Career Education & Exploration

The Value of Career Education: A Brief Research Summary. Kuder, August 14, 2009 A variety of studies have shed light on the positive impact that career interventions have on students and adults. This white paper synthesizes the research and explains the benefits of computer-based guidance systems and the implications of using such career programs throughout the life span.

Why Should My Child Explore Careers? America's Career Resource Network (ACRN), June 2006 This Web page from America’s Career Resource Network provides parents with an overview of career exploration and intervention. It explains the importance of career development both in the context of K-12 education and as a lifelong process.

Diemer, Matt, PhD. Vocational Interests and Prospective College Majors Among Youth of Color in Poverty. Kuder, September 12, 2008 This study demonstrates that vocational interest strength and differentiation are significant predictors of future college majors for high school-aged youth of color in poverty. It suggests that identifying vocational interests early on may help marginalized youth connect otherwise disparate phases of their work lives.

Kemple, James J. "Career Academies: Long-Term Impacts on Labor Market Outcomes, Educational Attainment, and Transitions to Adulthood." MDRC, June 2008 This 10-year longitudinal study looks at the effects of formal pathway program experiences. The researchdemonstrates that the long-term earnings gains of students from career academies–and particularly students of color–are up to 17% higher and sustained over time compared to counterparts who do not have this level of formal career development during high school.

Hughes, Katherine L. and Melinda Mechur Karp. School-Based Career Development: A Synthesis of the Literature.Teachers College, Columbia University, February 2004 This synthesis of research literature on school-based career intervention covers both meta-analyses and individual studies on comprehensive guidance programs, career courses, counseling interventions and computer-assisted career guidance. It reports the many benefits of career guidance and academic counseling interventions and increased outcomes in student subjects.