The purpose of this dissertation in practice was to understand how participation in a career exploration/introduction to career and technical education (CTE) course with embedded digital tools certification implemented for fifth-grade students influenced how students thought about and articulated their career aspirations. The setting for this…

The STEM-based sports sectors supply vital careers in clinical, athletic, and educational settings. Long-term planning is necessary to foster student interest in STEM based sports disciplines and for this purpose, educational institutions must provide learners with information about STEM careers before starting high school and encourage them to…

Solving some of the greatest problems facing humanity -- pandemics, climate change, access to clean water - will depend on a diverse STEM workforce creating socially just solutions. Thus, there is a need to broaden participation in STEM to bring diverse perspectives to bear on these complex problems. Broadening STEM participation relies on…

Faculty at a small rural high school were concerned that students would not be able to manage the transition to a much larger high school through consolidation without the level of support to which they were accustomed. The purpose of this research was to measure the effectiveness of grit curriculum implementation on student grit scale scores. The…

Three-quarters of students enter college without a clear major or career plan. In efforts to make academic and career decisions that will lead to their success, half of students seek out assistance from their career services office before graduating, most often completing a career assessment. Results from these often-imperfect assessments are a…

There is a gender gap among females studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors and pursuing STEM careers. More males than females pursue these majors and careers. This study explored how high school counselors influence the choices of STEM majors for female students. The researcher explored the perspectives of seven…

In an effort to prepare American high school students for future careers, many states have implemented specific career readiness standards and programs. One such program is known as Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), which are hands-on, credit-bearing experiences outside of the classroom with an emphasis on community-based career exploration.…

The number of individuals entering the workforce with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers is low across the United States. Although exposure to STEM careers through the intentional integration of career exploration can positively influence career choice, most student exposure to STEM career exploration…

The purpose of this action research study was to understand the web of relationship between career exploration programming stakeholders serving public sixth through twelfth grade schools to uncover best practices. This research, originating in the state of Maine, resulted in improved understanding of the personalities, goals, and characteristics…

Major declaration is a significant task for a college student, and the major selected typically indicates a student's intentions for pursuing a related career. However, few research studies have examined the impact of the timing of a student's major declaration in relation to their hopes for their future career. The purpose of this study was to…

Students on academic probation are among the most vulnerable populations within higher education. Research indicates that following a semester of academic difficulty, students experience diminished self-efficacy and a decline in academic motivation. Evidence from a growing body of career development literature indicates that career exploration…

Academic choice and exploration are essential aspects of undergraduate education in the United States, allowing students to select courses with minimal restrictions. However, students often face challenges in navigating the complex academic landscape, hindered by limited information, insufficient guidance, and an overwhelming number of choices.…

Pathway programs provide early exposure to various health careers. Positive program outcomes have been conveyed from the student's perspective. Previous studies yet to demonstrate a focus on the experiences of high school teachers who instruct in pathway programs. The primary research question for this study is: How do high school teachers…

It appears that a disconnect may exist between the taught curriculum in middle school and the real-world applications of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts, leaving students underprepared to envision themselves in future STEM roles. This two-cycle action research study investigated the connection between middle school…

Purpose and Method of Study: The purpose of this mixed-method case study program evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of a middle-level career exploration program to determine whether any program adjustments should be implemented for overall student success. From a population of 152 core classroom teachers, 55 teachers responded to a survey…