Summer VISTA Workforce Development/Career Exploration Curriculum Creator

Position Overview

The Hardy Center is seeking a motivated Summer VISTA member to support the development of workforce development and career exploration programming for our summer educational program. This role will focus on introducing students to a variety of career pathways, including skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and other professional opportunities.

The Summer VISTA Workforce Development member will help design hands-on activities, lessons, and experiences that allow students to explore real-world careers, develop practical skills, and begin thinking about their future goals. Programming may include career exploration lessons, guest speakers from different industries, and activities that introduce students to skilled trades and vocational pathways.

This position is ideal for students interested in education, workforce development, career counseling, community development, or youth programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop career exploration lessons and activities for elementary and middle school students
• Introduce students to a variety of career pathways, including skilled trades and vocational careers
• Help design hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world jobs
• Assist in organizing guest speakers, demonstrations, or career-focused activities
• Support the development of activities that build practical life and workplace skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
• Research and identify local industries, careers, and workforce opportunities that can be incorporated into programming
• Work with program leadership to ensure activities support long-term student success and exposure to future opportunities

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in workforce development, career education, or community development
• Interest in skilled trades, vocational education, or career exploration programs
• Strong creativity and ability to design engaging learning experiences
• Ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that are accessible to younger students
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills
• Experience working with youth is preferred but not required

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience developing career exploration and workforce readiness programming
• Experience connecting education with real-world career pathways
• Professional experience in youth development, nonprofit programming, and workforce education
• Opportunity to help students begin exploring their interests, strengths, and future goals