September is Workforce Development Month—a time to recognize the importance of preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s careers. For educators, it’s a powerful reminder that career readiness starts early, and that exposure to real-world opportunities can be the spark that ignites a student’s future.
Imagine a classroom where students not only learn about math, science, and history—but also meet astronauts, engineers, designers, and data scientists. For many students, especially those in underserved communities, this kind of exposure can be life-changing.
Why Career Exposure Matters
Educators know that curiosity is the spark that ignites lifelong learning. But curiosity needs fuel—and one of the most powerful sources is real-world relevance. When students meet professionals from diverse industries, they begin to see possibilities they may never have imagined. They start asking questions like:
- What does it take to become an astronaut?
- How do you design technology for space exploration?
- Could I do something like that one day?
For students who may not have role models in high-tech or emerging industries, these moments of connection can be transformative. They don’t just learn about careers—they begin to see themselves in them.
Career Connect: Bringing the Future into the Classroom
When you’re missing individuals in classrooms due to vacancies, your principals have to be very creative on how we ensure our kids are safe and continue to receive a high-quality education.
Discovery Education’s Career Connect feature in Discovery Education Experience is designed to do exactly that. By linking K–12 classrooms with innovative industry leaders, Career Connect helps educators build students’ career readiness while sparking engagement and curiosity.
Thousands of professionals have already shared their stories with classrooms across the country. And this October, students will have the chance to hear from one of the most inspiring voices in space exploration for a special spotlight virtual experience.
Career Connect Spotlight: Bob Behnken
On October 7 at 1:00 PM ET, students in grades 6–12 can tune in live to hear from Bob Behnken, Vice President for Exploration, Products, and Technology Strategy at Lockheed Martin Space Systems—and a retired NASA astronaut.
Bob will share what it’s like to do a spacewalk, fly a shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and train for space exploration right here on Earth. He’ll also talk about the skills needed to work in space—and answer student questions submitted in advance.
Register Now to submit questions and join the event.
Additionally, check out IF/THEN® STEM video profiles and student choice boards to spark curiosity, then explore a wide network of STEM volunteers ready to virtually visit your classroom with Career Connect. With support from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, you’ll help students see themselves in STEM and build bold futures.
More Ways to Explore Careers in STEM
Discovery Education and the STEM Careers Coalition offer even more tools to help students explore future-ready careers:
Career Finder Interactive
Wondering where to begin the journey toward a STEM career? The Career Finder interactive helps students discover in-demand careers that align with their interests. By answering a few simple questions, students can explore personalized career paths and learn what skills and education they’ll need to succeed.
Try Career Finder and start exploring today
Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip
On October 9, 2025, unlock access starting at 7:00 AM ET to a brand-new virtual field trip:
Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip
(Grades 6–12 | 22 minutes)
Take your students on a virtual journey into the world of steel—how it’s made, shaped, and used to build the future. This immersive experience introduces students to the science, engineering, and innovation behind one of the world’s most essential materials.
Can’t join on the premiere date? No worries—watch at a time that’s most convenient for your class.
Resources for Educators
Career Connect and the STEM Careers Coalition provide curated classroom resources—videos, ready-to-use activities, lessons, and interactive tools—to support career exploration and workforce readiness. These materials help educators integrate career learning into everyday instruction, making it accessible and engaging for all students.
This Workforce Development Month let’s celebrate the educators who are opening doors for students—connecting them with careers they may never have known existed and helping them build the skills to thrive in a changing world. Programs like Career Connect and tools like Career Finder make it easier than ever to bring the future into the classroom—and to show students that their future is full of possibility.
