At the elementary level, the ASCA framework calls for career awareness rather than college planning. Resources here focus on exploration, community helpers, and early identity development around work and purpose.
1. MajorClarity
Listed directly on Cumberland County Schools counselor pages and adopted across NC districts — a career development support platform introduced as early as elementary school helping students explore interests and connect them to future pathways.
Website: majorclarity.com
2. NC Careers / NCCareers.org
A North Carolina Department of Commerce resource providing career exploration tools organized by interest and skill — adaptable for elementary classroom guidance lessons on community helpers and career awareness.
Website: nccareers.org
3. Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation (BCCI) / AB Tech
The Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation is housed on the AB Tech campus — while primarily serving high school students, elementary counselors can reference this for parent conversations about career pathways and introduce families to the local career education pipeline early.
Website: buncombeschools.org/bcci
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Career Exploration for Kids
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook has kid-friendly career profiles including what people in various jobs do, how much they earn, and what education is needed — an excellent classroom guidance resource for career awareness lessons.
Website: bls.gov/ooh
5. Buncombe Partnership for Children
Provides webinars, trainings, and resources for families on child development and school readiness — a key partner for elementary counselors supporting career-connected learning and kindergarten transition.
Website: buncombepfc.org buncombepfc
