YouScience Helps Students Connect Skills to Real Careers

Springfield-area high school students are gaining a clearer view of their futures through YouScience, a program that connects natural abilities to real career paths. At Shawnee and Northwestern High Schools, students use data-driven assessments to identify their strengths and learn how those strengths align with local and national career opportunities.

Turning Insight Into Action

The process begins with a YouScience assessment that measures problem-solving, reasoning, and work preferences. Students then meet with YouScience Navigators — Ron Long, Morgan Hanrly, and Dara Errett — to translate their results into next steps. These one-on-one sessions help students connect academic choices to real professions and demonstrate how coursework relates to their long-term goals.

Building Purpose Into Coursework

With a clearer picture of their aptitudes, students plan courses that support future certifications, technical training, or degree programs. A student who demonstrates analytical strength may choose advanced math or science classes that lead to engineering or manufacturing careers. This planning saves time and money after graduation while helping students take ownership of their education.

Creating Real-World Career Exposure

Career exploration goes beyond the classroom. Students research local industries, develop résumés, and participate in events that showcase hands-on career experiences. Programs like SHE DIG, Discovery Days, and construction site visits help students connect directly with employers and career mentors. These partnerships offer valuable insights into emerging industries across Clark County and Greater Springfield.

Strengthening Skills and Credentials

YouScience doesn’t stop at exploration. It helps students earn industry-recognized credentials that verify their skills and strengthen their competitiveness in the job market. Automated reports give schools and counselors accurate progress tracking aligned with state standards. Students who approach the assessment process with commitment often uncover career paths they hadn’t previously considered.

Navigators See Success Firsthand

Navigator Morgan Hanrly recalls one student who discovered a passion for rotary drill operation after YouScience revealed strong mechanical reasoning skills. What began as curiosity became a focused plan that connected coursework, training, and a viable career.

At Northwestern, Ron Long encourages students to view assessments as opportunities, not requirements. This mindset shift builds confidence, particularly for seniors preparing for graduation.

Strengthening the Local Talent Pipeline

By connecting aptitudes with employer needs, YouScience helps students make informed academic and career choices while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline. This structured approach provides local employers with access to motivated graduates who understand how their strengths align with business needs.

Get Involved in Building the Future Workforce

Greater Springfield employers, educators, and community leaders can help expand this effort. Connect with Kaitlyn Tyler, Talent and Education Manager at EXPAND Greater Springfield, to learn how collaboration with YouScience can grow career pathways and support the region’s future workforce.