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Perkins V advocates for career exposure starting in middle school, but it should begin even earlier, starting in Kindergarten. At age five, children begin to imagine their future selves, but their aspirations are often shaped by the limited careers they’ve been exposed to. With technology advancing rapidly, it’s crucial for students to understand themselves as learners—recognizing their strengths, interests, and areas for growth—to make informed decisions about their future paths.
Integrating career exploration into elementary and middle school curricula not only helps students envision future possibilities but also makes their learning more relevant and meaningful. When students see the connection between what they’re learning in school and real-world careers, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material. Waiting until 9th grade to ask students to choose a career path, without sufficient knowledge of available jobs or a clear sense of their own learning styles, leads to uninformed and potentially limiting decisions. Early exposure empowers students to explore, reflect, and make thoughtful choices as they advance through their education.