Career and College Planning: Preparing for the Future

School District 146 is committed to helping students reach their full potential and make informed decisions about their future. To support this, the District uses the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework, which is designed to prepare students for high school, college, and beyond—starting as early as 6th grade.

The PaCE Framework focuses on three key areas:

• Career Exploration and Development: Students explore careers through activities like interest surveys, job shadows, and internships.
• Postsecondary Education Exploration and Preparation: Students learn about college options, the admissions process, and how to align their college plans with career goals.
• Financial Aid and Literacy: Students gain knowledge about budgeting, scholarships, FAFSA, and the real cost of education.

For middle school students in grades 6-8, the PaCE Framework encourages exploration, planning, and self-advocacy to help them prepare for high school and their future careers. Explore the resources here to see how the PaCE Framework supports your child’s educational journey.

PaCE Framework

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