Career Exploration Starts in Middle School. Here’s Why That Matters in Michigan

August 4, 2026

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1 min

Michigan law requires every student to have the opportunity to build an Educational Development Plan starting in 7th grade, and a talent portfolio alongside it. That means career exploration needs to be happening in middle school, not starting the week the EDP is due. Level All’s Career Finder is built to support that from day one.

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One Tool. Used for Years, Not Just One Afternoon.

Level All’s Career Finder and career assessment aren’t a one-time exercise. They’re built to be revisited year after year, aligning with Michigan’s EDP.

Middle school. The assessment helps a student start identifying interests and strengths right where Michigan’s law says the EDP process should begin.
Building the talent portfolio. Career Finder’s saved careers and reflections feed directly into the kind of record Michigan’s talent portfolio requirement calls for.
Choosing a pathway. Career Finder surfaces Michigan career and technical education programs matched to what a student is drawn to.
After high school. The same foundation feeds directly into planning for college, an apprenticeship, or the workforce.

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Coach Tip:

Most career assessments are built to be taken once. Level All’s is built to grow with a student from their first EDP in 7th grade through their final review senior year.

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Why This Matters in Michigan

The law starts the clock in 7th grade. Michigan doesn’t wait for high school to require career planning, and the talent portfolio requirement means students need experiences to draw on, not just a form to fill in.
A discovery problem, not an opportunity problem. Michigan’s career and technical programs already exist. The gap is making sure every student finds out about them before their first EDP is due.

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Built to Connect the Dots

From interest to pathway. A student exploring an interest in health sciences in 7th grade arrives at their EDP already knowing what to build on.
For counselors. Fewer students show up to their EDP review with nothing to add, and more walk in with specific interests already explored.

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Michigan’s talent portfolio requirement asks students to show experiences and accomplishments starting in 7th grade. Career exploration that starts there is what gives that portfolio something real.

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Free for every Michigan student from their very first year of exploration. Reach out at michigan@levelall.com.