Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Dr. Joey Page

Austin Public Schools Superintendent

As we continue to embrace this year’s theme of “Connection” at Austin Public Schools, I’m excited to share how our focus on career pathways is helping our students connect with their passions, career interests, and the broader community.

Our district’s focus on career pathways guides students through various career options as they chart their course toward college, employment, and life after graduation. By helping our learners identify their strengths and develop the skills needed for future success, this focus represents our commitment to preparing all students to make a difference in the world.

Whether students are interested in business, agriculture, health sciences, engineering, communications, or the military, among other fields, career pathways provide a practical look at these careers, estimated earnings, and relevant coursework or experiences to help them reach their goals. With key questions that prompt personal reflection, our curriculums align students’ strengths and work preferences with a career they can be excited about.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has outlined the educational requirements for jobs across Minnesota and compared these to the needs in Southeast Minnesota, as shown in the chart.

Why This Matters: Connecting Education to Workforce Needs

This data compares educational requirements for jobs in Southeast Minnesota and Minnesota as more than just numbers — it’s a roadmap for aligning education with real-world opportunities. Understanding the skills and qualifications most needed by employers allows Austin Public Schools to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving workforce.

By focusing on these trends, the district can refine its programs to ensure students graduate with the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in their local communities and beyond. This directly supports our mission to “Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate” students while addressing key priorities outlined in the Austin Public Schools Strategic Plan.

This insight helps connect the classroom to career pathways, making education more relevant, impactful, and future-focused for every learner. Through this collaborative work, we encourage students to consider how they can positively contribute to the community and see themselves as a part of something larger. As students work with teachers, staff, family, and community members to craft their career pathways, they make meaningful connections between their academic work and their futures. These connections are at the heart of career pathways and resonate with our district’s long-term strategic plan to ensure every student has the support they need to become their best version.

At Austin Public Schools, we remain dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and accelerating student learning. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating an environment of opportunity and growth for every learner.