In this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, co-hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire chat with Julie Lammers, president and CEO of Britebound formerly, American Student Assistance, about why the middle grades are a critical window for career exploration. Lammers shares practical strategies for helping young adolescents understand their strengths, interests, and values—without pressuring them to choose a career path. She discusses Britebound’s partnership with AMLE on the Career Exploration in the Middle Grades Playbook, the growing importance of hands-on and community-focused experiences, and emerging trends such as AI readiness and students’ rising entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation highlights simple shifts educators and families can make to empower students to envision wide-open futures. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.