CHOOSE YOUR PATH BELOW:
EXPLORERS
Discover tools to identify your strengths, explore careers, and plan your next steps.
EDUCATORS
Access exclusive partner tools, grants, and training to guide your students.
EMPLOYERS
Partner with NEXT to create work-based learning opportunities and develop talent.
SUPPORTERS
Learn how to support your
student’s career exploration and future planning.
NEXT is a career coaching program powered by Region 8 ESC that helps learners of all ages take their NEXT steps with confidence. Whether you’re exploring options, supporting someone, teaching, or hiring, NEXT gives you the tools, guidance, and connections you need.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER?
ACCIDENT
PRESSURE
APATHY
PURPOSEFUL PLANNING
OUR FRAMEWORK IS SIMPLE:
DISCOVER
“WHO AM I?”
Uncover your natural strengths and interests to build a foundation for career success.
DEFINE
“WHERE AM I GOING?”
Map out realistic pathways by matching your talents to in-demand roles and industries.
DISCUSS
“What's my next step?”
Put your plan into practice with real-world experiences and funding opportunities that launch your next step.
REPEAT
DEVELOP
“HOW DO I GET THERE?”
Access guided conversations and hands-on tools that turn goals into concrete action plans.
Ready to put the NEXT Framework into action?
Dive into the Explorer page now to uncover your strengths and start charting your path!
EXPLORERS
Discover tools to identify your strengths, explore careers, and plan your next steps.
EDUCATORS
Access exclusive partner tools, grants, and training to guide your students.
EMPLOYERS
Partner with NEXT to create work-based learning opportunities and develop talent.
SUPPORTERS
Learn how to support your
student’s career exploration and future planning.
WHY WE’RE HERE
Launched in June 2024, the Indiana Comission for Higher Education selected 28 intermediaries from across the state to support this work.
With $25 million in state funding, over 724 schools across 70+ Indiana Counties are currently enrolled in the program.
Schools are supported with a menu of career and college readiness activities for grades PK-12.
MEET OUR TEAM
CINDY MCKINNEY
Assistant
Director
cmkinney@r8esc.k12.in.us
HOLLY CHAILLE
WORK-BASED LEARNING SPECIALIST
hchaille@r8esc.k12.in.us
BARB CSICSKO
CAREER COACHING DATA SPECIALIST
bcsicsko@r8esc.k12.in.us
SARAH PAYNE
CAREER COACHING INTEGRATION SPECIALIST
careercoach@r8esc.k12.in.us
