Empowering students to discover career pathways before high school even begins.
At the Treasure Coast Center for Economic and Educational Development (TCCEED), we believe that early exposure to real-world careers sets the stage for long-term success. That’s why we’ve partnered with local school districts, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and regional employers to deliver a hands-on, interactive experience just for 8th graders.
The 8th Grade Experience is designed to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and help students—and their families—understand the exciting opportunities that await in high school, post-secondary education, and beyond.
What Is the 8th Grade Experience?
The 8th Grade Experience is a career exploration showcase where students rotate through high-energy, immersive activities representing a wide variety of career paths. This program is designed to:
Demystify career pathways offered through local high school CTE programs
Expose students to industries that drive the Treasure Coast economy
Connect learning to real careers, showing the relevance of high school coursework
Build confidence as students begin thinking about their futures
Students engage with professionals from fields such as healthcare, public safety, hospitality, skilled trades, education, professional services, manufacturing, IT, and more.
What Students Can Expect
Hands-On Activities
Try your hand at operating tools, coding simulations, practicing CPR, and more—each station brings a career field to life.
Real People, Real Careers
Meet professionals who live and work right here on the Treasure Coast. Ask them questions, hear their stories, and learn how they got started.
Career Pathway Overviews
Discover which high school CTE programs align with the careers you’re interested in—from culinary arts and digital media to automotive tech and allied health.
Take-Home Resources
Students leave with materials to share with their families, including career maps, school program brochures, and resources for planning high school courses.
Why It Matters
The transition to high school is one of the most important milestones in a student’s life. By offering this experience in 8th grade, students are better equipped to:
Select a high school CTE pathway that aligns with their goals and interests
Understand the education and certifications needed for various careers
Visualize themselves in successful careers that exist right here in our community
Make informed choices that support both academic and career success
Support from Across the Treasure Coast
The 8th Grade Experience is made possible through collaboration with:
St. Lucie Public Schools
Local employers and industry partners
IRSC (Indian River State College)
These partners work together to ensure the content is locally relevant, aligned with high-demand industries, and supportive of high school CTE program offerings.
Designed With Parents in Mind
We know families play a critical role in helping students make important decisions. That’s why our team provides:
Materials for parents/guardians to review
Clear outlines of available CTE programs by high school
Information on opportunities available through high school programs
Tips on how to support your student’s exploration and interests
