Explore careers, build workplace readiness skills and connect your interests and strengths to future education and career opportunities. First Steps helps prepare seventh- and eighth-grade students for success in high school and beyond.
Why it matters
Career exploration helps students make informed decisions about high school courses, training opportunities and future careers. First Steps builds a strong foundation for lifelong career development by introducing students to the world of work and helping them apply classroom learning in real-world contexts.
How it works
First Steps is Idaho’s required middle-school career-exploration program. Beginning July 1, 2023, state law requires all seventh- and eighth-grade students in public and charter schools to complete one or more career exploration courses aligned with First Steps standards. These standards were developed by Idaho educators to reflect best practices in career development and career technical education (CTE).
Students will:
- Explore career options
- Build foundational workplace skills
- Make informed decisions about high school courses and training
First Steps provides a foundation for future CTE opportunities by helping students connect their interests and strengths to future education and career pathways.
For educators
All instructors must complete the First Steps Standards Professional Development Course before teaching the course.
The State of Idaho supports high-quality middle school career technical education by:
- Providing opportunities for both career exploration and career technical education courses for students in grades 7 and 8
- Supporting approved middle school career technical education programs through state funding and annual reporting
- Establishing standards and professional development requirements that promote program quality and alignment with state goals
- Encouraging collaboration with secondary programs and technical advisory committees to support successful transitions into high school CTE pathways