Discovering Student Career Aptitudes: Northwestern Local Schools Embrace YouScience to Empower Future Careers

When Northwestern Local Schools set out to redefine career exploration for its students, it didn’t just aim to check a box. Instead, the district wanted to create a pathway that connected student strengths with real-world opportunities. Enter YouScience, an innovative career aptitude and discovery platform that uses data-driven insights to align students’ natural abilities with potential career paths.

“We’re in the early stages of implementing YouScience,” shared Lahela Snyder, Curriculum Coordinator for Northwestern Local Schools. “But already, we’re excited about the possibilities it opens up for our students. It’s helping us create more personalized pathways that meet graduation requirements and truly prepare them for life after high school.”

Building Strong Foundations in Middle School

Northwestern Local Schools has woven YouScience into the fabric of its career exploration programs, starting with 7th and 8th graders in career exploratory courses. During these classes, students complete their first round of YouScience assessments, uncovering aptitudes and interests they might not have recognized.

“It’s been exciting to see the insights this tool provides at such a pivotal age,” said Snyder. “When students can connect their natural talents to career possibilities early, they approach their education with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Targeted Guidance in High School

The district builds on this foundation in high school by having all sophomores retake the YouScience assessment. The results guide targeted initiatives like lunch-and-learn events, off-site industry tours, and expert speaker sessions. School counselors also rely on this data during one-on-one planning meetings with students to map out graduation pathways tailored to their strengths and career goals.

Northwestern’s “Adulting 101” elective takes the program a step further. This class immerses students in self-discovery through the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Students use their sophomore-year YouScience results to discover potential career options and craft a clearer vision for their future.

A Community Effort with Big Potential

Northwestern Local Schools is also strengthening its community connections through YouScience. Partnering with the Greater Springfield Partnership, the district is aligning the platform’s insights with local workforce needs, ensuring that students are better prepared for the region’s opportunities.

While Northwestern is still in the early stages of implementation, the district sees immense potential in the platform’s ability to close skill gaps and forge stronger employer partnerships.

“We’re just beginning to see the benefits,” said Snyder. “But we’re confident that as we integrate YouScience into our curriculum, we’ll see more students discovering their unique paths and taking steps toward meaningful futures.”

With programs like YouScience and a commitment to innovation, Northwestern Local Schools empowers its students to explore, plan, and thrive in ways that truly matter—both for their personal success and the community’s future workforce.