Exploring: An Extracurricular Career Awareness Program in Psychology for High School Students

Abstract

This article describes a career awareness program in psychology sponsored by the Central New York Psychological Association (CNYPA) and the Hutchings Psychiatric Center in association with the Exploring Division of the Boy Scouts of America. The Explorer post, a coeducational and low budget program, served an average of 75 high school students in each of its first 3 years. The program's goals are to provide a familiarity with the field of psychology, with its educational requirements and occupational opportunities, and with the work lives of psychologists. Monthly meetings include presentations by psychologists in their areas of expertise, followed by small group discussions. We also describe the program's benefits and costs.