This document is intended to help practitioners plan and implement activities for observance of Career Development Month in Illinois. Part 1 examines the following topics: the definitions of career development and education-to-careers; the rationale for devoting a month to career development; a career framework; and suggested Career Development Month activities. Part 2, which concentrates on specific career development activities appropriate for youths and adults, details 26 activities that have been successfully implemented at Illinois elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. The following are among the activities included: K-8 career awareness program; business buddies classroom project; exploration of high-tech careers; totally tech camp; job shadowing for rural students; summer job contacts, extended campus program; and tech prep summer educator academy. Part 3 profiles six nationally recognized career guidance programs. Part 4, which deals with education and community collaboration, discusses the following topics: (1) benefits of education-community resource collaboration; (2) ways parents can be involved; and (3) work-based learning experiences (field trips, resource speakers, career days/fairs, job shadowing, mentoring). Part 5 presents the following items: labor market information; facts and figures regarding gender equity; list of 10 traits employers want in their employees; and profiles/addresses of 4 Illinois agencies providing career-related information. (MN)