Cumberland Schools Planning New Program To Introduce More Students To Careers

Cumberland County Schools wants to start introducing students as early as kindergarten to career fields through a new program.

The Career Connection Framework is provided by the National Rural Education Association. Director of Schools Billy Stepp said the school board adopted the strategy to create a K-12 career development plan.

“It’s as simple as even doing classroom career speakers for kindergarten kids at their level,” Stepp said. “What are their interests as a kindergartner and bring those people in. We can also integrate existing career awareness  resources at that age, virtual visits. There are all kinds of things that we can do.”

Stepp said school administrators are in the planning stages to implement the program next school year. Stepp said field trips, campus visits and professional development days would also be included.

Stepp said by introducing careers at a younger age, students will have exposure to several professions before selecting a career path.