Roadtrip Nation is a tool that can help students think about and explore what they want to do with their lives when it comes to a career. However, this is more than just a resource website.
In fact, it’s probably best known as a television show that has been on PBS for more than two decades. Since then, it has evolved into so much more, in addition to literally being a road trip with a bus bringing these resources to students across the United States.
Since this is essentially an ongoing documentary, there are hours and hours of video material that can be reviewed to help young people think about possible career options and provide them with CTE (career and technical education) resources. Fundamentally, this comes from professionals in the field, who base everything in reality. But with courses, books, interview archives, and much more, this is a powerful CTE resource.
What is Roadtrip Nation?
Road Trip Nation is a documentary series that speaks to professionals in various areas of work, across the country, to help inform young people so they can make career decisions. But now it is much more.
Roadtrip Nation is on a website that now compiles all the resources the show has generated over the more than twenty years it has been airing on PBS. The goal of all of this is to help students discover not only career options, but also what they want from themselves and perhaps who they aspire to be.
The idea behind all of this is to help young people determine what they consider successful and work to achieve it in their lives. The resources this platform offers can help you plan that path, so you can start taking steps in the direction you want as soon as possible.
At the very least, all the content provides excellent, direct first-hand guidance from professionals who can encourage or discourage children from following a path that might otherwise be overlooked or a waste of time.
How does Roadtrip Nation work?
Roadtrip Nation has a website that offers many resources from the documentary shows, a YouTube channel, a selection of interviews and a series of live events, in addition to the actual road trip itself. But the course option is also invaluable as it can offer a clearer path to young people in its five-hour design.
This gives students the space to stop and spend some time and resources thinking about what they want in life. Too scarce a resource in a frequently driven system that can drive well enough but without the child having been fully informed of where it may be.
Documentary shows can be a great starting point, as many of them are available on YouTube for free. For teachers, the site’s resources can also be useful as a way to integrate the best parts of the programs into classroom teaching.
The course is something that can be used directly from the website as long as an investment (of time, not money) in additional learning is selected.
What are the best features of Roadtrip Nation?
Roadtrip Nation integrates well with the school’s LMS, allowing students and teachers to use the course portion of the offering with the greatest of digital ease.
There is a book available, called Roadmap, that allows students and teachers to take an in-depth look at career paths, all from one easily accessible resource point.
A useful part of the course creates a real-world experience for students. It requires them to go out into the local community to interview a professional in a career related to their interests, a great way to get an idea of what they might want to do.
It is worth noting that the course is aligned with the CASEL core standards and is also very up to date with even the most recent job categories. Additionally, it works to help promote social-emotional learning as part of the progression.
How much does Roadtrip Nation cost?
Roadtrip Nation offers all of its resources, including the course, to free. This means that students and teachers can explore the website and the various videos at no cost.
If you would like to actively participate in what is happening, there is a $35 fee for students. But if it is the course you want to participate in, it is completely free and open for everyone to try.
Roadtrip Nation’s Best Tips and Tricks
Assign videos
Have students watch YouTube videos, such as “Jobs for Introverts,” and ask them to report their thoughts to encourage class discussions.
Attend events
Be on the lookout for live digital and in-person events to attend as a class for the latest in career opportunities.
Monitoring in class.
Have parents and other professionals join the class to answer questions and help students think about areas they may want to pursue in their careers.
