Resources

To ensure equitable access and meaningful engagement in the Academic and Career Planning (ACP) process, our district provides all students with access to high-quality, no-cost resources that support career exploration, academic planning, and postsecondary readiness. These tools help students discover their strengths, connect learning to career goals, and prepare for life after high school.

Our district integrates a range of digital platforms, assessments, and community-based tools that guide students through each stage of the ACP process: self-awareness, exploration, planning, and goal achievement.

Career Exploration and Interest Assessment Tools

These resources help students identify their interests, values, and skills while exploring career clusters and emerging industries:

• Inspire Wisconsin (Inspire WI): Provides access to interactive career profiles, regional labor market data, and direct connections with local employers for virtual job shadows and mentorship. Students can explore Wisconsin’s workforce needs while discovering career paths that match their personal interests.
• My Next Move’s O*NET Interest Profiler: A free, research-based tool that matches personal interests with careers. 
• CareerOneStop’s Skills Profiler: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this tool helps students identify skills and find careers that use those abilities.
• Roadtrip Nation: Offers free video interviews with professionals in a wide range of careers, helping students connect passions with career possibilities.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook: Provides free, up-to-date insights into job demand, wages, and trends in various industries.

Academic and Goal-Setting Platforms

These tools help students develop, track, and reflect on their academic and career goals over time:

• Inspire Wisconsin Student Dashboard: Allows students to document career interests, connect with regional employers, and track career-based learning experiences aligned with ACP goals.
• Xello (Free Version for WI DPI Access): Supports goal setting, self-discovery, and exploration of education pathways through interactive planning activities.
• Google Workspace for Education: Students use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to record goals, reflections, and ACP portfolios that are easily shared with advisors or families.

Resume Building, Career Portfolios, and Professional Branding

These tools support employability skill development and allow students to showcase achievements and experience:

• Inspire WI Mock Interview Support: Students can participate in simulated interview experiences with business professionals.
• LinkedIn (Student Profiles): Provides a professional platform for building resumes, networking with employers, and learning about industries.
• Canva for Education: A free, user-friendly tool for designing resumes, cover letters, and digital portfolios.
• Google Sites or PortfolioGen: Free platforms for creating personalized online portfolios to showcase projects, volunteer work, and accomplishments.

Postsecondary and Scholarship Planning Tools

These free resources help students research colleges, training programs, and financial opportunities to support their future pathways:

• College Board’s BigFuture: A comprehensive platform for exploring colleges, majors, and scholarships.
• Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Career Pathways: Free online access to explore programs, credentials, and apprenticeship opportunities statewide.
• Fastweb: Matches students with scholarships based on background, interests, and career goals.
• UW Help Portal: Offers information on University of Wisconsin campuses, admission requirements, and application guidance.
• Inspire WI College and Career Connections: Links local employers with postsecondary institutions to highlight career-based learning and training opportunities.

Work-Based Learning and Career Experience Platforms

These tools connect students to real-world opportunities and authentic learning experiences:

• Inspire Wisconsin Career-Based Learning Experiences: Facilitates virtual job shadows, mentorships, and live Q&A sessions with Wisconsin employers.
• Offers written interviews and insights from professionals in various fields.
• Handshake (Free Student Accounts): Used by colleges and employers to post internships and entry-level opportunities that align with student interests.
• A platform connecting students to youth apprenticeship program opportunities within the region.
• CareerOneStop’s Work-Based Learning Toolkit: Provides students and educators with planning templates and best practices for experiential learning.

Financial and Career Readiness Tools

These free tools promote financial literacy and career management skills critical for postsecondary success:

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The essential tool for college-bound students seeking federal financial aid.
• Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF): Offers free curriculum and interactive tools to teach budgeting, saving, credit management, and investing.
• YNAB (You Need A Budget): App that builds financial awareness and planning skills.
• MyMoney.gov: A U.S. government resource that provides students with tools to develop financial literacy skills.

Professional Skills (AKA: Soft Skills) and Employability Development

Strong employability and interpersonal skills are essential for success in any career pathway. These tools help students practice and strengthen these competencies:

• Kahoot! for Soft Skills: Interactive games and quizzes help students develop collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
• Mind Tools: Provides free learning modules on professionalism, time management, and communication skills.
• GCFGlobal.org: Free tutorials on digital literacy, workplace readiness, and life skills.