Career Without Limits
Career Without Limits is a forward-looking, inquiry-based program designed for high school students to examine how gender expectations influence career pathways. Through research, critical thinking, and real-world connections, students explore underrepresentation in various professions, challenge occupational stereotypes, and discover diverse role models in every field. This program equips students to make empowered career choices based on their interests and talents—not gender norms—while promoting equity and inclusion in the workforce.
🎯 Program Goals:
📚 What Students Will Learn:
🧠 Sample Activities:
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Understand how gender roles and stereotypes influence career expectations and decisions.
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Analyze the gender wage gap, occupational segregation, and representation in leadership.
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Explore nontraditional career paths and underrepresented voices.
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Build confidence in their own career goals through inclusive, values-driven exploration.
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Advocate for equity in educational and career environments.
Knowledge & Concepts:
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Gender stereotypes in career choices (past and present)
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Gender representation in STEM, trades, education, arts, leadership, etc.
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The gender pay gap and wage transparency
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Gender bias in hiring and workplace culture
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Intersectionality in career access (race, class, ability, gender identity)
Skills:
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Career research and evaluation
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Media and data analysis
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Goal-setting and personal reflection
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Empathy and perspective-taking
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Advocacy and communication
🧠 1. Career Stereotypes Brainstorm
Students list careers commonly associated with each gender, then challenge assumptions through group discussion.
📊 2. Workforce Data Dive
Analyze real-world statistics from government labor or NGO sources:
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Which careers are male/female dominated?
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Where are the largest pay gaps?
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What trends are improving?
🎥 3. Meet the Role Models
Watch and discuss video profiles of people in underrepresented careers (e.g., male nurses, female coders, nonbinary engineers).
🎯 4. Pathways Gallery Walk
Students explore different career sectors, noting:
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Education/training needed
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Skills required
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Diversity/inclusion practices
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Gender balance
🧭 5. My Career, My Values Map
Students reflect on their own values, interests, and aspirations—building a vision board or timeline that includes multiple options, not bound by stereotypes
🌿 Environmental & Social Connections
🎁 Wrap-Up Projects:
📈 Program Outcomes:
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School Audit:
Assess course enrollment and extracurriculars for gender balance (e.g., Who joins robotics club or drama club? Why?). -
Guest Speakers or Panels:
Invite professionals from diverse industries and identities to share their career journeys and workplace experiences. -
Job Shadowing or Virtual Interviews:
Students connect with individuals in nontraditional or diverse career paths for Q&A. -
Community Data Mapping:
Examine local business and labor data to see who is represented in leadership and various sectors.
📣 1. Campaign for Change
Design a school campaign promoting gender inclusivity in course selection, clubs, or career planning. Create posters, presentations, or short videos for peers.
📂 2. Equity-Focused Career Portfolio
Develop a personal career plan that includes:
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Career research
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Values and interest match
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Resume and cover letter draft
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Reflections on bias and equity
🎤 3. TED-style Talk or Panel
Students present short speeches on:
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“Why I’m pursuing my path”
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“Smashing stereotypes in careers”
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“Voices missing from my field of interest”
By the end of this program, students will:
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Identify and challenge gender stereotypes in career planning and professional spaces.
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Understand how systems of power affect access to and experiences within various career paths.
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Recognize diverse contributions and representation in all industries.
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Make informed, empowered choices about their own career interests.
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Take part in shaping a more equitable school and future workforce.