Starting Career Education in Middle School

“We empower kids to find and pursue their own education and career path, and provide them with the support and tools they need to get there,” said Jean Eddy, CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA).

ASA, like KnowledgeWorks, Strada, Lumina, and College Spark, was launched as an impact investor after selling a portfolio of student loans.

The Boston nonprofit spent the last two years reinventing how they approach young people — committing to helping students know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices.

ASA creates innovative products and partnerships that deliver impact to young people in Massachusetts and beyond.

Their new website is full of student videos aimed at students in middle and early high school grades. Partner districts are piloting a nine week exploration course for middle school students.

The goal is to make them aware of all the educational and career possibilities available and help them begin exploring those options.

For high school students, ASA provides tools for postsecondary planning and operates college planning centers.

ASA partners with organizations locally and nationally including Boston Boys & Girls Club, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Red Sox Foundation and school districts.

“ASA is committed to helping kids know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices to achieve their education and career goals—especially as our workforce needs evolve,” said Eddy.

For more, see:

• How to Promote College Readiness: A Washington Case Study
• Boosting Career Readiness in Dallas
• The Role of Advisory in Personalizing the Secondary Education

This post was originally published on Forbes.

Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update.