Action Lab - Career Exposure and Guidance

Deva and Sonia are part of the 2 crore children who are in their high school years in Government Schools. The failure rate in exams and dropout rates are high. They secure degrees from hard-earned money and still remain jobless, hence earning the tag of “educated but lack employable skills”.

However, these adolescents are street smart with fire in the belly to achieve and pull their families out of poverty. There are budding animation artists, ethical hackers, sports coaches, nurses, doctors, handyman, coders, their hunger for a better life can surely spring India’s growth. They live on an edge and can tip over into an anti-social life too. 

Our programmatic intervention spans 3 years through classes 8, 9 and 10 and comprises of 3 stages – Discover, Reinforce and Support:

Discover – Through grades 8 and 9, we expose the children to different industries/opportunities (BFSI, Armed forces, Sports industry, Education Sector, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Healthcare and so on) after preparing them to the concept of careers and future planning.

Reinforce – By actually visiting and interacting with an industry/company of choice(from the industries they were introduced to in the Discover stage), children get a real-life feel and are encouraged to check their interest and appetite to build a career in that field.

Support - Through Grades 9 and 10, children are mentored fortnightly by mentors (corporate volunteers) who build their thinking and decision-making skills.

By the end of the 9th grade,the mentors help the children arrive at their Career plan A and B. From grade 10th, it is all about working towards the goal. The children are subsequently supported with admissions and financial aid, positioning them on a trajectory leading to a career/profession of choice.

The overall impact that we are working towards is for 10th graders of Government schools to make optimal career decisions for their future on the basis of their interest, abilities and opportunities. Increase the number of students who pursue a fruitful/optimal future option and not succumb to poverty again.

As we work towards the above mentioned impact, we are observing the below responses/ changes/ impact:

8th and 9th graders: Increase in awareness of possibilities post X grade. Increasing clarity of their capability and interests.

10th graders: Working towards a larger goal which holds a better future rather than focusing on just completing SSLC (X board exams). They are understanding that SSLC exam is a milestone that will lead them towards their dreams.

Teachers: Enthused by the energy that the students come back with post their industry visits and change in the class room conversation topic towards career and future.

Management of Schools and Education department: Increase in support and providing one dedicated period per week for career exposure

Parents: Encouraged and impressed with the exposure (classroom and visits) being provided to their children to shape their future.