Getting Started
The First Step Career Skills curriculum is designed to help learners explore what it takes to succeed in health care and science careers by building foundational skills early. These skills are not about memorizing facts or choosing a career right now. Instead, they focus on helping students develop and enhance ways of thinking, learning, and working with others that support success in school, future training, and many different careers.
The curriculum includes lessons, videos, guided notes, discussion questions, reflection activities, and assessments organized around a set of core career skills. Each skill is introduced in an age-appropriate way and connected to real-world examples from health care and science.
This guide explains how students and the adults supporting them can get started and make the most of the curriculum.
The First Step Career Skills curriculum is meant to be used flexibly and thoughtfully. Whether you are a student just beginning to explore interests, a parent supporting learning at home, an educator facilitating lessons, or a mentor guiding students over time, the goal is the same: to help young people build the skills, confidence, and awareness that support long-term success.
There is no single “right” way to use the curriculum. Start where you are, adapt as needed, and focus on helping students take meaningful first steps forward.