As educators, we have the power to validate and support multiple post-secondary routes.

Educator and career coach Juan Cangas has seen firsthand how powerful it is when students realize college isn’t the only path to success. Based on his experience and student-driven work, here are six key ways we can help students confidently explore career alternatives beyond traditional four-year colleges.

1. Introduce Career Pathways Early

Students often hear “go to college” before they fully understand their own interests, strengths, or the world of work. By introducing career options early, we normalize different futures and allow time for curiosity and self-discovery.

Action Steps:

• Start career conversations in middle school through advisory periods or exploratory classes.
• Implement career interest inventories like YouScience or My Next Move.
• Invite professionals from multiple fields (trades, tech, arts, healthcare) to speak in classrooms.
• Include short video spotlights on non-traditional careers during morning announcements.

2. Connect Students to Experiential Learning Opportunities

Hands-on exposure helps students move from theory to clarity. When they experience a real work environment, it can spark interest, clarify misconceptions, and build confidence.

Action Steps:

• Partner with local employers to offer job shadowing, mentorship, and internship programs—even short-term ones.
• Create “Career Day in the Field” opportunities to visit job sites or training centers.
• Work with local unions and workforce development boards to arrange apprenticeship tours.
• Build a volunteer database of parents and alumni to offer informational interviews or mentorships.

3. Integrate Career-Focused Curriculum

Skills-based learning gives students tangible tools they can use right away—and it also makes academic content feel more relevant and connected to their future.

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Action Steps:

• Offer electives in trades, design, marketing, coding, or other high-demand sectors.
• Incorporate certification programs into existing classes (e.g., CPR in health, Google Suite in tech).
• Align curriculum projects with real-world challenges, like budgeting a small business or building a website.
• Use simulations or digital tools like VirtualJobShadow.com or Naviance.

4. Highlight Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships

The U.S. is facing a labor shortage in trades, yet many students (and families) are unaware of the high wages, low debt, and rapid job placement these fields offer.

Action Steps:

• Host panels or fairs focused exclusively on trades and apprenticeships.
• Feature “Career of the Month” spotlights include welders, HVAC techs, electricians, or machinists.
• Include military, union, and certificate program reps at career expos, not just college recruiters.
• Share data and videos showing earnings potential and job outlook in skilled trades.

5. Support Student-Led Career Research Projects

Giving students ownership over their career exploration empowers them to ask questions, dream big, and compare multiple pathways without judgment.

Action Steps:

• Assign a semester-long project where students research three different post-secondary options and present a comparison.
• Guide students to conduct informational interviews or job shadow someone in a field they admire.
• Use journals or reflection tools to help students track how their interests evolve.
• Host a “Career Pitch Day” where students present their dream job, required steps, and why it fits their goals.

6. Engage Families in the Conversation

Families influence student decisions more than we think, but they often lack access to up-to-date info on the variety of career paths out there.

Action Steps:

• Hold “Future Pathways” nights that cover college, career, trade, and military options equally.
• Translate all materials into multiple languages and include real-life success stories.
• Share take-home worksheets that allow families to discuss financial considerations, strengths, and
• values with their child.
• Partner with community organizations to host resource fairs for parents and caregivers.

College is a powerful tool for many, but it’s not the only way to build a future. When we validate all postsecondary pathways, we give students the permission and preparation to choose the one that’s right for them.

Let’s be the educators who expand definitions of success.

Let’s open doors to new opportunities and help students walk through them with purpose.

CoolSpeak offers engaging speakers, career readiness programs, and school-wide workshops designed to empower students with real-life tools, reflection activities, and motivation to lead their journey. Bring Juan Cangas or another CoolSpeaker to your school and show students that there’s more than one way to win.