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Early High School Career Exploration
Building a Stronger, More Educated Workforce in the Columbus, OH region
At I Know I Can, we believe planning for life after high school starts early. That’s why we partner with Columbus City Schools to place dedicated Career Navigators in high schools, supporting 9th and 10th grade students as they begin exploring careers, building confidence, and creating a plan for their future.
How Career Navigators Support Students
Career Navigators help students begin planning for life after graduation through a combination of classroom learning, one-on-one advising, and hands-on career exploration.
Co-Leading Freshman Seminars
Career Navigators partner with Columbus City Schools teachers to co-teach a 9th grade college and career readiness seminar, helping students build foundational knowledge about high school success, postsecondary options, and future planning.
Providing Individualized Advising
Students receive personalized support as they begin identifying their interests, strengths, and goals. Career Navigators help students make meaning of what they are learning and how it can shape their future.
Using Career Exploration Tools
Students engage with tools like YouScience and Transfr virtual reality simulations to explore careers in interactive, meaningful ways.
Coordinating Career Exposure Opportunities
Students receive personalized support as they begin identifying their interests, strengths, and goals. Career Navigators help students make meaning of what they are learning and how it can shape their future.
Career Navigators help connect classroom learning to the real world by organizing experiences such as:
- College visits
- Workplace tours
- Career exploration events
- Hands-on learning opportunities
Building a Student Success Plan
During 9th and 10th grade, students work with a Career Navigator to create an Individualized Student Success Plan (SSP).
This plan helps students:
- Identify their strengths and interests
- Explore career pathways
- Set academic and personal goals
- Begin planning for life after high school
By starting this work early, students are better prepared to make informed decisions about coursework, pathway selection, and postsecondary opportunities.
“For over 36 years, I Know I Can has been proud to partner with Columbus City Schools to help students prepare for life after high school. This new program extends that partnership, giving students the tools, knowledge, and guidance they need to succeed in both their careers and their education.” – Katina Fullen, CEO of I Know I Can
Supporting Students Through the Academies
Career Navigators help students succeed within the Career Academies model by ensuring they have the support and exposure needed to explore pathways with confidence.
The Academies of Columbus City Schools are designed to connect students to college programs, industry credentials, and career-connected learning opportunities that align with in-demand fields. Students begin by exploring their interests and, over time, move into more focused pathways connected to future opportunities. (ccsoh.us)
“Columbus City Schools joins pilot program to help students find career paths”
ABC 6 On Your Side recently featured our exciting new initiative, which is helping students uncover career paths aligned with their skills and interests.
A Seamless Pathway of Support
After 10th grade, students transition from working with a Career Navigator to partnering with an I Know I Can College Advising Manager through 11th and 12th grade.
Advisors help students reach key milestones by supporting them with:
- College, career, and training program applications
- Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
- Postsecondary planning and guidance
- Barrier removal and individualized support
This creates a seamless system of support — starting with early exploration and continuing through decision-making and postsecondary transition.
Learn More About Our Career Exploration Tools:
YouScience
Integrated into the Business Foundations class, the program begins with the YouScience assessment, which identifies students’ natural talents and interests. This tool not only helps students discover career paths that appeal to them but also introduces them to careers they may never have considered before. Career Navigators work closely with students to explore these career options, guiding them as they research and present their findings to their peers.
Virtual Reality
To bring career exploration to life, I Know I Can uses cutting-edge virtual reality technology from Transfr to provide students with immersive, real-world experiences. Through this technology, students can step into different work environments and gain firsthand insights into various career paths, from healthcare to technology and beyond. This innovative approach helps students better understand the day-to-day responsibilities of different jobs, allowing them to explore careers in a way that feels both engaging and accessible, all while remaining in the classroom.