ALA Editions Career Programming for Today's Teens: Exploring Nontraditional and Vocational Alternatives

Enrollment in vocational programs is on the rise and many high schools are introducing or restarting vocational preparedness components as part of their curricula. You already know that programming events for young adults can draw a big crowd, which means that right now is the right time to make sure your library’s lineup includes offerings that will help youth transition into successful adults. An essential resource for frontline library staff and administrators, this guide presents step-by-step guidance on designing, planning, and implementing career programming for teens, including career readiness workshops and an annual trade school fair. Drawing from their own successful efforts, the authors address the importance of career programming for teens in the library, illustrated using research-based evidence; advice for building a collection of print materials and digital resources to assist teens as they explore career options; ways that library staff can partner with local schools and other youth-serving organizations to help teens plan for their futures; how library staff can design and facilitate engaging career programming that teens and preteens want to attend, including detailed instructions for replicating the authors’ Fast Track Trade School Fair; and how to measure the outcomes of these programs and use teen feedback to plan additional programs. This resource also includes interviews with library staff, school professionals, and teens who have attended this type of programming, providing additional examples for readers.