Parkland Career Exploration develops, and supports ongoing career exploration for students in grades 6 through 12. Its mission is to give students the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and pathways, using hands-on career related activities overseen by faculty with expert knowledge in those areas. PCE offers opportunities both directly to students and in collaboration with District 505 schools.
2024 Career Exploration Events
Summer Start 2024 - Applications closed April 1, 2024
Summer Start 2024 is designed to prepare low-income, first-generation-college, and minority high school juniors and seniors in the Unit 4, Urbana, and Rantoul districts, for successful passage to college and career. This FREE experience will be held 9 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday on the Parkland College Campus. Session one will be held June 3 – June 13, and session two will be June 17 – June 27. Students may only participate in one session per summer.
It's your opportunity to...
- Explore careers that fit your interests
- Receive $500 and a laptop
- Gain computer skills
- Build college and career readiness skills
- Connect with other students and meet friends
Your daily schedule includes...
- Light Breakfast
- Digital Literacy, where you'll receive a laptop and learn how to effectively use the tool for your educational success
- Lunch
- Small-group career exploration where you'll rotate through 2-hour, hands-on activities in eight different careers
- Academic success advising
For Parents and Guardians:
- Students will be encouraged to support one another through the cohort model.
- Students who complete all sessions will be able to keep their laptop at the end of the program.
- MTD vouchers available for students needing help getting to campus.
Applications closed April 1, 2024.
2024/25 Career Exploration Events
Health Professions: Career Exploration
for 6th to 8th grade students
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10 am
Parkland College on Mattis, H building
Students will experience hands-on health career labs, classrooms, and program equipment during the event. Health Professions faculty and support services staff will be available to answer questions. This event also provides an excellent opportunity for parents considering a career change to explore Parkland’s Health Professions programs.
Check back for additional details.
For information related to PCE events, email pce@parkland.edu.