Career Connector Program · Grades 5 and up

Somewhere in your building is a future nurse, pilot and entrepreneur. Let’s introduce them.

We trade the one-day career fair for a full school year of real careers: ten months, ten trips, and a plan for every student. Former school leaders run all of it, so your teachers can keep teaching.

Led by a former principal and superintendent On site 3 days a month Reporting built for funders
The problem

Career day comes and goes. Students need more than one day.

A typical school year has about 180 days. Most students get one of them to explore careers.

The career fair 1day

1 school day, then it's over until next year.

Career Connector Program 30days on site

3 days on site every month, a new career every month.

  • One day is not enough

    Students cannot picture a future in a career they have never seen up close.

  • Your staff is stretched

    A new program cannot land on teachers' desks. They already have full days.

  • Funders want proof

    Boards and grant makers want to see that career readiness work reaches students.

We solve all three: a full year of careers for your students, nothing new on teachers’ desks, and a report your funders will want to read.

See how the year works
Ten months, ten careers

A sample lineup

Student interest surveys in the first two months shape the careers for your school. Here is one year's worth.

  1. HELLOI'm a future
    Architect
    Month 01
  2. HELLOI'm a future
    Chef
    Month 02
  3. HELLOI'm a future
    Pilot
    Month 03
  4. HELLOI'm a future
    Attorney
    Month 04
  5. HELLOI'm a future
    Nurse
    Month 05
  6. HELLOI'm a future
    Engineer
    Month 06
  7. HELLOI'm a future
    Journalist
    Month 07
  8. HELLOI'm a future
    Entre­preneur
    Month 08
  9. HELLOI'm a future
    Musician
    Month 09
  10. HELLOI'm a future
    Accountant
    Month 10
A student's year

What the year looks like for one student.

Meet a grade 8 student who is curious about architecture. By the showcase, that curiosity is a plan.

Request a conversation

Pathway plan · Architecture

Grade 8 · Sample
  1. Fall
    Meets a working architectCareer speaker visit
  2. Fall
    Completes an interest surveyStrengths and goals mapped
  3. Winter
    Visits a design firmTrip arranged by the school’s Career Connector
  4. Spring
    Shadows a professional for a daySpring semester
  5. Year end
    Presents the plan at the showcaseWith family in the room
Why Connected IRL

Built by school leaders, for school leaders.

We have sat in your chair

We are former school leaders. We know the schedules, budgets and pressure, so our work fits into your day instead of adding to it.

A system, not another program

We run it from start to finish. Your staff stays focused on teaching.

In your building all year

Your Career Connector is on site 3 days a month, building real relationships with your students, your staff and local employers.

Reporting built for funders

Participation, completed pathway plans and employer partners engaged, ready for your board and grant reports.

Meet the team

Educators and builders, in one team.

HELLOMy name is
NéMarziél “Brandon” Láurenté, founder of Connected IRL
BrandonFounder · M.Ed.

NéMarziél “Brandon” Láurenté, M.Ed.

Became a school principal and superintendent before age 30. Holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and a master's degree in law.

HELLOMy name is
Jordan Williams, founder of Connected IRL
JordanFounder · MBA

Jordan Williams, MBA

Certified accountant and event curator who has built experiences for groups from 5 guests to 5,000 attendees.

Every child deserves the chance to become anything they want to be, starting with opportunities they would not otherwise be shown.
Jordan Williams · Founder, Connected IRL
Investment and funding

Priced around your school, with help finding the funds.

We build each partnership around your school's size and budget. Many schools pay through grant or categorical funds, and we help you identify and document eligible sources.

Ask about funding options
Questions

What school leaders ask us first.

How much does it cost?

It depends on your school's size and needs. We scope it with you on the first call, and help you find grant or categorical funds to cover it.

Which grades is it for?

Grades 5 and up.

How much work is this for my staff?

Very little. We run the program from start to finish, so your staff stays focused on teaching.

How are the careers chosen?

Student interest surveys in the first two months help shape the lineup for your school.

What do we have at the end of the year?

Student pathway plans, a year-end showcase with families and an impact report for your leaders and funders.

Request a conversation

Let's build what comes next for your students.

Tell us about your school. We reply within one business day to set up a short call.

  1. 1You send this form. It takes under a minute.
  2. 2We email you to find a time for a 20-minute call.
  3. 3We learn about your school and map out a plan that fits your budget.
Grades served

No cost, no obligation. We'll never share your information.

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