Why businesses should get involved in career-based experiences for school-aged children

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the integration of real-world experiences into education has become paramount. It is crucial for businesses to play an active role in providing school-aged children with career-based experiences. These experiences not only benefit the students but also contribute to a stronger workforce, improved community relations and enhanced business growth.

The case study for career-based experiences for school-aged children is as follows:

Bridging the gap: Businesses have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical real-world application. By offering students the chance to participate in job shadowing, internships or mentoring, businesses can provide tangible experiences that reinforce learning.

Fostering informed career decisions: Early exposure to various career options can significantly impact a student’s career choices. At Launch Now, we know students can’t be what they can’t see. Businesses can play a role in providing school-aged children with the insights into different industries, job roles and day-to-day operations that help them make decisions about their future.

Cultivating a skilled workforce: Businesses engaging with school-aged children contribute to the cultivation of a skilled and job-ready workforce. By investing in mentorships or apprenticeships, companies can shape the skill sets of future employees to align with industry demands. A study published by American Student Assistance found that middle school students were the population most receptive to positive change following a career development intervention. Middle school children were more willing to experiment, and their exploration can be a source of positive motivation lasting into high school.

Strengthening community relations: Offering internships and student mentoring positively affects a business’s reputation. Demonstrating a commitment to the local community and education shows corporate social responsibility. This can lead to a positive brand image, making the business more attractive to potential employees who value companies engaged in community development. As these programs often lead to skill development and future job opportunities for students, the business can be seen as a catalyst for local economic growth, which further enhances its reputation.

Sparking innovation and fresh perspectives: Providing mentorship and internship opportunities to school-aged children can help businesses gain new perspectives by introducing diverse and creative ways of thinking. Children are less bound by established norms and approach challenges with unconventional ideas. Their adaptability can bring insights into emerging technologies that help identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement, which can be valuable for businesses looking to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Engaging businesses in providing career-based experiences for school-aged children yields invaluable short- and long-term advantages. Through these programs, companies gain access to fresh perspectives from the next generation, and play a pivotal role in cultivating a skilled workforce, aligning the next wave of employees with the evolving demands of the industry.

Claudia Tobón is the founder of Launch Now, an online platform that connects student-driven interests to tailored career suggestions and real-world work opportunities in their community. Launch Now is a member of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility.