Dr. Ken Wallace with Dr. Jason Klein
Why Before Where: Career Planning for the Next Generation
Virtual Event
Program Takeaways:
Start with “Why” — Not “Where”: Students are often pressured to pick a college before identifying why they’re going. Understanding purpose and career alignment first leads to more successful outcomes.
College ≠ Guaranteed Success: Less than 30% of jobs require a 4-year degree, and nearly half of all grads are underemployed. Families need to rethink the ROI of higher education.
Work-Based Learning is Crucial: Authentic workplace experiences in high school help students make better choices, avoid costly missteps, and build essential career connections.
Durable Skills Matter Most: Critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience — especially learning from failure — are the most transferable and future-proof skills in a rapidly changing world.
Informed Pathways Can Break Cycles: Career planning done well isn’t just about a paycheck — it’s about breaking generational poverty by empowering students to pursue passion-aligned, livable-wage futures.
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In this session, attendees will be challenged to rethink career readiness and post-high school decision-making through the lens of authentic workplace experiences and a practical look at the return on investment of college, starting with why before where.
The most important mission of parents and schools is to prepare the next generation for fulfilling lives. Research shows this is best done by building a strong foundation in understanding and engaging with the world of work, specifically aligning aspirations and talents with real opportunities.
Wallace served as Superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207 for 15 years, retiring in 2024. He transformed student career advisement by integrating authentic workplace experiences with more than 1,200 business partners and using advanced career and college analytics to provide students and parents with a “Return on Investment” perspective. His model has been replicated across the nation. Wallace’s contributions have been widely recognized, including being named the 2018 National Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Champion, and one of EdTech’s Top 100 Influencers for 2017-18.
Please share information about this event with friends and relatives. All are welcome to our free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.
In conversation with…
Dr. Wallace will be in conversation with Dr. Jason Klein, the Senior Director of Learning Partnerships at Northern Illinois University (NIU). His role includes work in both the NIU College of Education and the NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development.
Speaker Resources
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