Fostering Strengths, Interests, and Values (RIASEC) through Middle School Career Readiness

Orange County faces a critical gap in early career readiness, with only 8.41% of middle school students accessing career technical education (CTE) experiences despite strong regional demand for middle-skill workers across 12 priority sectors. Underserved populations—including low-income, English learner, foster, and homeless youth—face the greatest barriers, contributing to lower graduation and career preparedness rates. To address this, Orange County proposes a Career Readiness Lead (CRL) Network to build educator capacity, provide professional development, and engage families in supporting career exploration. The initiative will implement work-based learning opportunities, interactive career labs, and summer bridge programs in collaboration with community colleges and industry partners. By introducing students in grades 7-8 to meaningful career exposure aligned with their strengths, interests, and values, the project aims to increase CTE engagement, improve high school and postsecondary transitions, and ultimately close equity gaps in access to high-wage, high-growth careers.

This work plan outlines a county-wide initiative to strengthen college and career exploration for middle school students across Orange County, with a focus on equity and early engagement in the region’s 12 priority industry sectors. Through K12 SWP funding, the Career Readiness Lead (CRL) Network will train educators in career education foundations, strengths/interests/values (SIV) alignment, and work-based learning strategies, integrating career readiness into core academics, MTSS, and SEL frameworks. CRLs will facilitate professional development, organize real-world exposure events, and connect underserved students and families to career pathways through bilingual outreach and interactive Career Exploration Labs. Measurable outcomes include increased student engagement in career activities, CRL certifications, and expanded district participation. Targeting over 118,000 middle schoolers—more than half from underserved backgrounds—the initiative aims to build sustainable, vertically aligned pathways from grades 7-8 through postsecondary education, ensuring students are informed, inspired, and equipped for high-wage, high-demand careers.