Dallas ISD and the Dallas Education Foundation unveiled the district’s first Career Exploration Mobile Lab, a mobile classroom that brings hands-on career discovery directly to middle school students.The Career Exploration Mobile Lab is a cornerstone of the district’s Career Connected Learning initiative, which builds career awareness, exploration, and readiness from elementary through high school.
The initiative enables students to make informed decisions about their futures through:
- Elementary school: Career awareness via engaging curriculum and career-related activity kits.
- Middle school: Career exploration through the new mobile lab.
- High school: Career readiness via professional, soft, and entrepreneurial skill development.
“By bringing career exploration directly to our campuses, we’re helping middle school students visualize what’s possible for their future,” Mita Havlick, executive director of DEF, said. “This lab is more than a trailer; it’s a catalyst for opportunity, connection, and inspiration.”
Students will engage with interactive stations, including drone demonstrations, Career and Technical Education programs, and career-awareness activities, which will help them explore future pathways and align their interests with meaningful careers.
“Dallas ISD is committed to preparing all students for life after graduation,” Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed. D. said. “The Career Exploration Mobile Lab allows our students to see, touch, and experience the many paths available to them, aligning their interests with meaningful careers, college readiness, and lifelong success.”
The Mobile Career Exploration Lab was made possible through the generosity of The Addy Foundation, Atmos Energy, Jacobs, and the Hoblitzelle Foundation.
