Exploring is Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (andhave completed the eighth grade) or 15 to 20 years old. Adults are selected by the participatingorganization for involvement in the program. Color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicbackground, economic status, or citizenship is not criteria for participation.
Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them tobecome responsible and caring adults. Explores are ready to investigate the meaning ofinterdependence in their personal relationships and communities.
Exploring is based on a unique dynamic relationship between youth and the organization in theircommunities. Departments or agencies initiate an Explorer post by matching their people and programresources to the interests of young people in the community. The results is a program of activities thathelps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.
Exploring will be one of the best opportunities you offer your department/agency, your employees, and the youth of your community.
Department /Agency Benefits
Impact on the education process of youth
Team- building attitude within the department /agency
Opportunity to interpret adult occupational roles for youth
Preparing young adults for transition into the workforce
Creating a "safe haven" for the healthy development of adolescents
Developing future responsible and caring adults
Ensuring that young people see how your department/agency relates to the free-enterprise system.
Helping young adults gain insight into the ethics and ideals of law enforcement
Visible commitment to the welfare of your community
Employee Benefits
Greater Job awareness
Developing leadership and problem-solving skills
Re-evaluating ethical and moral values
Opportunity for greater community involvement
Respect for youth and community
Identification as appropriate adult role models
Enhancing communication, planning, and program development skills
Greater commitment to service
Developing interpersonal skills used in the workplace and elsewhere
Youth Benefits
Stimulated interest in continual education
Career information; insight into future vocation
Positive alternative to negative youth activities, such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs
Sense of acceptance and belonging to the "right" group
Safe environment for adult like activities
Opportunities to participate in practical, real, and meaningful hands-on experiences
New career and personal skills
Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop skills
Cooperative relationship between adults and youth
