By bridging the gaps between high school, higher education, and industry, CareerXplorer inspires learners to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) that align with their strengths.
K–12 education, higher education, and the STEMM industry operate in silos, depriving learners of the guidance needed for finding a fulfilling career in STEMM and the domain expertise required for success in their chosen path.
Instead of gaining the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue further studies or a career...
...inequitable access to resources leaves students underprepared for college and confused about the value of academic learning.
of high school graduates reported feeling moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared for college and careers.
Instead of graduating with the knowledge and confidence needed to realize their career goals...
...learners struggle to link their studies with career paths, and question whether their degree is worth the time and money.
of Americans agree that higher education needs to change to better serve students now and in the future.
Instead of feeling empowered to use their accumulated knowledge and skills to drive innovation...
...workers feel underequipped for their careers, or decide to pursue a career outside the STEMM industry entirely.
of employers agreed that if high schools taught more real-world skills, they would be much more likely to hire recent graduates.
Instead of gaining the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue further studies or a career...
...inequitable access to resources leaves students underprepared for college and confused about the value of academic learning.
of high school graduates reported feeling moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared for college and careers.
Instead of graduating with the knowledge and confidence needed to realize their career goals...
...learners struggle to link their studies with career paths, and question whether their degree is worth the time and money.
of Americans agree that higher education needs to change to better serve students now and in the future.
Lumina Foundation
Instead of feeling empowered to use their accumulated knowledge and skills to drive innovation...
...workers feel underequipped for their careers, or decide to pursue a career outside the STEMM industry entirely.
of employers agreed that if high schools taught more real-world skills, they would be much more likely to hire recent graduates.
It’s time we bridge the divide between our K–12 systems and our college, career, and industry preparation programs, which leave too many students behind and perpetuate inequities in our most diverse, underserved, and rural communities.
We unite K–12 education, higher education, and industry in a cohesive learning continuum that supports the next generation of innovators with the tools they need to pursue meaningful careers.
Through interviews and research, we found that traditional methods of exploring careers are inadequate.
Not everyone has access to robust personal and professional networks.
Learners are often exposed to unreliable information.
Resources are often text-heavy, intimidating their intended users.
Scope is often limited, leaving learners unable to explore all industries.
CareerXplorer accompanies learners across all stages of their educational and professional journeys.
CareerXplorer is a career exploration tool from LabXchange that unites K–12 education, higher education, and the STEMM industry into one cohesive system. Founded at Harvard University with support from the Amgen Foundation, LabXchange brings innovation and networking experience in K–12 STEMM education to repair the siloed learning ecosystem.
In contrast to existing tools, CareerXplorer encompasses all stages of a learner's journey and all the stakeholders they will encounter along the way.
Easy-to-use features boost learners’ agency and bring purpose to academic learning.
Skills-focused learning content builds connections between classrooms and the real world.
An interactive experience empowers learners to explore a range of STEMM careers.
Insights from industry experts, K–12, and government sources ensure that everyone benefits.
Optimistic yet realistic information helps learners envision themselves thriving in STEMM.
Accurate information ensures that the framework complements and enhances curricula.
We empower learners to identify paths to employment in STEMM through a library of career profiles, career skill challenges, education pathways, and career duty interactives.
Learners are unaware of the full breadth of STEMM career opportunities.
Learners have both simple and more in-depth questions about careers—but there is no comprehensive, user-friendly source of answers.
Learners are unfamiliar with the day-to-day challenges they will face on the job.
Learners need guidance and support to take their first steps toward a chosen career.
Learners struggle to align interests, abilities, and career requirements.
Help the next generation of innovators build stronger bonds across K–12, higher education, and the STEMM industry.
Align career skills with learning objectives in teaching guides.
Introduce CareerXplorer in your school or district and help learners plan their futures.
Join a coalition committed to equitable access to STEMM.
Contribute learning content to the LabXchange library.
Review career information and education pathways.
Share your insights on career duties, skills, and challenges.
Can’t wait for CareerXplorer to launch? Sign up for updates to follow our progress and be the first to see our new features.
CareerXplorer is an initiative by LabXchange, a free online platform for learning and teaching science. Based at Harvard University and created with support from the Amgen Foundation, LabXchange is the world's science classroom, featuring thousands of science resources like virtual lab simulations, interactive animations, teaching guides, and annotated videos.
