Future Focused

Welcome to the 2024-25 Future Focused Newsletter. This is your go-to space for inspiration, career insights, and valuable resources to help you succeed. Whether you're seeking guidance, learning new skills, or questioning what you want to do after high school, this newsletter is designed to foster a sense of confident decision making and growth. Stay tuned for exciting updates, tips, and career readiness opportunities as we work together toward a bright future!

I am so passionate about ensuring that our scholars are exposed to a wide range of diverse career and educational pathways, empowering them to choose how they want to leave their mark on the world. By equipping them with essential skills in problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, they are able to become lifelong learners and confident decision-makers. Education is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about unlocking potential, building a brighter future, and giving our scholars the tools to break down barriers and to be the change in their communities.

January 12 * National Pharmacist Day

January 20 * Elementary School Teacher Day & National DJ Day

January 23-29 * Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Week

January 24 * National Activity Professionals Day

January 25 * IV Nurse Day

Calling all Class of 2026 all-stars! Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers is a summer program (July 6 - August 1, 2025) hosted by the University of Michigan (U of M) for high achieving high school students matriculating into their senior year. The program will be held on campus and is designed to assist participants prepare for college life as a nuclear engineering college freshman. The program will pay cohorts a $2,800 stipend and could ultimately lead to a career fighting global greenhouse emissions as a nuclear engineer. The early application intake period deadline is January 31, with April 30, 2025 being the deadline for all applications - on a first come first served basis. Click here for more information. Click here for the application.

Wolverine Pathways is a pre-college program for residents of Detroit and Southfield. The goal of the program is to help students prepare for higher education. Graduates of the program who are also accepted to the University of Michigan will receive a full tuition scholarship. The application for the program is open and is only available for 6th and 9th-grade students. The application window will close on February 28, 2025. For more information and the application, please click here.

Join Girls Who Code's virtual Summer Programs and embark on an exciting coding adventure! Whether you choose the immersive, fast-paced Summer Immersion Program (SIP) or the flexible Pathways option, you'll gain coding skills, make lifelong friends, and connect with industry mentors.

• Summer Immersion Program (SIP): A two-week live, virtual experience where you’ll create games and gain career insights. Students can apply for a $300 SIP grant , plus laptop and hotspot access.
• Pathways: A self-paced, six-week program focused on AI, cybersecurity, and more, with real-world projects and pro insights. Applications are open and only available for students ages 14-18. Apply by February 26 for priority consideration. Applications close on April 11, 2025. No fees—just fun and learning! Click here for more information and here to apply.

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) offers opportunities for students to build STEM knowledge at U.S. Army labs. Click here for High School Internships, and Click here for all programs.

Skilled trades offer excellent career options with good pay and great opportunities. These in-demand jobs are in industries like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, construction, and automotive. In Michigan, employers are looking to fill over 520,000 skilled trades jobs, with 45,000 new openings each year. Click here for a helpful resource with more information on career paths, schools, and average salaries.

NASA's Power to Explore Student Challenge invites K-12 students to dream up a new space mission powered by a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) to any moon in our solar system. The writing contest is open to individual students attending U.S. public, private, charter, or home schools – including those in U.S. territories and schools operated by the U.S. for American personnel overseas. Forty-five semifinalists will receive an RPS prize pack, nine finalists will receive an exclusive virtual session with a NASA expert, and three winners will be awarded a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Every student who enters will receive an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts to learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore. Deadline is January 31, 2025. Click here for more information.

ExploraVision, the world’s largest K–12 science competition, challenges students to envision and communicate new technology 10 or more years in the future. In teams of two to four, students identify a problem facing our world today and research scientific principles and technologies to design innovative new solutions that could address this problem. This fun and engaging program can inspire a lifelong love of science, technology, and innovation for students and teachers alike. Participants can win prizes, including $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity). Project deadline is January 31, 2025. Click here for more information.

The National Geographic Society is asking 13-18 year-olds to join the Slingshot Challenge and submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding. By joining the Slingshot Challenge, educators will receive resources, opportunities to meet with National Geographic Explorers, and regular updates to help students submit their one-minute video. Submissions are due February 7, 2025. Click here for more information.

The 2025 Science Without Borders Challenge is now open! This year’s theme is “Marine Keystone Species.” Keystone species play a crucial role in keeping ocean ecosystems healthy and balanced. To apply for this international art contest, students should submit artwork featuring a keystone species that lives in the ocean, highlighting this creature’s vital role in its marine ecosystem. The challenge is open to all students worldwide who are 11-19 years old. Deadline is March 3, 2025. Click here for more information.

The 2025 President Gerald R. Ford Student Writing Challenge is now accepting submissions from 9-12th grade students in the United States to compete for a top prize of $2,500. To enter, write a 500-750 word essay on the theme: In your life, what has prepared you to follow Gerald Ford’s example of answering the call to serve, especially if the call is unexpected? Submissions will be accepted through March 14, 2025, 5 PM EDT. Click here for more information.

Bulldog Pitch Competition at the College of Business at Ferris State University

• February 14, 2025: Initial submissions due (online)

• March 7, 2025: Finalists notified and invited to on-campus pitch event

• April 11, 2025: On-campus pitch event

• High school students are invited to forms teams of 1-5 to work on a business startup idea

• Teams submit the application form and 2-minute explainer video by February 14

• Finalist teams will be notified by March 7 and invited to Pitch Event in Big Rapids on April 11

• Finalist teams prepare their 10-minute pitch and slide deck and pitch to a jury of entrepreneurs and faculty on April 11

• Finalist teams will receive feedback on their startup ideas from jury

• First, second, and third place teams win prizes!

• All finalist teams will have opportunities to enjoy other on-campus activities.

• For more information click here.

• Sign-up to receive pitch competition details and resources.

The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's office is excited to offer job shadowing opportunities for interested persons, ages 16 and older, who are entering or actively participating in the workforce. This unique opportunity provides participants with the opportunity to observe a WRC employee performing their daily work routine in their environment. Their mission is to excite potential candidates about a career in the water industry by allowing them to explore a realistic picture of the tasks performed for a specific job. Participants will receive an official certificate of completion at the end of the job shadow. Submit Your Request for a Job Shadow

Educators Rising is a community­ based movement designed to support middle and high school students interested in pursuing a career in education. Educators Rising is excited to announce its first annual conference on March 12th at Wayne State University. Click here for more information

Career exploration consultations are now underway and will continue throughout the school year. Stay tuned for exciting things for the New Year, as we will roll out a series of career readiness workshops, Career Week events in March, and monthly highlights on diverse career pathways to further support scholars in their post-graduation planning.

Mrs. Foster

University K-12 Academy

Phone: 248-450-3057

autumn.foster@southfieldk12.org

Click Here to schedule a meeting with me