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Alabama Career Discovery pilot expands in Montgomery; program reports 452 participating students in year two
Summary
Program directors told the committee the Alabama Career Discovery Program, piloted in Montgomery, grew to 452 students in its second academic year and includes career assessments, an online training portal and partnerships with local employers for shadowing, tours and internships.
The Alabama Career Discovery Program pilot in Montgomery reported expansion in its second academic year and outlined plans to connect students with local employers and career training resources.
Tom McGregor, director of the program, told committee members the program grew from year one and currently serves 452 students across Montgomery pilot sites. The program administers career assessments that match students' personality, interests, skills and values to career options, provides coaching on assessment results, and offers an online portal with daily training content on topics such as resume development, interview skills and professionalism. Beginning March 1, program leaders said they will introduce "career partners" — local businesses that will provide profiles, video interviews and opportunities for shadowing, tours, internships and potential job connections.
Representative Hassell and Representative Enseler emphasized the program's goal of giving students "vision and hope" and explained that some teachers who graded the assessment activity saw higher participation and completion; program staff said they want to encourage graded participation to increase engagement. Committee members asked about scaling and whether graded activities could be incorporated broadly; program leaders said they will pursue broader classroom integration and additional school partners if funding continues.
No formal committee action was taken; program staff asked for continued support and said they plan to expand employer partnerships and tracked learning milestones through the online portal.
