JP Perkins works for Scouting America - Capital Area Council and gave a presentation about the Career Exploring Program. The Exploring program exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders. The program equips young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers. Exploring is a career education program for young men and women from the ages of 14 – 20. The participants are selected by the participating organization for involvement in the program. Their mission is to deliver character-building experiences and mentorship that allow youth to achieve their full potential in both life and work. Their vision is to shape the workforce by engaging and mentoring today’s youth in career and life-enhancing opportunities. They promise to bring businesses and community leaders together to help young people reach their full potential. Some of the career fields are:
- Arts & Humanities
- Aviation
- Business
- Communications
- Engineering & Technology
- Fire & EMS
- Health Care
- Law Enforcement
- Law & Government
- Science
- Skilled Trades
- Social Services
Each Exploring Post has different careers and creates their own programs. Exploring partners with local Chambers of Commerce to help find businesses that will mentor the participants. Participants under the age of 18 and in school have mentors who come out to the school. Participants over the age of 18 get actual on-hands mentoring in the field they have chosen. Each participant always has the opportunity to change their career path if they decide that is what they want to do. For more information go to www.capitolareascouting.org/join/exploring/