At Brownstown Middle School, students begin building career awareness and digital responsibility through 7th Grade Exploratory Technology and 8th Grade Career Tech, taught by James (Jim) Walrad. These courses lay the foundation for how students use technology - not just today, but for their future.
In 7th grade Exploratory Tech, the focus is on digital literacy. Students learn that technology is a tool, not just entertainment, as they begin to gain more independence online. Through research-based learning, discussions on responsible social media use, and lessons on digital footprints, students explore what appropriate online behavior looks like - and why what they do online can last forever.
Students also begin connecting technology to future goals by learning about resumes, job interviews, and how social media can act as an extension of a professional profile, including early exposure to platforms like LinkedIn. Career exploration is woven throughout the course as students examine fields such as cybersecurity, automotive technology, telehealth, and law enforcement. The class concludes with students designing an app concept aimed at making the world a better place, encouraging empathy, creativity, and problem-solving.
In 8th Grade Career Tech, students take a deeper dive into business, entrepreneurship, and technology’s role in modern companies. By studying well-known organizations like Amazon, Google, and Spotify, students begin to understand what makes businesses successful - and discover interests they may want to pursue in high school and beyond. The course culminates in a project-based business simulation, where students create budgets, develop ideas, and lead their own learning.
✨ What makes these classes stand out:
✔ Strong focus on digital citizenship and positive online behavior
✔ Early career exploration in both tech and business fields
✔ Project-based learning that values creativity and student voice
✔ Real conversations about social media, algorithms, and screen habits
💬 “One of the most rewarding parts of this work is helping students realize they can start preparing for their careers right now. Their creativity, empathy, and ideas are incredible,” said Walrad.
By encouraging students to explore interests early, these classes help ensure fewer students leave middle school - or high school - without direction. Instead, they leave empowered, informed, and ready to make thoughtful choices about their future.