Workforce Development Digest

As we approach the close of another year, the Dallas ISD Workforce Development team continues to focus on empowering every student to succeed—both in the classroom and in the world beyond. Did you know that 50% of Dallas ISD students will enter the workforce directly after high school graduation? This is a powerful reminder of the critical role we play in preparing our students for the next chapter of their lives, whether that means stepping into a career, pursuing higher education, or a combination of both.

In this season of reflection and growth, we are reminded of the opportunities that lie ahead for our students. Workforce Development is committed to providing the tools, resources, and support needed to ensure that each student is equipped with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving job market, and build economic mobility for generations to come.

As we celebrate the holidays, let's take a moment to appreciate the collective efforts of our teachers, partners, and community members who make these opportunities possible. We are excited about the future of our students and look forward to continuing our work together to help them reach their full potential in the new year.

Wishing you all a season filled with joy, gratitude, and renewed purpose as we look ahead to a bright 2025!

As the year winds down and the holiday season brings a sense of reflection and anticipation for the year ahead, it is the perfect time to help your child think about their future career path. While the holidays are a time for family and celebration, it is also an opportunity to reinforce the value of exploring careers and setting goals for the new year. The skills and experiences your child gains now will help set them up for success later, whether they are still in elementary school or preparing for high school graduation.

Here are some ideas for how you can continue to support your child’s career development this December:

K-5th Grade: Spark Curiosity and Joy

The holiday season is full of opportunity to get creative while sparking your child’s interest in the world of work. By using playful, hands-on activities, you can help them start thinking about careers in an engaging way.

• Holiday Career Showcase: Create a festive family event where each person shares what they "do" in a career. Parents or older siblings can dress up and share fun facts about their jobs, allowing younger children to ask questions and learn about different professions.
• Career-themed Holiday Crafts: Have your child create holiday cards, decorations, or gifts that represent different professions. For example, they could craft a card for a "scientist" with beakers and test tubes or create an art piece for a "teacher."
• Family Storytime: Use books that feature diverse professions and exciting career possibilities, helping your child imagine different futures. Dreami Education's YouTube channel is a treasure trove of free resources for parents! Their "Let's Meet A..." collection features engaging digital stories that introduce children to a variety of career paths. With read-along text, these videos make learning interactive and enjoyable.
• Dream Job Discussions: Ask your child, “What is your favorite part of the holiday season? How do you think a person could make a career out of that?” For example, if they love baking, talk about becoming a pastry chef, or if they love decorating, explore interior design or event planning careers.

6th-8th Grade: Explore Possibilities with a New Year’s Focus

Middle school is an exciting time to start thinking about future careers, and the new year offers a fresh chance to dive into career exploration. As your child continues to develop interests, here are some ways you can support their growing curiosity.

• Vision Board for Career Goals: Help your child create a vision board that reflects their career aspirations for the upcoming year. Include photos of jobs they are interested in, quotes from role models, and images of what success looks like to them.
• New Year’s Career Challenge: Encourage your child to set a career exploration goal for the year. Whether it is researching 3 new careers, shadowing someone for a day, or attending a career fair, having a concrete goal can motivate them to take the next step.
• Holiday Job Reflections: Ask your child about any part-time jobs or volunteer work they did over the holiday break. Reflect on the skills they developed, and discuss how those experiences could relate to future careers.
• Career Webinars and Podcasts: Look for online events or podcasts that focus on careers in different industries. Check out the Kids Learn Careers Podcast, hosted by Kyle North Cut, a child around the same age. In each episode, Kyle interviews a wide range of professionals to explore different career paths and gain insights into various fields. YouTube channels, such as Highlights Kids, about career exploration that will engage your child in fun, easy-to-access content.

9th-12th Grade: Preparing for a Successful Future

High school students are already taking steps toward their future careers, but the new year provides an excellent opportunity to assess progress and set new goals. Here’s how you can help your high schooler get ready for what’s next:

• Holiday Internships or Job Shadowing: During the holiday break, consider setting up opportunities for your child to shadow a professional or participate in a short internship program. Many local businesses are open for winter activities that could provide valuable insights into various fields. Additionally, never underestimate the power of volunteering. Students can engage in volunteer hours at places like a food bank, where they not only give back to the community but also gain exposure to different career paths and valuable life skills—all in one location.
• Career-Related New Year’s Resolutions: Work with your child to set a career-related resolution. Whether it is researching potential college programs, applying for internships, or learning new skills, having a clear goal can give them motivation for the year ahead.
• Resume Overhaul: Spend some time reviewing and updating your child's resume. This is a great opportunity to add any recent work experience, volunteer work, or accomplishments from the holiday season. You can also start discussing cover letters and application processes for jobs or internships they plan to pursue.
• Financial Planning for Careers: Discuss the costs of education and training required for various career paths. This is also a great opportunity to explore scholarship options, financial aid, and how different career pathways can influence earning potential. Be sure to check out the Workforce Wisdom section of this newsletter to discover how the North Texas Next magazine can help you and your child navigate financial planning and career success.

Support for All Ages

• Explore the Dallas ISD Workforce Development Website: Find more resources and career exploration tools to guide your child on their journey, click here to be redirected to the website.
• Reach Out to Your School Counselor Before Break: Your child's school counselor is a valuable resource to help plan and navigate career pathways tailored to your child’s strengths and interests.

As we close out the year and look toward 2025, remember that career exploration is a year-round process. The more conversations you have with your child about their future, the more confident and prepared they will be when the time comes to make those important decisions. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and opportunities for growth in the year ahead!

Turn dinner time into a meaningful exploration of your child's future! Download our "Kitchen Conversations" sheet for thought-provoking conversation starters that will get your child thinking about their passions and dreams. To download you can click here or scan the QR code below.

Let's build the future workforce, together!

This section is all about YOU, Dallas ISD students! As we close out the year and look ahead to 2025, it is the perfect time to reflect on your growth and plan for the future. Whether you are still exploring career options or already gaining hands-on experience, there are always opportunities to build skills and discover your passions. The holiday season is a great time to explore new opportunities and start planning your next steps toward success.

Whether you are interested in healthcare, technology, business, or the arts, now is the time to make sure you are gaining real-world experience, even during the winter break. Here are some ways to make the most of your time off and jumpstart your career journey in the new year.

Finding Internships and Work Experience Over Winter Break

Winter break is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore new career paths, and make connections with professionals in fields you are interested in. While Dallas ISD internships may not be available right now, there are still plenty of ways to find internship and work experience opportunities over the break:

• Reach Out to Local Businesses: Use the break to explore internships or job shadowing opportunities with businesses and organizations in your community. Many companies offer seasonal internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions that provide great exposure to different careers. Do not be afraid to reach out directly to employers and ask about potential opportunities.

• Leverage Online Resources: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake can help you find part-time jobs, internships, or even project-based work over the winter break. These platforms often list positions that are ideal for high school students looking for real-world experience.

• Check with Local Nonprofits and Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations offer volunteer opportunities that can help you build your resume while giving back to the community. These experiences can also help you develop valuable skills and make professional connections.

Set Career Goals for the New Year

As the new year approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on your career aspirations and set goals for the year ahead. Whether you want to explore new fields, develop new skills, or gain more work experience, setting clear and realistic goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Here are a few career-focused goals you could set for 2025:

• Build Your Resume: Take time to update your resume with any new skills, volunteer work, or experiences you gain over the break. If you haven’t started a resume yet, now’s the time to create one! Check out the Indeed YouTube channel that has a ton of videos on how to improve your resume.

• Find a Mentor: Identify someone in a career you are interested in and reach out to ask if they would be willing to mentor you or offer advice as you explore different career options.

Explore New Career Paths

If you’re still deciding on a career path, the winter break is a great time to do some research and explore new possibilities. Here are a few ways to dig deeper into career exploration during your time off:

• Job Shadowing: Job shadowing gives you a firsthand look at what a day in the life of a professional is really like. Reach out to local professionals or family members who work in industries you’re curious about and see if they’d be willing to let you shadow them for a day.

• Career Exploration Websites: Use online tools like the Dallas College Career Coach to take interest inventories that match your strengths and passions with potential careers. These resources can help guide your decision-making and introduce you to career fields you may not have considered.

• Research Career Pathways: Explore different industries and job roles through virtual career fairs, webinars, or informational interviews. Sites like Bureau of Labor Statistics provide detailed information on job outlook, required skills, salary ranges, and more. Be sure to check out the Workforce Wisdom section of this newsletter to discover how the North Texas Next magazine can help you pathway planning and career success.

How Work-Based Learning Helps You Build a Successful Future

Work-based learning experiences like internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work provide valuable skills and help you:

• Explore careers: Discover what you love (and what you do not!)

• Develop transferable skills: Learn teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills that are valuable in any field.

• Build your network: Make connections with professionals who can offer guidance, advice, and even job leads in the future.

• Enhance your resume: Real-world experience gives you a competitive edge when applying for colleges or future jobs.

As 2024 closes out and 2025 approaches, take time to reflect on your goals, explore new career opportunities, and make the most of your winter break. Whether through internships, volunteer work, or networking, there are endless opportunities to gain experience and develop the skills that will set you up for success. Your future is in your hands, and now is the time to take action!

Wishing you a productive, exciting, and fulfilling new year filled with growth and opportunity!

Workforce Development brings you November's Future Work Ready Friday Broadcast, hosted by KMBS Radio at Townview! Our speaker, Rhonda Sanders, owner of Cateyez Travel, will highlight her entrepreneurship journey, starting her travel agency, and give tips to help those interested in that career path. Additionally, there is a Word on the Street segment where students are interviewed about various topics. Stay tuned in for our next monthly video!

As the year wraps up, this month’s edition focuses on building essential career skills and developing workplace readiness as students prepare for the future. We know that all teachers can play a role in preparing students for life after school—whether through academic learning or cultivating workplace-ready skills. This month's section is filled with creative ways to incorporate career readiness into your classroom, making learning both engaging and relevant to real-world experiences.

Connect Learning to Real-World Careers: Help students see how the concepts they’re learning in the classroom apply to real-world jobs and industries. Below are some subject-specific examples to guide you:

Math

• Example: When teaching about percentages, have students calculate sales tax, discounts, and interest rates on purchases. Simulate a real-life budgeting activity where students plan for a large purchase like a car or a trip, using their knowledge of percentages.

• Career Connection: This connects to careers in finance, accounting, and business management, where professionals regularly calculate taxes, interest rates, and financial projections. A financial analyst, for instance, must calculate returns on investments or understand the impact of interest rates on loans.

Science:

• Example: While studying ecosystems, connect the concept of food webs to careers in environmental science, wildlife management, or agriculture. Students could analyze local ecosystems and create a food chain for a particular habitat, showing how each organism depends on others.

• Career Connection: This directly links to careers such as environmental scientists who assess ecosystems, wildlife biologists who manage species populations, and agricultural scientists who study plant and soil health. For example, wildlife managers use their knowledge of food webs to protect endangered species.

English:

• Example: Have students write cover letters and resumes for characters in a novel or play they are reading. Analyze the characters’ skills and experiences in the context of the plot, and craft a professional resume that highlights their strengths.
• Career Connection: This is a great way to introduce students to the skills needed in careers such as human resources, marketing, and public relations. These careers require strong writing, attention to detail, and the ability to present yourself professionally—skills students can develop while doing this activity.

Social Studies:

• Example: When discussing historical events, explore the careers of those involved (journalists, politicians, activists) and how their skills impacted their roles. For instance, have students study the role of a journalist during the Civil Rights Movement or a political leader during the American Revolution.

• Career Connection: Students can learn about the role of journalists, public relations professionals, or political analysts who research, write, and communicate important events. This could lead to an exploration of careers like investigative journalism, public policy, or political consulting.

Art:

• Example: Have students explore different art styles and then create projects based on those styles, such as designing a logo or creating a product packaging design. Students could research the careers that align with each art form, such as graphic design or animation.
• Career Connection: This connects to careers in graphic design, animation, architecture, fashion design, and more. For example, graphic designers create visual concepts using art principles to communicate ideas, just as students will use similar skills to create their own designs.

Project-Based Learning: Applying Skills in Real-World Contexts

Engage students in hands-on projects that simulate real-world work tasks. These projects help students develop the critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity they need in the workplace, while also giving them a deeper understanding of their subjects. Below are subject-specific examples:

Marketing Campaign

• Example: Have students develop a marketing campaign for a local business, school event, or community project. They can conduct market research (e.g., surveys or focus groups), design promotional materials (like posters, social media graphics, and ads), and present their campaign to the class or business owners.
• Career Connection: This project mimics tasks performed by professionals in marketing, advertising, and public relations. Marketing professionals use similar skills to research market trends, design campaigns, and develop strategies to reach their target audience. Students could also explore careers like brand management, digital marketing, and content creation.

Mock Interviews

• Example: Organize mock interviews where students take turns role-playing both the interviewer and the interviewee. They can use resumes they've created (from previous English assignments or career exploration activities) and practice answering and asking questions as if they were interviewing for a real job.
• Career Connection: Mock interviews prepare students for real-life job interviews, a key part of entering any career. Career readiness skills such as communication, professionalism, and self-presentation are essential for many roles, including in human resources, sales, and customer service. Students can practice answering behavioral questions, highlighting their strengths, and addressing gaps in their experience

Sustainability Projects

• Example: Have students brainstorm and propose ways to reduce energy consumption or waste at school or in the local community. They can research eco-friendly technologies, design posters for raising awareness, or even create a blueprint for a more sustainable school environment.
• Career Connection: This project can connect to careers in environmental science, sustainability consulting, architecture, and urban planning. Professionals in these fields use research, problem-solving, and project management skills to develop and implement sustainable practices, whether it’s in energy conservation, waste management, or green architecture.

Product Design Challenge

• Example: Challenge students to design a new product to solve a specific problem, like an eco-friendly water bottle, a new app, or a tool to make a task easier. They will need to research the market, sketch designs, create prototypes (either digitally or with materials), and present their idea to the class.
• Career Connection: This connects to careers in industrial design, engineering, product development, and entrepreneurship. Product designers, engineers, and innovators often go through a similar process of identifying problems, designing solutions, and presenting ideas to stakeholders or potential customers. Students will practice skills like prototyping, creative problem-solving, and teamwork, which are crucial in product development and innovation.

Mock Trial

• Example: Conduct a mock trial in a social studies or government class, where students take on different roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and jurors. They could simulate a famous historical trial (e.g., the Scopes "Monkey" Trial) or create a fictional case to argue.
• Career Connection: This project introduces students to careers in law, including lawyers, judges, paralegals, and court reporters. Legal professionals regularly perform research, present evidence, argue cases, and provide legal counsel—skills that are developed through the mock trial process. Students also learn about the justice system and how legal professionals influence society and law.

Engineering Challenge

• Example: Present students with a real-world engineering problem, such as designing a bridge to hold a certain weight using only a set of materials (like paper, tape, and scissors). Alternatively, have them design a sustainable energy solution for a building or create a model for a renewable energy source.
• Career Connection: This project connects to careers in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental technology. Engineers routinely design, test, and refine structures, machinery, and systems. For example, civil engineers design and test bridges, while renewable energy engineers work on developing and improving technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Students will practice critical thinking, technical design, and problem-solving, all key skills for engineers.

By integrating career readiness into your lessons this December, you are giving your students a head start in developing the skills they will need for future success. Whether through project-based learning, guest speakers, or digital tools, you can create meaningful learning experiences that make classroom knowledge come alive and inspire students to pursue careers with confidence.

Get Every Student a Copy of North Texas Next Magazine Before the Break!

Teachers, make sure your students receive their copy of North Texas Next Magazine before the holiday break! This magazine is packed with valuable insights into a wide range of careers, from high-demand fields to emerging industries. Students can explore job opportunities, learn about salaries, and gain specific information on the Texas job market.

It is a great resource to help them discover careers that align with their interests and future goals. Do not miss out—empower your students to start planning for their careers today!

As we approach the end of the year, it is a great time to reflect on the impact of our partnerships and look ahead to the new opportunities that await. At Dallas ISD Workforce Development, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support and collaboration of our industry partners. Together, we are shaping a future where students are prepared to thrive in the workforce.

This December, we focus on fostering stronger partnerships—both new and existing. By strengthening our collaboration, we can offer more authentic learning experiences that give students the tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to continue building a sustained partnership model that aligns with the evolving needs of both businesses and students.

Opportunities for Continued Collaboration:

• Workplace Skills Workshops: Partner with Dallas ISD to host workshops focused on key workplace skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork.

• Job Shadowing Programs: Help students gain real-world insights by hosting them for job shadowing experiences in your company or organization.

• Capstone Projects: Collaborate with classrooms to create real-world projects where students can work alongside industry experts to solve challenges facing your company.

• Skill-Specific Mentorship: Offer mentorship tailored to specific industries or job roles, helping students gain a deeper understanding of career paths and required skills.

How to Get Involved:

We are always looking to deepen our partnerships and create more impactful experiences for our students. If you are interested in taking your involvement to the next level or starting a new partnership, reach out to us at workready@dallasisd.org. Together, we can continue to empower students and build a workforce-ready future for Dallas ISD.

Let us work together to ensure that 2025 is a year of growth, learning, and opportunity for all Dallas ISD students!

Dallas ISD Workforce Development believes that knowledge and continuous learning are key to unlocking future success. The Workforce Wisdom section is here to provide you with valuable insights, data, and trends to help you navigate the ever-evolving workforce landscape.

Did you know that half of Dallas ISD’s graduating seniors transition directly into the workforce? That’s why it is more important than ever to stay informed about emerging career paths, in-demand industries, and the many resources available to support your child’s future.

We are excited to continue sharing the collaboration between Dallas ISD Workforce Development and North Texas Next Magazine. Together, we have created a special Dallas ISD insert in the 2024-2025 edition, offering a comprehensive guide to career opportunities, salary expectations, and pathways in various industries. Whether your student is ready to jump into the workforce or explore further education, this resource will help you both make informed decisions about their career journey.

For example, let us explore the Manufacturing sector—a field that offers both stability and opportunity:

In-Demand Careers in Manufacturing

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
These professionals join metal components and fabricate metal products.

• Average Salary: $53,147 per year
• Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
• Job Outlook: Employment is expected to grow by 23% by 2023, with over 6,700 new job openings each year. Texas is expected to employ nearly 60,000 Welders by 2023.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics
These skilled workers repair and install industrial machinery and pipeline systems, ensuring the smooth operation of factories and production facilities.

• Average Salary: $64,468 per year
• Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
• Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 35% by 2023, with over 5,200 job openings annually. By 2030, the state of Texas will employ more than 53,000 Industrial Machinery Mechanics.

Which Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway should I follow if I'm interested in Manufacturing?

• Manufacturing Technology
• Advanced Manufacturing & Machinery Mechanics
• Welding

Discover more about the Dallas ISD CTE Manufacturing pathway, Career Institutes, and available Program of Study options by clicking here.

Want to explore more exciting career paths and opportunities in Manufacturing? Flip to page 53 of the North Texas Next magazine for an in-depth look at the industry. You can access the digital copy here or pick up a free hard copy at your student’s campus.

Stay connected with us in future editions of Workforce Wisdom for more resources, career insights, and tips on how to help your child succeed in today’s competitive workforce. Let us prepare them for the future, together!

Want to have this newsletter emailed directly to you every month? See below!

Welcome to our Dallas ISD Workforce Development newsletter! We are excited to share our latest news, insights, and resources with you.

We are excited to announce that we are adding a mailing list to our newsletter this year. This means that if you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your email inbox every month, you can sign up using a quick Google form, click the button below to fill out the Google Form. All we ask for is your first and last name, email address, and the name of your child's campus!

By joining our mailing list, you will never miss a newsletter. You will be given the option to opt-in for additional emails about the internship program, events, and more. If you choose to opt-in to email marketing we will not send you more than 3 emails a month.

Thank you for choosing Dallas ISD,

Chelsea Liles

Dallas ISD Workforce Development

Project Manager - Marketing, Communications, and Data

Click here to visit our Linktree, where you can subscribe and follow all our social media platforms. For more information about Dallas ISD Workforce Development, please check out our website linked here.