Career Awareness (K-5)

About the Program

Career awareness in Michigan is the first phase of the state’s Career Development Model, focused on helping students in grades K–5 explore a wide range of careers through engaging, age-appropriate activities. It introduces students to the world of work by connecting classroom learning with real-world occupations, laying the foundation for future career exploration and planning. Students will be introduced to Michigan's 6 Career Zones.

What Career Awareness Looks Like

Kids experience career awareness through fun, age-appropriate activities that introduce them to different jobs and industries. This can include:

• Classroom lessons connected to real-world careers
• Guest speakers like firefighters, engineers, or artists
• Career days or job fairs
• Field trips to local businesses or organizations
• Interactive tools like career videos or online platforms (e.g., Xello or Pathfinder)
• Books and stories featuring people in various professions

These experiences help children connect what they’re learning in school to the wide variety of opportunities available in the working world.

Additional Resources

• Oakland Schools' STEMi Mobile Innovation Station – A mobile lab designed to engage K-12 students, teachers, and families with a one-of-a-kind Industry 4.0 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experience.
• Engineering Career Zone Poster Accessible Text
• Business Career Zone Poster Accessible Text
• Arts & Communication Career Zone Poster Accessible Text
• Human Services Career Zone Poster Accessible Text
• Natural Resources & Agroscience Career Zone Poster Accessible Text
• Health Science Career Zone Poster Accessible Text