Local students in fourth to sixth grades are invited to explore potential career paths during the third annual Explorer Club at the Polaris Career Center. This two-day after-school program, scheduled for December 9-10, 2023, from 16:30 to 18:30, combines hands-on learning with engaging activities. For a fee of $35, students can participate in a variety of classes led by Polaris instructors, with the option for early drop-off at 16:00 for additional career exploration activities.
The Explorer Club aims to enhance awareness of career-technical education among younger students. According to Doug Miller, director of marketing and community engagement at Polaris, participation has increased each year since its inception. “Over the past few years, Polaris has increased its efforts to promote career exploration and awareness among younger students—starting as early as elementary school,” Miller stated. “Our Explorer Club continues to grow, reaching more students and introducing exciting new classes.”
Classes are structured to give participants a taste of the real-world programs offered at Polaris. For instance, courses like The Art of Cooking and Sweet Holiday Kitchen directly connect to the culinary programs available at the center. “Explorer Club classes are teacher-driven and align with existing Polaris career-technical programs,” Miller explained.
The upcoming lineup of classes includes a diverse array of topics such as Anatomy Detectives, Build-a-Business, CAD Creators: 3D-Printers & Design, Code & Roll, Derby Dash: Race & Build!, Design & Press: Custom Creations, Mini Movie Makers, Pencils to Pixels, Rescue 911, Sweet Holiday Kitchen, The Sign Lab, Tool Time, and Who Dunnit?
Interactive learning is key to student engagement. Miller emphasized, “We design all of our classes to be fun, hands-on, and interactive—because that’s the best way to engage young learners and spark their curiosity about future careers.” This approach has garnered positive feedback from parents, students, and teachers alike. “The most common request we hear? ‘We want more!’ In response, we’re excited to announce that even more Explorer Club classes will be available this spring,” he added.
Many classes culminate in take-home projects, such as food creations, ornaments, t-shirts, and woodworking items, ensuring that the experience is both educational and memorable. The Polaris Career & Enrollment Services Department collaborates closely with partner school districts—including those in Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Strongsville—to share information, coordinate activities, and guide students in discovering pathways aligned with their interests and goals.
Miller encourages parents and educators to take an active role: “Our advice for parents and teachers: get involved early! Encourage young people to explore career options from an early age and take advantage of the many resources available through our Career & Enrollment Services Department.”
Priority registration for students in partner districts commenced on October 27, followed by registration for the general public on November 4. For class descriptions and enrollment details, visit www.polaris.edu/explorerclub, or contact the Polaris Career Center at 440-891-7666 or via email at [email protected].
