Students across New Hampshire are expressing a strong desire for more opportunities for career-connected learning, with 59 percent stating that they would like to see an increase in these types of experiences. This information comes from a recent report released by the New Hampshire Learning Initiative and Gallup, titled Voices of New Hampshire Students: Career-Connected Learning’s Role in Building Bright Futures. The report focuses on the impact of career-connected learning on over 8,500 students in grades 5-12 in the state.
One key finding from the report is that about half of students discovered a new job or career while in school that they were previously unaware of. Additionally, students who have a mentor to support their development are more likely to be engaged in school, with 36 percent of these students reporting higher levels of engagement compared to 16 percent of their peers.
The report also highlights that a significant portion of students wish to have more opportunities for career-related learning that align with their specific interests in various jobs and careers. Unfortunately, only 48 percent of high school students and 25 percent of middle school students feel that their school’s current career-connected learning offerings include the careers they are interested in.
Career-connected learning opportunities can take many forms, such as elective classes, units integrated into core subjects, career fairs, job shadowing, internships, and volunteering. These experiences have proven to be beneficial for students, with 34 percent stating that their career-connected learning activities have helped them create plans for their post-high school future. Additionally, over half of students who have participated in internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, or volunteer opportunities related to jobs or careers report that these experiences have influenced their trajectory after high school.
Participation in career-related activities has also been linked to increased student engagement. Only 15 percent of students who did not take part in any career-connected activities are engaged in learning, in contrast to 26 percent of those who have participated in at least one career-linked opportunity. Furthermore, students who have engaged in 10 or more career-related activities exhibit even higher levels of engagement, with 45 percent reporting a strong connection to their learning.
Ellen Hume-Howard, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Learning Initiative, emphasized the importance of the survey findings, stating that the data underscores the significance of career-connected learning in enhancing student engagement and shaping their mindset about the future.
In conclusion, the report reveals a strong demand from students in New Hampshire for more opportunities for career-connected learning that align with their interests. These experiences not only introduce students to new career paths but also play a crucial role in shaping their post-high school plans and increasing their engagement in learning.