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Many schools already use career readiness tools, planning platforms, EDP systems, counselors, CTE programs, and college access resources. That is a good thing. Grad Bridgeway is not trying to replace those systems. It is designed to support them. Tools like Xello and other career readiness platforms often require students to log in, complete activities, take assessments, or build plans. Those active tools are valuable because they help students organize their interests and ne

Most schools already use hallway screens for announcements, sports updates, lunch menus, reminders, and event information. But those same screens can also become a powerful career awareness tool. Students move through hallways every day. They glance at screens between classes, before lunch, after school, and during passing time. That makes hallway screens one of the most natural places to reinforce career and college readiness messages. The key is keeping the content short, c

Career exploration is becoming a bigger part of how schools prepare students for life after graduation. One reason is Perkins V, the federal law supporting career and technical education. Michigan’s Department of Education explains that Perkins V is focused on increasing learner access to high-quality CTE programs of study. Perkins V also recognizes that career exploration can begin before high school. Michigan’s Perkins V definitions note that career exploration may happen a

Career and technical education programs are growing, but access is not only about whether a program technically exists. Access is also about whether students know the program exists. The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab found that access to CTE varies across Michigan schools and students, with economically disadvantaged, Black, and Hispanic students facing less overall access and being less likely to attend schools with at least one CTE program. Chalkbeat also reported

For too long, career planning has been treated like something students figure out near the end of high school. But by senior year, many students are already under pressure. They are making decisions about college, work, money, applications, and graduation. Waiting until the last minute can leave students feeling rushed, confused, or limited. Michigan’s own career development framework points in a different direction. The Michigan Department of Education describes the Michigan

Students are asking a question schools are working hard to answer:What can I actually do after graduation? Education Week reported that students want more career education, and many school and district leaders are increasing efforts to introduce students to possible careers. The demand is there. The challenge is making career exploration consistent, visible, and easy for students to absorb. Most students are not short on pressure. They hear about college applications, graduat

Across Michigan, more students are showing interest in skilled trades and career technical education. That is good news for students, employers, and communities. But the growth also points to a real challenge: not every student has the same access to career programs, training information, or pathway exposure. Bridge Michigan recently reported that CTE enrollment and completion are rising across the state, while access still varies depending on where a student lives and what r