MCC Economic & Workforce Development Center: Impact Report 2015-17

College and Career Exploration Programs Online career exploration.

MCC Career Coach is a free, web-based, career exploration and planning resource ( careercoach.monroecc.edu ). Through this resource, individuals learn about careers and also walk away with a clear understanding of the education needed to pursue the career as well as realistic expectations regarding job opportunities and salary when ready. MCC Career Coach has netted over a quarter of a million visits and division staff have delivered more than 80 community presentations since its launch in 2012. Data for all of New York State is accessible, so exploration is not limited to the Finger Lakes region.

Impact: Since its 2012 launch, MCC Career Coach has netted over a quarter of a million visits online.

Exploratory STEM and Health-based field trips for K-12 students. The Totally STEM/Totally Health Field Trip series evolved out of community workshops promoting MCC Career Coach. Each field trip includes a half day career-oriented STEM exploratory event for K-12 afterschool program staff, students, and parents. By design, each event takes up to 50 students on a journey preparing them for the transition to college-life, providing a first-hand view of MCC programs and career possibilities in STEM and health care. Students participate in discussions matching their values to career interests, before engaging in related hands-on activities and touring the college. Upon returning from their visit, students prepare written reports and presentations capturing their takeaways (for example, lessons learned and careers of interest) to support informed decision-making when applying for college.

Impact: Our field trips have helped over 200 participants explore career pathways in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, health care, and information and computer technologies.

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