Career Adventure Day (CAD): Spark My Future

Small Sparks, Big Dreams!

 

Spark My Future is designed for 5th-8th graders interested in exploring career options. This immersive 2-hour event welcomes students to participate in hands-on activities, utilize simulators, and interact with industry professionals. 

Hands-On Career Stations to Explore

  • Agriculture: Agronomist, Veterinary Technician, Environmental Scientist, Florist

  • Applied Sciences: Auto Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Pilot, Building Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, Heavy Equipment Operator, Welder, Robotics Integrator, Civil Engineer, Architect, Mechanical Engineer, Line Worker, Air Traffic Controller

  • Arts & Information Solutions: Animator, Video Editor, Podcaster

  • Business: Sales Manager, Marketing Director, Real Estate Agent

  • Health Sciences: Athletic Trainer, Pharmacist, Dentist, Radiologic Technologist, Paramedic, Nurse

  • Human Services: Hair Stylist, Esthetician, Police Officer, Travel Agent, Restaurant Manager, Early Childhood Educator, Fashion Designer, Behavioral Therapist

Benefit for Students

  • Explore different industries and find what excites you.

  • Participate in engaging activities that bring careers to life.

  • Gain insights from professionals working in high-demand fields.

  • Learn about career opportunities from other students and mentors.

Watch middle school students in action at a Spark My Future event!

Benefit for Educators

  • Identify Student Interests Early: Help students begin thinking about their future careers.

  • Support Career Awareness: Introduce students to real-world career options in an engaging way.

  • Professional Development Opportunity: Learn how to integrate career exploration into your curriculum.

  • Pre-Event Learning: Lessons can be available ahead of the event to align with core standards for classroom integration

  • Post-Event Learning: Follow-up extension lessons and activities that connect career exploration experiences to core subjects can be available

School Districts in Iowa
Inquire About the House File 316 Career Exploration Requirment for 5-6th Graders and District Career and Academic Planning (DCAP) Report Information

Additional Experiences Available to Districts

Added Self-Care/Swim Experience ($5 per student)

  • Students can enjoy swim time at the CREW Center after the Career Adventure Day event.

  • Encourages team-building and active engagement.

  • Life guards will be on duty during the event. Swim time will be from 12:45-2:00. 

  • The Self-Care/Swim Experience will be available during the 1st and 2nd Wednesday of each month.

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Career Adventure Day (CAD) Event Logistics

What do schools need to provide?
  • Pre- and post-event lessons are available to help students get the most out of their CAD experience. Aligned to ELA standards, we ask that teachers deliver the pre-event lesson before attending the event.

  • Provide transportation to and from IGNITE. The event is from 10:10 AM-12:30 PM.

    • Arrive at IGNITE Pathways by 10:00 AM.

  • Coordinate for students to bring a sack lunch to eat during the event.

  • Chaperones Welcome: If a school district would like to invite additional staff members or parents to chaperone the event, all adults are welcome to attend.

How do schools register for an event?
  • Determine the Group Size
    *Schools may be paired with other schools to maximize impact
    (Up to 200 students per event).
    *Districts can book multiple events so all students can participate.

  • Discuss Sponsorship Opportunities with the IGNITE Team
    *Our goal is to make this experience completely free for districts. To achieve this, IGNITE partners with schools to secure funding that supports student participation.

  • Register Students for Career Adventure Day
    *Choose an event date and submit student grade levels and estimated numbers to finalize scheduling and station assignments. A confirmation email will be sent once the event is scheduled. If there are scheduling conflicts, IGNITE staff will work with the school to adjust the date or make accommodations.

Email info@ignite-pathways.com for more information.

Contact Us for More Information

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