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As back-to-school season rolls around, it’s time to think about how students can set themselves up for success this school year.
For me, that means understanding my Agilities™. Here’s how you can do the same:
- Take (or retake!) the Agile Work Profiler™ to identify your current strengths and interests.
- Learn more about each of your Agilities by reading about them or watching videos.
- Reflect on your Agilities: How have you grown them? Where do you use them?
When you understand your Agilities, you can use them to explore clubs, build new habits, map out future plans, and more! As you prepare for this season, try considering: What Agilities do you want to grow in the new school year?
What do students need to succeed?
A recent Inside Higher Ed feature brings together research showing that student success depends on more than academic achievement.
Students need support they can access, resources they know how to use, and opportunities to understand themselves and explore what’s possible.
Research we commissioned, featured in the article, shows that strong career literacy and networks can help young people explore more career options and navigate an evolving workforce.The Agile Work Profiler is a great place to start.
Educators can use our free Back-to-School Kit to help students identify what they do well, build teams, self-reflect, and begin the semester with a clearer sense of what’s possible.
Read more on what students need to succeed.
New on Empowering Careers Podcast
Careers rarely follow a straight path. In Episode 11 of Empowering Careers, Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight talks with National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE) President and CEO Shawn VanDerziel about navigating an evolving workforce, translating experiences into valuable skills, and telling a compelling story for employers.
Shawn shares why it’s important to recognize the value of your experiences, even when they may seem small. They also explore the role of AI, internships, education, and networks in building career readiness and preparing for winding career paths.
Whether you’re starting out or navigating your next career move, this conversation offers practical insights for what comes next.
Listen to Episode 11 of Empowering Careers.
JAG National Award at JAG EDGE 2026
Our team had the opportunity to lead workshops, join conversations about the future of work, and share more about The DeBruce Foundation and Agilities™ with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) community at JAG EDGE.
We were also deeply honored to receive a JAG National Award, nominated by JAG Missouri, recognizing the power of partnership in creating new possibilities for young people. The recognition was a reminder of what we can accomplish when organizations come together around a shared commitment to students and their futures.
We’re grateful to work alongside educators, leaders, and changemakers who are helping young people explore possibilities and prepare for careers. Learn more about partnering with us.
Welcome our new K-12 Integration Specialist!
Please join us un welcoming Bret Howren as our new K-12 Integration Specialist. Bret brings nearly three decades of experience in education, including 20 years focused on adult learning, instructional coaching, and organizational development.
In his role, Bret will work closely with educators, school districts, and organizations to support their use of the Agilities to empower students and their future careers.
Bret’s extensive experience and collaborative, learner-centered approach will help educators connect these resources to the needs of their students and communities. We’re thrilled to have him on our team!
Know a future DeBruce Career Corps member?
As a new school year begins, youth voices continue to shape our work at The DeBruce Foundation.
The DeBruce Career Corps, our national youth advisory group, meets monthly to provide feedback on resources and help us develop tools and frameworks that better support learners as they explore their futures.
DeBruce Career Corps members are:
- In high school, college, or early in their career
- Interested in building professional skills
- Excited to connect with peers and expand their networks
Learn more about the DeBruce Career Corps and help youth in your network apply today.
Aglilites are the ultimate back-to-school essential
As you gear up for this year’s back-to-school season, don’t forget to add the Agilities to your supply list!
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, the Agilities can be a valuable tool for maximizing potential, understanding strengths, and preparing for long-term careers.
In our latest blog, hear from educator Sally Burnett on how you can use the Agilities as a go-to tool for identifying strengths and interests and building career literacy.
“Knowing what the Agilities are—and, more importantly, discovering your own top Agilities—is the ultimate cheat code for unlocking self-awareness, building career confidence, and connecting classroom learning to real-world success.”
Read the blog for more.
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools!
Educators:
Access free resources and online training here
Virtual Agilities Tours:
September 8, September 15, October 6
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
September 16, October 21
In-Person Agilities Coach Training:
September 17-18 (Kansas City, MO)
September 15-16 (Hobart, IN)
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