Liberia Career Pathways – Education Systems Center at NIU

EMPOWERING STUDENTS,

STRENGTHENING THE NATION

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GLOBAL EXPERTISE

Liberia Career Pathways, a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit since February 2018, is an innovative public-private education initiative designed to support college and career readiness in targeted Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) clusters. This project parallels the Illinois Pathways initiative launched in 2012.

Liberia Career Pathways was formed as a Liberian nongovernmental organization on May 31, 2013, in partnership with the State of Illinois, to provide Liberian youth with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in key economic sectors. This is a two-way exchange of ideas and benefits: lessons learned from Illinois Pathways strengthen Liberia’s work, while Illinois’ engagement with Liberia exposes our educators and students to the global context while connecting Illinois-based businesses with opportunities in Liberia.

SERIOUS CHALLENGES

1

Liberian students have limited exposure to viable career opportunities, and lack information on how to pursue education and training for careers.

2

Liberian high school and postsecondary programs systems are not aligned to areas of workforce need, and do not direct students to pathways for career opportunities.

3

Liberia business and civic organizations need to more actively engage in the education sector for it to contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.

& PRINCIPLES

Empowering students to make informed career choices, addressing gaps in Liberia’s education and workforce systems, and inspiring learners to be globally competitive in disciplines critical to Liberia’s economic growth.

Liberia’s economic growth depends on a trained and skilled workforce.

Education with real-world application improves student persistence and outcomes.

All Liberian citizens must have equal access to opportunities through LCP.

Character development must be a focus in addition to academic development.

SOCIAL IMPACT

CAREER CLUBS

Exposing students to career opportunities and supporting them to pursue a career path

Utilizes curriculum developed in partnership with U.S. 4-H clubs
Approximately 50 students per club in 10th – 12th grade
Positive qualitative feedback from club members and coordinators
Annual National Essay Contest allows Liberian students to reflect on issues affecting families, communities and the nation broadly
Annual Career Day events (1-2 days each) are offered regionally
- Highlight career areas needed for Liberia’s growth
- Guide students in making career choices
- Features professionals in various disciplines

CENTER FOR CAREER DISCOVERY

Serves as Career Club hub + resource center in Monrovia

Education Programming:
- Housing a comprehensive library with partner WE-CARE
- Providing students with online coursework in areas of career interest
- Supporting students on national college entrance exams
Career Awareness & Exploration:
- Career Talks: Featuring various employers to discuss education pathways and employment opportunities, in-person and virtual
- Utilizing web-based tools that enable students to identify their strengths and areas of career interests
Collaboration & Connections:
- Providing space for Career Club students for group projects, special events, etc.
- Connecting Liberian students to U.S. students to gain international perspectives
College & Career Resources:
- Centralizing information regarding scholarships, postsecondary, Liberian labor market
- Training for school counselors on providing career guidance to students
- Supporting students to develop college and career plans, create resumes, and apply for internships and full-time employment
- Inviting universities and employers to interview students

PUBLIC HEALTH PROMOTION & DISEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Working with public health students to provide educate primary and secondary students and provide community health screenings

Hosting ongoing community health education and disease prevention in our communities
Conducting health screenings to students and community members
Working with partners such as Liberia’s Ministry of Health and the Healthcare Federation of Liberia, LCP does Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training to healthcare workers and health centers
Efforts led by LCP staff and volunteers

NEW PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT

Identifying occupations critical for Liberia
Organizing partners/resources to create new pathways
Engaging in significant planning to support the launch of a new Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET) training program with partner high schools.