New partnerships in education are integrating career exploration videos into core courses, helping students see the relevance of their learning.
This fall, classrooms are seeing a new approach to education that goes beyond traditional methods. Instead of simply taking a break from coursework, videos are being utilized as vital tools to connect students' learning to real-world applications.
Take, for example, an engaging video featuring Luis Padilla, an animal health director at the St. Louis Zoo. In the clip, he examines a sea lion while high school students watch closely, laughing as the animal interacts with him. After his demonstration, the students eagerly ask Luis about his journey—what he studied and how he landed his job—creating a tangible connection between curriculum and career.
This initiative is part of a collaboration between Edmentum and Roadtrip Nation, introducing career exploration videos into high school core courses starting in the 2026–2027 academic year. The videos will integrate seamlessly within Edmentum Courseware at relevant points in the curriculum, addressing both the subject matter and students’ career interests.
Why This Matters Now
Career exploration has perhaps never been more essential. Students are increasingly left wondering about the relevance of their academic pursuits, often asking, “What’s the point of what I’m learning?” and “Will I ever use this knowledge?” With industries rapidly evolving, especially with advancements in AI, these questions become harder to answer. Many students today face a labor market that differs vastly from that of their parents or even older siblings.
Recent findings from the Harvard Youth Poll indicate a concerning decline in optimism among youth regarding their futures. More than half of teens identify as being in “passenger mode,” moving through their education without a strong sense of direction. Furthermore, less than 30% of high school students feel adequately prepared for post-graduation pathways.
Relevance at the Centre of Learning
Traditionally, career discussions have occurred at the periphery of education—during job fairs or guest speaker events. These isolated experiences, while important, fail to integrate meaningful career insights into day-to-day learning. What if, instead, the curriculum itself could routinely address these inquiries?
With the support of technology, students can now experience career explorations that take them to places they might otherwise never visit, opening doors to conversations with professionals whose career paths might not resemble their own. Such insights are particularly valuable for those unable to access professional networks due to geographical or situational constraints.
When students witness how theoretical concepts are applied in the field, it reframes academic content as a vehicle for problem-solving rather than simply a hurdle to graduation. As education shifts focus, asking students “What problems do you want to solve?” can unlock a deeper sense of purpose, rather than sticking solely to “What do you want to be?”—especially in a world where job titles are in constant flux.
Implementing Relevance in Practice
Edmentum's curriculum designers have strategically aligned Roadtrip Nation's interviews with specific educational standards and objectives, ensuring that the career content feels like a natural extension of the lessons. Videos are embedded precisely where they fit into core subjects, alleviating the need for teachers to spend time sourcing supplementary resources or restructuring lesson plans.
These videos typically feature candid, unscripted conversations. Professionals candidly share their experiences, including uncertainty and the challenges they’ve faced. Data suggests this method is effective; in San Jose, nearly 70% of students reported that their educational journey felt more relevant after interacting with Roadtrip Nation content. A study from Stanford revealed over 60% of participants discovered careers they hadn’t previously considered.
There's more evidence from Clover, S.C., where students using Edmentum Courseware showed a remarkable 23% drop in absences, highlighting how digital curriculum can boost student attendance and engagement.
All these metrics indicate that students are more inclined to commit to their studies when the curriculum resonates with their aspirations and present-day realities.
Preparing for a Rapidly Evolving Economy
Graduating students don’t need all the answers; they require the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and discover how their interests align with future job markets. When students grasp connections like how biology relates to animal science or how precalculus informs space exploration, they start to envision their roles in various careers. They learn to filter out options that don’t resonate and chase their passions.
This exploration is foundational for every student, enabling them to visualize futures where their education is directly applicable to meaningful careers, effectively linking classroom knowledge to real-life implications. Schools must go beyond merely preparing for graduation— they must nurture the potential for various future possibilities.
In essence, this new approach—beginning perhaps with a sea lion and a curious student—can demonstrate clearer pathways to understanding the significance of education in their lives.
Amanda Kocon serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Edmentum, a K-12 digital learning provider active in over 50 states and more than 100 countries. With 15 years in education, she now leads strategy and research at Edmentum, emphasizing improved student outcomes.
Mike Marriner is the co-founder and President of Roadtrip Nation, facilitating career exploration content to over 12,000 schools and 14 million students annually. An author of several books, including the bestselling Roadmap, he is also an Ashoka Fellow.
The original piece was published on Getting Smart.
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