5 Resources Preparing Kids For Rewarding Careers
Learning skills from a young age is an important process, as it helps kids develop the faculties that they'll need later in life. The resources listed here, ranging from culinary and STEAM-based programs to an inspiring preteen professional, all help young people nurture their talents so they can look forward to a fulfilling future. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Great Career Development Resources For Kids
| Name | About |
|---|---|
| Celai West | Young STEMgirl who works in the fashion, runway, vlogging, and acting industries, breaking barriers and changing modeling standards |
| Lemonade Day | An experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their very own business - a lemonade stand |
| Snapology | Engages children ages 1-14 using LEGO bricks, K’Nex, and technology, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, homes, and in its Discovery Centers |
| EdCorps | Run by the San Diego nonprofit Real World Scholars, it enables students to operate their own businesses from inside the classroom |
| Future Chefs | Uses culinary training to prepare teens for successful life and work after high school |
An Introduction to Lemonade Day
Toys & Games That Can Help Kids Learn
- Coding Robots
- Math Games
- Mechanical Puzzles
- Science Kits
- Telescopes
- Trivia Games
- Solar System Toys
- Talking Globes
7 Ways To Get Children Interested in Science
- Look at common plants and objects under a microscope
- Sign them up for a science summer camp
- Take a trip to a natural history museum
- Watch educational movies and TV shows
- Go hiking with them and teach them about nature
- Play board games that encourage learning
- Explain the chemistry behind cooking and baking
What is Snapology?
In Depth
Connecting lessons inside the classroom to the outside world is not an easy task. While academics are important, young people need other tools, too, if they want to succeed in life. From business exercises to culinary programs, here, in no particular order, is a selection of resources exposing kids to exciting career paths.
Coming in at #1 is Celai West. A multi-talented actress, activist, and influencer, West made quite the splash when, at age ten, she walked the runway at New York Fashion Week. Since then, she has branched out into many other areas. With her mother, she used her fashion expertise to co-write two books that give advice on breaking into the world of runway as a young person; one of the guides, in particular, is written for brown girls.
In addition to her writing pursuits, West works as a runway coach, offering in-person tutorials in cities across the country. She is also a texture activist, advocating for greater inclusion of natural hair textures in entertainment and media. Elsewhere, she serves as the CEO of a company specializing in shirts that celebrate natural hairstyles and fashion.
Elsewhere, she serves as the CEO of a company specializing in shirts that celebrate natural hairstyles and fashion.
In the #2 spot is Lemonade Day. First launched in Houston in 2007 by founder Michael Holthouse, this organization teaches young people the fundamentals of running a business. At its core is an experiential program in which kids plan and operate a lemonade stand. Since its founding, it has reached more than one million kids.
By participating in Lemonade Day, young people learn a variety of lessons, including business skills, responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork. In addition, participants are encouraged to try their hand at different contests, by submitting things like designs and business results. In recognition of its efforts, Lemonade Day has garnered widespread media attention in outlets such as Forbes and Good Morning America.
At #3 is Snapology. Created by sisters Lisa and Laura Coe, this organization offers educational programming using LEGO bricks, K'Nex, and technology. Geared toward kids between the ages of one and fourteen, it exposes young people to educational concepts in a fun way. In schools, community facilities, and homes, Snapology explores topics in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
In schools, community facilities, and homes, Snapology explores topics in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
With a research-driven approach, this franchise-based company incorporates interactive activities and a flexible structure that can be adapted depending on the number and ages of participants. Specific programs range from after-school enrichment experiences to themed birthday parties at local venues. Snapology also has specialized offerings in areas such as robotics and coding, video game design, and team building.
Coming in at #4 is EdCorps. Run by the nonprofit Real World Scholars in San Diego, this program enables students to operate their own business from inside the classroom. Valuing connection and collaboration, it uses the creation and running of a business as a force for learning. Since 2015, EdCorps has assisted more than 500 student-run enterprises.
Real World Scholars has a range of offerings for participating EdCorps, including a robust e-commerce dashboard, programmatic support, and funding opportunities. Furthermore, its instructive toolkits shed light on the business-building process, focusing on, for example, changemaking as an entrepreneur. Existing EdCorps across the country specialize in all manner of items, including web design, lip balm, and watches.
Furthermore, its instructive toolkits shed light on the business-building process, focusing on, for example, changemaking as an entrepreneur.
Last but not least, at #5 is Future Chefs. Founded in 2008 by Toni Elka, this organization works with adolescents, teaching them skills in the kitchen which serve as a foundation for their academic and professional careers. Based in Boston, Future Chefs runs three programs, which participants complete in sequence.
The first program prepares students, exposing them to the culinary industry through after-school cooking classes. The second part is called FC Delivers and involves a two-year paid work program, as well as skills-based competitions and field trips. Finally, in FC Sustains, students serve as peer leaders and volunteers in the community. Future Chefs is committed to supporting budding culinary professionals, maintaining an active alumni network throughout the Boston area.
