Future State

Future State provides insight into function of the the U.S. Department of State. Its a good starting point to explore career oppportunities in politics and civil service. Although most of the site is geared toward parents, educators and students in gradelevels 7 thru K-12+, there is an area dedidcated to K-6 grade students. It is a no frills site, but the content is very clear, concise and informational.

GetSmarter.org

Free, animated, interactive site for elementary, middle & high school students – privately assess math & science skills, compare performance with students worldwide, and access hints, tutorials & links to improve performance. The site also includes GetSmarter, a tool for exploring careers in math, science and technology. Tips for parents available!

Grades 3rd thru 12th

Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007

Have you ever wondered about the diffence in pay for a veternarian and physician? The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals--young and old-- making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. Its the perfect starting place for those undertaking serious career exploration. This free resource is compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Making It Count!

Making It Count! has great articles written for students, by students as well as articles written by career professionals. There are a couple of really informative blogs--one detailing the experience of a first-year college student. Making It Count! is a valuable tool for students transitioning into high school, into college and into their career. There are designated areas for students, parents and educators. As a parent, I have found the articles written by students, for students to be especially enlightening. The goal of Making It Count! is twofold: to teach students how to succeed in college and best prepare themselves to maximize their opportunities upon graduation, and to help parents make smart, proactive decisions on behalf of their students. The site also includes interactive games, tools, and e-newsletters.This site includes a little more advertising that I prefer for an education site, but the resources are so rich I had to put it on the list. The site also requires a simple registration in order to get to the really good items, but its worth it.
Grades 8-12+