Students of all ages should use summer months to explore their interests
Extra-curricular activities and summer camps are a great way to explore possible career fields and provide students an excellent opportunity to build their personal portfolio of experiences. I like to remind students that not only do our interests change over time, but also often, we do not truly know what we do and do not like until we try different things. Think about how many people you know who thought they wanted to study a particular subject or do a specific job until they started down that path, and quickly realized the idea was much more interesting than the work itself.
ACPE has FREE resources to engage PK-8 students to take important steps towards their future.
ACPE provides fun, engaging activities to students whether they are at home, summer camp, or in the classroom. With free digital or print resources, ample support, and virtual volunteers, ACPE’s early college & career exploration resources will help your student begin to connect their strengths and interests with career pathways and important next steps toward education and career success!
As parents of younger students seek ways to keep their kids busy during summer months, it is always wise to seek out activity camps that help students explore different content areas. Local libraries have book clubs, STEM activity sessions, and take home kits! From music camps in Sitka, to archaeology camps in Nome, and CSI camps in Anchorage, there are many different opportunities across the state.
Summer is a great time for high school students to seek out internships and job shadow opportunities in addition to beginning some of their first jobs. Opportunities like the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) (6-12), Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC’s) Junior High Career Exploration (8) and Freshman Transitions (9), and Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) (11-12) give students the opportunity to explore different careers and help prepare for college & career training opportunities. There are even construction academies designed to give 16-19 year old’s important job skills. Many of these programs and others across Alaska, offer scholarships or financial aid.
ACPE has college & career exploration resources for families and activity camps this summer:
Early Career Explorers – Downloadable activities help our youngest students learn basic letter formation and spelling, understand that diverse careers strengthen our communities, and connect academic foundations to future career opportunities through exploratory activities. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades PK-4)
I Know I Can – Volunteers read and discuss the story of a group of animal friends trying to figure out what jobs they want to have when they grow up. Virtual or in-person volunteers talk with students about the social emotional aspects of the story, while also helping students imagine jobs that fit with their own strengths and interests, as they draw pictures of their career dreams. Students are encouraged to share their dreams aloud, to develop early public speaking skills. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades 1-3)
Kids2College – Six lessons include college & career exploration, Google Slide presentation templates, Fillable, PDF, or print curriculum, virtual or video college & career panels, virtual campus tours, parent tips, and assistance from ACPE staff to help make this program a success. All materials are available in print or digital format. Student, Teacher, and Parent Resource tabs make it easy for everyone to find exactly what they need. Synchronous and Asynchronous options. (Grades 5-8)
Contact shelly.morgan@alaska.gov or 907-269-7972 for more information on ACPE’s FREE College & Career Exploration Resources for student success (PK-8).
About the Author
Shelly Morgan
K-12 Specialist
An avid gardener and student advocate, Shelly enjoys planting seeds, nurturing them, and watching them grow! She works with educators, students, volunteers, and postsecondary institutions across Alaska, helping students identify and reach for their dreams.