Career Exploration in D97 Middle Schools

In District 97, our mission is to empower middle school students to discover their unique interests, strengths, and aspirations through comprehensive career exploration. We aim to cultivate curiosity, build foundational skills, and provide meaningful exposure to diverse career paths, helping students explore a variety of opportunities for their futures. By fostering self-awareness, critical thinking, and goal-setting, we prepare students to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and purpose, aligning with our Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate.

PaCE Framework

District 97 is excited to adopt the Illinois PaCE (Postsecondary and Career Expectations) Framework, developed at the state level and adopted by Illinois' educational agencies, as the foundation for career exploration in our middle schools. This roadmap is designed to guide students, families, and educators in college and career planning from middle school through high school.

Originally starting in eighth grade, recent legislation expanded the framework to begin in sixth grade, ensuring earlier access to these critical planning tools. As part of Illinois' commitment to college and career readiness, all public school districts are required to implement a PaCE Framework for grades 6–12. At District 97, the PaCE Framework will serve as a powerful organizing tool to support students in building a strong foundation for their future.

Click the image below to learn more about the PaCE Framework.

Connecting PaCE to the Portrait: Exploring Careers with Purpose

The Illinois PaCE Framework complements District 97’s Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate by fostering the skills, behaviors, and self-awareness outlined in the Career Explorer dimension:

Graduates will explore a wide range of careers and their qualifications, including college and non-college/trade pathways. Through experiential learning and relationship development, they will practice behaviors and skills that are important for work, and connect with their own interests and passions.

Look for opportunities throughout the year where students will engage in these experiences as they embody our Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate.