Connecting classroom learning to real‑world opportunities
Educators play a critical role in helping students connect classroom learning to future career opportunities. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) partners with teachers, counselors, administrators and school divisions to provide structured career awareness, work‑based learning and instructional resources that complement existing curricula and align with regional workforce needs.
Whether you are introducing career concepts in middle school, preparing high school students for postsecondary pathways, or looking for hands‑on classroom resources, IALR helps schools connect instruction to opportunity.
Why Educators Partner with IALR
Educators and school divisions choose to partner with IALR because our programs are built to support instruction and reduce the burden on schools.
- Experiences are structured, age-appropriate and school‑aligned
- Planning tools, lesson supports, and logistics assistance are provided
- Programs connect students to real careers and regional employers
- Schools retain flexibility in how experiences fit within instruction
IALR’s role is to help schools deliver meaningful, relevant career exploration and readiness experiences without adding complexity.
Early Career Awareness with GO TEC
For Virginia Middle Schoolers
Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) is a school-based career awareness program that helps educators introduce middle school students to high-demand STEM and manufacturing careers through hands-on, applied learning. The program can be implemented as a nine‑week experience, a semester‑long course, or across multiple grade levels, depending on a school division’s structure and scheduling needs.
IALR provides extensive educator support, including hands-on teacher training with industry‑relevant equipment and ongoing technical assistance. GO TEC is designed so that teachers do not need prior experience in engineering or manufacturing; many instructors come from math, science, or other subject areas and learn alongside their students with support from the GO TEC team.
In the classroom, GO TEC helps students connect math, science and problem-solving concepts to real-world applications, often increasing engagement and cross-curricular relevance. The program emphasizes exposure rather than specialization, supporting informed course and pathway decisions before high school.
Career Exploration with Career ChoICE
For Middle and High School Students across Southern Virginia
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is Southern Virginia’s premier hands‑on career exploration event, engaging thousands of middle and high school students each year. Career ChoICE connects students with employers, postsecondary programs and training providers from across the region. Employers and organizations usually represent 14 career clusters, from STEM and health sciences to manufacturing, public safety and more.
IALR provides comprehensive support to make participation easy for schools, including planning checklists, lesson resources, on‑site logistics assistance and centralized check‑in. The event is educational, organized and aligned with classroom career discussions.
Professional Learning for Educators with Externships
For Educators across Southern Virginia
The Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE) program places teachers and school counselors in business and industry settings for a one‑week summer externship. Participants gain firsthand exposure to workplace practices, labor market information and employer expectations, then collaborate with peers to translate those insights into classroom instruction and advising.
Educators receive a stipend and leave with practical strategies for increasing instructional relevance. Counselors use the experience to support students’ academic and career planning better, while teachers strengthen their ability to connect theory to practice.
Work‑Based Learning and Career Readiness
For High Schoolers in Southern Virginia
IALR supports a range of structured work‑based learning experiences that help schools prepare students for the workplace.
These opportunities include:
- AspHIRE, offering mock interviews and employability skills development
- NOW Teamships, where student teams solve real problems posed by local businesses
- Youth apprenticeships, providing paid, structured on‑the‑job training aligned with CTE
- Internship support, helping schools and employers develop meaningful student placements
These experiences build professionalism, confidence and career readiness while reinforcing the relevance of classroom learning.
Field Trips to IALR
For Elementary, Middle and High School Classes
Schools can bring students to IALR for hands‑on field trips aligned with STEM, engineering, and career exploration. Visits may focus on specific programs or provide broader exposure to regional opportunities.
A Resource for Educators
Want to know more about these programs from IALR’s Advanced Learning division?
Get in touch with us!
