Naviance for Elementary: Everything You Need to Know

Build confidence in young learners as they explore options for future success with engaging, age-appropriate content

In many schools and districts, formal college, career, and life readiness (CCLR) programming starts in middle or high school. While many believe that waiting until students are older to begin thinking about their futures is more developmentally aligned, there is increasing evidence of the benefits of introducing younger learners to career exploration.  

A growing body of research demonstrates the importance of providing career-connected learning experiences for younger learners to develop a positive self-concept of their occupational prospects. Students who have more time to think about and prepare for their futures are better equipped to adopt new skills and invest in their own lifelong learning.  

CCLR planning increases student engagement and improves equity  

According to Gallup, student engagement peaks in fifth grade and declines throughout middle and high school. Providing younger students with the ability to explore options for future success helps to sustain engagement. It also addresses gaps in equity and access as learners are introduced to career paths that their families or communities might not know about or have access to. 

At a school in Cajon Valley Union School District (CA), a fourth grader began the school year with the idea of becoming a professional football player. After participating in a curricular unit that involved looking at Google satellite images of neighborhoods and designing his own housing development, he is now considering becoming an engineer or geographer.¹ 

Naviance for Elementary  

PowerSchool Naviance CCLR has long been the leading college, career, and life readiness (CCLR) solution. With the addition of Naviance for Elementary, a school’s youngest students can now also enjoy tools and activities that help them explore options for future success.  

For example, Up the Ladder is a gamified experience designed for students in grades K-5. As learners navigate through the game, they’re exposed to various career paths while they build a resume, collect badges, and get promoted “up the ladder” as they complete activities. The age-appropriate interface is engaging and designed to foster curiosity and confidence.  

Introducing career knowledge to younger learners is a key step in preparing students to become responsible citizens who contribute to the workforce by innovating and exploring. Schools and districts can have a great impact by introducing postsecondary outcomes to elementary students.  

1. https://hechingerreport.org/how-young-is-too-young-to-start-introducing-students-to-future-careers/