“The National Career Development Association recommends that middle school students learn about themselves by developing awareness of their occupational interests, aptitudes and career values; gaining an understanding of the value and concept of work; and making preliminary occupational choices that are open to change. Self-knowledge is a necessary first step toward developing decision-making skills for education and careers, even as goals and interests change over time. Research has identified middle school as a time when students can benefit the most from career exploration. In addition, middle schoolers’ brains are receptive to developing the competencies known as 21st-century skills, non-cognitive skills, soft skills or employability skills. These skills include critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, oral and written communications, collaboration, creativity, responsibility, professionalism, ethics and technology use. Employers report that employability skills are critical to the workforce, and many are also positively associated with academic achievement and post-secondary success.” – ACTE