This session showcases how Warm Springs Middle School built a rigorous, student‑centered career exploration and CTE program that engages every learner through career‑cluster–aligned clubs, intentional teaming, and integrated programs such as Discovering Your Futures and PLTW. Designed for administrators, CTE leaders, and middle‑grades educators, the session provides practical strategies for increasing student agency, strengthening academic relevance, and expanding early workforce exploration. Attendees will engage in interactive activities including small‑group design challenges, polls, and case‑study analysis to experience the WSMS model firsthand. Participants will leave with actionable tools such as planning templates, student interest surveys, sample schedules, partnership outreach scripts, and grant‑writing language to support program funding. A digital toolkit and slide deck will also be provided. By the end of the session, attendees will have concrete next steps to implement or enhance a schoolwide, student‑centered career exploration system that builds a strong foundation for future CTE pathways.
