘fields’. 

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Empowering Futures: A Celebration of Workforce Development https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/future-ready-students/empowering-futures-a-celebration-of-workforce-development/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:33:59 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=183141 September is Workforce Development Month! This month is a time dedicated to recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations committed to fostering a skilled and adaptive workforce. We celebrate initiatives that aim to enhance job training, promote lifelong learning, and bridge the gap between education and employment. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about […]

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September is Workforce Development Month! This month is a time dedicated to recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations committed to fostering a skilled and adaptive workforce. We celebrate initiatives that aim to enhance job training, promote lifelong learning, and bridge the gap between education and employment. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about empowering people with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. And at Discovery Education, developing the future workforce is a priority every month of the year – not just during Workforce Development Month.  

By partnering with global brands who share our visions of building an impactful workforce, we’re working to prepare students for the future through real-world learning opportunities that bridge industries to classrooms and nurture students’ career curiosity. Join us as we explore how these collaborations are shaping the future of work and preparing students for successful careers. 

Why Workforce Development Matters

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Workforce development is more than a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative for businesses and communities alike. By investing in workforce development, we ensure that individuals have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in their careers. This, in turn, leads to a more dynamic and resilient economy. Let’s take a closer look at why fostering workforce development is crucial. 

Enhances Employability 

Workforce development initiatives improve employability by equipping individuals with the skills demanded by today’s job market. Through targeted training programs, people can stay current with industry trends and technologies, making them more competitive job candidates. 

Bridges Skill Gaps 

One of the primary goals of workforce development is to bridge skill gaps within industries. By identifying areas where there is a shortage of qualified professionals, we can create educational programs and partnerships that address these deficiencies, ensuring a well-rounded and capable workforce. 

Boosts Economic Growth 

A well-developed workforce is a key driver of economic growth. When businesses have access to skilled workers, they can expand and innovate more effectively. This not only benefits the companies themselves but also stimulates local economies and creates more job opportunities. 

Strategies for Fostering Career Readiness in K-12 Students 

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Preparing K-12 students for the workforce of tomorrow is essential toward workforce development. Early exposure to various career paths and skill-building opportunities can set the foundation for lifelong success. Here’s how we work with corporate partners to foster career readiness among young learners.  

Connecting Industry Professionals to Classrooms 

Bringing industry professionals into the classroom creates a vibrant bridge between education and the real world. This connection offers students a unique opportunity to engage with individuals who are actively shaping their fields, allowing them to ignite their curiosity and gain insights that go beyond traditional lessons. 

Our Career Connect platform offers industry professionals an easy-to-use virtual platform to bring their unique expertise to classrooms across the country, inspire students from all backgrounds, and help develop the future workforce. In addition to virtually bringing professionals to classrooms, Career Connect features resources from our partner Lyda Hill’s IF/THEN® collection. Educators can access a digital library of videos and instructional resources that authentically highlight women in STEM careers – making it even more seamless for educators to expose their students to a wide variety of career possibilities.  

Creating Engaging, Career-Specific Classroom Content  

Our corporate partners play a pivotal role in advancing workforce development through their innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment to education. We collaborate to develop engaging and relevant curriculum materials that spark career curiosity. These resources empower students to explore different career paths, see the real-world impact of their education, and gain a deeper understanding of the industries they may work in one day. 

  • The STEM Careers Coalition provides ready-to-use activities, career videos, and accompanying resources that encourage exploration of the vast opportunities in STEM-related fields.  
  • Takeda’s Better Health in Action career profiles and activities take students inside the lives of passionate health professionals who leverage STEM skills to strengthen communities and create more equitable health outcomes.  
  • The Country Music Association’s Working in Harmony program allows students to explore the world of Country Music through video activity bundles. Learners can delve into various career opportunities available and learn what it takes to be one of the creative professionals working behind the scenes as well as on the stage. 
  • Career Tours by Amazon are free, interactive virtual field trips that teachers can share with their students to inspire them to pursue careers of the future by showcasing the real-life people and cutting-edge technology behind Amazon’s innovations.   
  • Trane’s Sustainable Futures program offers career tours that take students inside the world of Trane Technologies, where employees across various fields work to create comfortable, energy-efficient indoor environments. 

 This Workforce Development Month, we acknowledge that workforce development is a continuous effort. By investing efforts into bridging industry to classroom and creating career-specific educational resources, we can help ensure that students are equipped with the curiosity, knowledge, and skills needed to excel in the future workforce. We invite you to join us in celebrating Workforce Development Month by exploring how our corporate partnerships are making a difference in classrooms across the country. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of workers. 

Discover how you can bridge careers with classrooms

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Announcing Discovery Education’s New Environmental Education Initiative https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/de-news/announcing-discovery-educations-new-environmental-education-initiative/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:33:32 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=182447 Why Environmental Education Matters Environmental education goes beyond the traditional classroom subjects; it helps students understand the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. By learning about topics such as conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, students can make responsible decisions. This content fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a topic that naturally piques students’ curiosity and […]

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Why Environmental Education Matters

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Environmental education goes beyond the traditional classroom subjects; it helps students understand the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. By learning about topics such as conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, students can make responsible decisions. This content fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a topic that naturally piques students’ curiosity and passion, making learning more enjoyable and impactful. 

4 Pillars of Innovation

The Environmental Education Initiative's standards-aligned learning resources focus on four fundamental aspects of environmental innovation:

1. Human: Fulfilling the needs of humanity without compromising the needs of future generations.  

2. Civics: Encouraging civic engagement among all learners.  

3. Economic: Building a stable economy that supports housing, health care, transportation, and employment.  

4. Environmental: Preserving natural resources like clean air, water, land, and wildlife.  

Comprehensive Resources for Educators and Students

We’ve designed our resources to be standards-aligned, user-friendly, and easily adaptable to various educational settings. Here’s a glimpse of what you can find:  

Video Bundles: This growing collection of multimodal resources engages learners with real-world challenges and potential solutions when it comes to environmental protection. 

Ready-to-Use Activities: A variety of interactive resources for students PreK-12 empower them to explore their curiosity around various environmental topics. These resources provide easy-to-follow instructions and are designed to spark interest and activate students’ prior knowledge.  

How to Integrate These Resources

Our resources are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily lesson plans. Whether you’re teaching elementary school students or high schoolers, you can easily tailor the materials to meet your needs. For example: 

  • Elementary Level: Introduce basic concepts like recycling and water conservation through interactive games and storytelling. 
  • Middle School Level: Explore topics such as renewable energy and ecosystem dynamics with project-based assignments and virtual labs. 
  • High School Level: Delve into complex issues through debates, research projects, and advanced simulations. 

We are thrilled to bring these innovative resources to you and your studentsReady to get started? Visit the Environmental Education Resource Hub to access your materialsWe’ll be launching more soon. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.

Explore the Environmental Education Resource Hub

The post Announcing Discovery Education’s New Environmental Education Initiative appeared first on Discovery Education.

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