Career Discovery
According to several contemporary theories of learning, students don’t acquire knowledge through a process by traditional teaching practices such as the lecture. Instead, they construct new ideas and concepts through an active process of engagement. Further, knowledge is highly context dependent, acquired through experience and involvement in real-world situations. Well-designed activities not only help students learn new concepts, but it exposes them to possibilities and asks students to think like professionals. (The IDEA Center. (2012). (rep.). Involved students in “hands-on” projects such as research, case studies, or real-life activities.)
An individual’s career path is determined by a combination of academic and professional choices, experiences, and opportunities. The modern career is likely to take on a greater number of forms than careers of previous generations. Exploring careers therefore can be intimidating because there are so many options. Therefore, the best thing we can do, developmentally for our K-12 students is to expose them to the possibilities and opportunities. The more opportunities, the more students learn.
Tech Mania
Tech Mania is a series of presentations given to high school students to bolster interest in STEM-based careers by showcasing the technology that is being designed, built, and utilized right here in the region. Students receive engaging, interactive presentations from FMA member organizations and get a glimpse into the really cool technology and amazing career opportunities in the area.
According to several contemporary theories of learning, students don’t acquire knowledge through a process by traditional teaching practices such as the lecture. Instead, they construct new ideas and concepts through an active process of engagement. Further, knowledge is highly context dependent, acquired through experience and involvement in real-world situations. Well-designed activities not only help students learn new concepts, but it exposes them to possibilities and asks students to think like professionals. (The IDEA Center. (2012). (rep.). Involved students in “hands-on” projects such as research, case studies, or real-life activities.)
Project SCOPE
Project SCOPE (Security Clearance Overview and Preparation Education) helps future and current workforce understand and navigate the clearance process in order to ensure a strong pool for positions requiring clearance. The project, which debuted in 2009, includes education for high school students, adults in college and/or the workforce and members of the military transitioning to civilian careers. Project SCOPE offers teachers specific lessons that provide essential information about the security clearance process and piques student interest in the variety of cleared careers. As a complement to these activities, the FMA works with member organizations to bring guest speakers to the classroom to discuss security clearances as well as career paths with students. By design, teachers in a wide variety of subjects and/or extra-curriculars can select and incorporate individual activities or lessons into their curriculum and plans.
Cybersecurity is a growing field and has over 20,000 job openings in the state of Maryland. But it is not the only career that could require a security clearance. Medical professionals, graphic designers, and construction workers are all careers in which student could be interested in. Recognizing the potential for these careers to have a security clearance is crucial in expanding the talent pipeline in this region. Additionally, most people falsely assume that they must have a perfect record to obtain a security clearance. Providing up-to-date and accurate information about the security clearance process dispels pervasive rumors such as this, leading to more members of the workforce recognizing that a career in a cleared field is obtainable.
Career Chats
Career Chats are requested from schools and universities to present a variety of topics related to career development. Topics often focus on individual career paths, specific workforce needs and soft skills.
STEM Family Night
Held at Arundel Mills, STEM Family Night has inspired more than 1,800 parents and students from elementary through high school by showcasing cutting edge, hands-on technology demonstrations designed to bolster students’ interest in STEM-related careers. From facial recognition apps and wireless networks, Doppler effect instrumentation to radar guns and gall bladder surgery simulations to robotics, parents and students are able to scratch the surface to what STEM-related careers offer.
Because parents play a significant role in their children’s interest in STEM, STEM Family Night also offered students and parents a chance to talk to representatives from Anne Arundel and Howard County Public School Systems about their STEM-focused programs and curriculum.
