Designing Education
A podcast hosted by Robert Balfanz, director of the Everyone Graduates Center.
Conversations with leaders in education from around the country on bold new ideas and research-based strategies for redesigning American education to engage all students more effectively and equip them for the challenges of today’s workplace and world.
Season 4, Episode 5
Designing Career Pathways for All Students with PREP-KC
We’re excited to share this episode of Design Education, featuring an engaging conversation between Dr. Robert Balfanz and Doug Elmer, Vice President of PREP-KC, a Missouri-based nonprofit expanding access to meaningful career pathways for students across the Kansas City region.
This episode explores what it truly takes to provide students with the career exposure, experiences, and real-world applications they need to make informed and prepared choices on the path to adult success.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
How PREP-KC builds career pathways from elementary school through postsecondary education
What meaningful career exploration looks like at each stage—elementary, middle, and high school
How education systems can keep pace with rapid labor market changes, including the rise of AI
Key lessons, obstacles, and advice for communities looking to replicate and sustain this work
This conversation offers both practical insights and real optimism about what is possible when communities commit to long-term, student-centered career pathways.
Please help us spread the word by using the hashtag #DesigningEducation on social media!
Season 4, Episode 5 | 39:00 min
Miss Any Episodes?
Catch up on any Designing Education episodes you may have missed from our past four seasons!