Career Advisor and Career Pathways Programs at the Missouri State University Agency for Teaching, Leading, & Learning
Missouri Connections
As the Career Advisor & Career Pathways program gets into the fall season, it has already been a year of growth for us for the 2019-2020 academic year! We 
have had outstanding participation in both the Missouri Connections & ICAP and Missouri Connections Site/Staff Administrator trainings in Mountain Grove, Springfield, Nevada, Hollister and Neosho. We have had to add locations due to full workshops! These workshops are invaluable tools for counselors as they support students in career exploration.
Pathways for Teachers Externship Grants
Another exciting program that has grown over the last year is the Pathways for Teachers Externship Grants. To expand opportunities for educators to participate in Pathways for Teachers, DESE provides grant funding for school districts to design and implement programs. The regional pathways directors/consultants will provide technical support and guidance as needed. This funding connects K-12 teachers with business partners and post-secondary programs through teacher externship opportunities. The feedback from teachers and districts for this program amazing. We are adding more business partnerships between schools and employers every year.
Non-Traditional / STEAM Middle School Career Exploration Events
This has been one of the most well-received events under this DESE program. 7th Graders Go To Work promotes career exploration for 7th Graders
in non-traditional work roles. Area businesses bring 7th graders to their locations and expose those students to what it would be like to work in that role. We have several hundred students attend one of these events every year even as we try to partner with more businesses to meet the demands of counselors to be able to involve more students. We will start reaching out to middle school counselors in the next month to start signing up their student groups for this exciting event!
School Visits
I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the school counselors in southwest Missouri. If we have not had personal contact this year, please know that I am available at anytime to assist you with Missouri Connections, ICAP, 7th Graders Go to Work, and Pathways for Teachers Externship opportunities. I welcome your questions and input!
Dr. Marci Dowdy Career Advisor & Career Pathways Consultant Missouri State University Agency for Teaching, Leading, & Learning 417-818-3992