Sixth Graders
- Begin asking your family and teachers questions about their jobs and their college choices.
- Join clubs or sports to get leadership and teamwork experience.
- Explore your curiosity through reading! The more you read for fun, the more possibilities open up for you.
Attend West Shore's College for Kids! This programming is made for students aged 9-15. Select 2 of 20+ class options designed to provide more in-depth experience within chosen pathways.
Consider Careers: There are many resources starting in 6th grade that can help you consider what careers might be a great fit. Check out these great STEM and 21st Century Careers through Michigan Learning Channel
7th Graders
- Continue to ask your family and teachers questions about their jobs and their college choices.
- Keep participating in clubs or sports to get leadership and teamwork experience.
- Keep reading for fun! Don't worry about if the books are "challenging" enough- reading for pleasure is the best way to keep up a love for learning.
Attend West Shore's College for Kids! This programming is made for students aged 9-15. Select 2 of 20+ class options designed to provide more in-depth experience within chosen pathways.
Consider Careers: Middle school is a great time to explore the possibilities for your future. Xello, which is used by Mason County schools, can help you to explore careers through interest surveys, career videos, and career development tools.
8th Graders
- Think about what your skills are and what subjects you like learning about.
- Talk to your counselor about which high school classes to sign up for to prepare for college. In high school, GPA matters for future college goals. Elective courses help grow your interests.
- Figure out if your high school offers summer classes to take before you start high school.
- Keep reading for fun! As you get older, you have more distractions and responsibilities that can make it difficult to find time for reading. Try listening to audiobooks, join book clubs with friends, and set aside at least 15 minutes a day to read something that you find interesting.
CTE Tour: Each winter, the Career and Technical Education program offers tours to 8th graders to learn about programs and certifications that students can start in 11th grade.
Attend West Shore's College for Kids! This programming is made for students aged 9-15. Select 2 of 20+ class options designed to provide more in-depth experience within chosen pathways.
Consider Careers: In 8th Grade, you can start your Educational Development Planning for life after high school through Xello. But you might be more focused on your first job, instead of college and career--and that's normal. In the summer after 8th grade, if you're 14, you may also be able to start your first job in Michigan! Michigan Works in Ludington, serves the whole county, and has trainings to help youth prepare for interviews and can support students in finding a job!