It is recognized that the freshman year of high school may be too late for many students to begin important discussions about career exploration. Because research now points to this vital process as key to long-range student success, the new middle school bridge program introduces a comprehensive course that provides the structure and support at this critical transition for early adolescents. The author of the new Building a Bridge to Your Future student workbook and instructor's guide will provide participants with classroom strategies that prepare students to engage in the career exploration, career decision-making, and career planning process throughout high school.

In order for young teens to believe that they can be successful in high school, college, and the workforce, it is also important to raise the self-efficacy of students through activities built around increasing social and emotional intelligence. Participants will learn strategies that will empower students to take charge of their own learning and planning.

In addition, you’ll leave equipped to build students' enthusiasm about the 10-year planning process they will encounter in their high schools and with an action plan for launching a middle school bridge program.