Avondale Middle School Career Development
Secondary Career Development is embedded into our curriculum whenever possible. We also have intentional activities that give students time and space to reflect on themselves and careers that might match their personality, skills, and interests. Some of these include:
- 6th Grade Career Day
- Monthly “Career Reflection and Connection” Days (writing prompts and class discussion)
- “Future Focus Days”: Time for students to reflect, explore careers/schools in Xello and complete state requirements
- Future Fridays: Guest speakers at lunch
- Jobs in Action: Job site tours at local businesses
- College campus visit
- Field trips: Oakland Technical Campus, Construction Career Day, etc.
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Career Exploration Opportunities
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Events & Other Opportunities
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Resources for Secondary Students
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Xello
Career Exploration Opportunities
Upcoming Field Trips
May 19: OSTC Tour for 8th graders: Come tour the Oakland Schools Technical campus!
OSTC offers many great opportunities for students to not only gain a high school diploma, but also graduate with certification and/or college credit in the field of their choice for FREE!
Students apply for OSTC in their sophomore year at Avondale High School. This field trip will give students the opportunity to tour the facility and hear presentations from several different programs. They will gain an understanding of everything offered at OSTC so that they may make an informed decision about applying for OSTC in their sophomore year.
In order to be considered for the trip students must complete an online application at https://bit.ly/ostcapp26 AND turn in a signed permission slip to Mr. Saranen.
*Note: STUDENTS must login to Google in order to download details and applications.
Events & Other Opportunities
In-District Events
April 16, 2026 - AMS 6th Grade Career Day!
Countywide Opportunities
OSTC Summer Camps - Is your child interested in careers in automotive technology, construction, health science, culinary, machining or collision repair? Give them the opportunity to explore at Oakland Schools Technical Campus summer camp!
Oakland University Offerings
- Alternative Energy at OU
- Engineering Exploration at OU
- Bioengineering at OU
- Mathematics and Physics in Engineering at OU
Junior Achievement Summer Discovery
June 15 - July 10, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Grades Served: students entering 6th grade and 7th grade in fall of 2026
No Cost to Families!
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan will lead hands on and fun activities this summer: show me the money (money management), meet my neighbor (careers), and this is my business (create businesses and sell products). Students will participate in activities in literacy, math, and STEM in addition to engaging in learning experiences in partnership with the Michigan Science Center, the YMCA, and Arts & Scraps. Students will go on field trips to Detroit companies to explore real workplaces and learn about different jobs, giving students and families a well rounded, real world summer program.
She LEADS STEAM Camp
June 22, 2026 - June 26, 2026 | Daily, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Cranbrook Institute of Science
For Girls going into 7th , 8th , or 9th grades
She LEADS STEAM Camp empowers girls in grades seven through nine to explore leadership and STEAM through exciting hands‑on activities, real‑world skill development, and mentorship from inspiring women in the field.
This camp is free for participants and lunch/snacks are provided via scholarship (must apply).
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Girls going into 7th , 8th , or 9th grades
- Residence in the Tri County Metro Detroit area
- One of the following identifiers of financial support:
- Attendance at either a Title I school or Title 1 eligible school or
- Qualifies for free or reduced lunches or
- Family supported by SNAP (EBT or Michigan Bridge) or WIC
Applications DUE MAY 8
Resources for Secondary Students
- Local apprenticeships, Trades, Culinary, Healthcare and military links
- AHS Opportunities by Career cluster
- Michigan HOT Jobs
- Metro Detroit Job Outlook
- Day in the Life Videos
- Career Onestop Videos
Find more videos in your Graduating Class Google classroom!
Looking for a specific career video? Request one from deanna.johnson@avondaleschools.org
Xello
Avondale students use Xello, a comprehensive career and education planning program. Xello provides everything students need to complete annual state EDP requirements and more! It includes:
- Self-awareness assessments
- Career and skill matching tools
- Career awareness and exploration
- Educational planning information
- Space for documenting goals and plans
- Upload space for a digital portfolio
- Lessons in career and life skills
- A resume building tool
- And much more!