Independence Local Schools is helping students discover their interests, explore career pathways and prepare for their futures through hands-on experiences, career assessments and connections with professionals in a variety of industries.
At the September 15 Board of Education meeting, Career Specialist Rachel Barbiaux shared an overview of the career exploration opportunities available to students in grades 4-12, along with plans to expand programming during the 2026-27 school year.
Barbiaux, who began working with Independence Local Schools in January through the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC), works with students across the district to help them identify their strengths, learn about career options and understand how their interests can connect to future educational and employment opportunities.
During her first six months, Barbiaux interacted with more than 575 students and met individually with 77 students over a three-month period.
Building Career Awareness in Elementary and Middle School
Career exploration begins in fourth grade, where students participate in hands-on activities designed to introduce them to different professions. Career exploration kits allow students to experience aspects of cosmetology, fire and emergency medical services, medicine, construction and culinary arts.
Fourth-grade students also complete a Holland Code assessment, which helps them identify personality traits, interests and potential career connections.
At Independence Middle School, students participate in career exploration activities tailored to their grade levels.
Fifth-grade students use career exploration kits to learn about different occupations, while sixth-graders explore career opportunities through experiences with Holden Forests & Gardens. Seventh-grade students participate in a financial literacy simulation that challenges them to make decisions based on a real-world budget.
Eighth-grade students visit CVCC to explore career and technical education programs and learn how their interests may align with available educational opportunities.
During the 2026-27 school year, Barbiaux plans to build on these experiences with additional career assessments, guest speakers, interviews and interactive learning opportunities.
Fourth-graders will continue completing Holland Code assessments and participate in a new career panel series featuring professionals from different industries. Fifth-graders will explore careers through hands-on kits and hear from a manufacturing advocacy organization.
Sixth-grade students will complete Holland Code assessments and participate in a career interview day, giving them opportunities to speak directly with professionals about their work.
Seventh-graders will connect their career reflections from the previous year to their reading of The Giver by Lois Lowry. They also will participate in the financial literacy simulation.
For eighth-graders, Barbiaux is planning a “Careers in the Nation’s Capital” panel featuring professionals working in federal government careers. The experience will connect with a field trip to Washington, D.C., helping students understand career opportunities at both the national and local levels.
“The idea is to introduce students to careers prominent in D.C., but also show them how similar pathways exist in Cleveland,” said Barbiaux.
Additional plans include three themed career panels for middle school students, beginning with technology careers in November.
Preparing High School Students for Life After Graduation
At Independence High School, career exploration focuses on helping students develop practical skills, explore postsecondary options and prepare for life after graduation.
Barbiaux has introduced an online job board and provided students with opportunities to develop resumes, assess their skills and interests, and explore career pathways.
During the 2026-27 school year, programming will include grade-specific activities designed to support students as they move closer to graduation.
Freshmen will participate in a job shadowing experience and complete Naviance assessments to identify potential career interests based on their skills and strengths.
Sophomores will complete career assessments, develop resumes, tour CVCC and participate in mock job interviews to strengthen their communication and interviewing skills.
Juniors will focus on professional networking, including creating LinkedIn profiles and learning how to build connections with professionals. They also will complete Naviance assessments to further explore career and educational options.
Seniors will complete their required capstone projects and use career exploration resources to help identify college majors and postsecondary pathways aligned with their interests and goals.
Additional opportunities for high school students will include guest speakers, visits to local businesses and informational interviews with professionals working in fields of interest.
Connecting Students With the Community
An important part of the district’s career exploration efforts is connecting students with professionals who can share firsthand knowledge about their careers.
Through career panels, workplace visits, job shadowing and interviews, students have opportunities to ask questions, learn about different industries and better understand the education, training and skills needed for various professions.
Barbiaux also encouraged Independence High School alumni to join the Independence Local School District alumni page on LinkedIn to help strengthen connections between graduates, current students and the school community.
By introducing career exploration in elementary school and expanding opportunities through graduation, Independence Local Schools is helping students make informed decisions about their futures while developing the skills and confidence needed for success beyond the classroom.