In December 2024 the Michigan Department of Education updated the Michigan Career Development Model (MDCM). This new edition was built upon the foundation of the 2018 MCDM which was developed to meet the requirements outlined in 2018-PA-0029. The new MCDM Reference Guide addresses a district-wide culture of career development as well as Michigan Career Zones, Clusters, and Pathways. The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has several eResources that can support career awareness and preparation for K-12 learners, including eBooks, career exams, and employment data.
Michigan has adopted six career zones, which are ideally introduced to students and families in the early childhood and elementary school years. For the Natural Resources & Agriscience zone, the eBook K-8 Collection titles, Tractors on the Go, and From Cotton to T-Shirt can support the early years, while Food & Natural Resources, STEAM Jobs in Agriculture & Food Development, and Urban Farming are geared more toward later elementary. For the Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology zone, Industrial Robots, How Can We Reduce Manufacturing Pollution?, and Creative Machines are additional examples of eBooks that can build career awareness for elementary students.
Middle school students explore a broader view of occupational options in the (17) career clusters. These are job groupings with similar skill sets, interests, abilities, and activities. While the eBook K-8 Collection remains a key resource for exploring careers at this grade level, Job & Career Accelerator found in EBSCO LearningExpress allows students to investigate hundreds of careers, wherein they can watch a video of someone performing the job, as well as find out the average wage, required education, and necessary skills and abilities. Additionally, students will enjoy the Skills Matcher and Interest Matcher tools that guide them toward the occupations that best suit them.
High school students investigate more specific career pathways to identify career options and develop a plan that will prepare them for the transition to postsecondary education, training, and careers. Career Exploration in EBSCO LearningExpress offers articles that help learners consider different career pathways and the preparation necessary for individual careers. Moreover, Career Exploration has career test prep materials in dozens of vocations, including Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Services, Firefighting, Plumbing, and Real Estate.
Whether a student is seeking a collegiate, vocational, or military path toward a desired career, the Michigan eLibrary has the eResources students need to support that journey.
If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@mcls.org for help.
Brought to you by Ann Kaskinen from the MeL Team.
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MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only.
The MeL project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.
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