Yokota Air Base, Japan – Students at Yokota High School (YHS) recently participated in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Career Exploration Program (ASVAB CEP), an initiative designed to help them navigate their future career paths. In November 2022, Yokota High School, in collaboration with the Yokota Air Base Education Office, administered the ASVAB CEP to 144 students across grades 10-12, demonstrating the program’s strong appeal and value to students as they consider their post-secondary options.
The Asvab Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive tool that goes beyond simply identifying aptitudes. It’s strategically designed to unveil students’ inherent skills and passions, effectively opening doors to a wide spectrum of career and educational opportunities. By participating in the ASVAB CEP, students gain invaluable insights into potential college majors, diverse career fields, and post-secondary pathways that align with their unique profiles.
Braedon Raybon, a student at YHS, articulated the proactive approach many students are taking: “I took it to find out what I know; to see my strong career paths or subjects,” he explained. “I can find a career that’s financially stable and keeps me entertained and happy working.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness among high school students of the importance of early career exploration.
The enthusiasm for the ASVAB CEP at Yokota High School is remarkable. Colleen McDougall, the YHS Information Specialist, reported that over 72% of eligible 10th to 12th graders chose to participate. This high participation rate, McDougall suggests, is fueled by a combination of factors: encouragement from faculty, positive peer recommendations, and proactive parental support, all recognizing the immense benefits of the ASVAB CEP.
For some students, like Trinity Stegall, the ASVAB CEP is not a one-time event but a recurring resource. “I took it again to improve on the sections that I am most interested in, like math, science and language arts,” Stegall shared. “It’s helpful to see if my scores fit the majors I’m planning.” This repeat engagement underscores the program’s value in providing ongoing guidance as students refine their academic and career interests.
Zane Gutierrez, an Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet, succinctly captured the program’s empowering nature: “It can show you a path based on your strengths,” Gutierrez stated. “Take it and find your career for your future!” His call to action highlights the ASVAB CEP as a proactive step students can take to shape their future.
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program directly supports the Department of Defense Education Activity’s (DoDEA) commitment to student success. It aligns with DoDEA’s Continuous Improvement Strategic Initiative 1.2, which focuses on ensuring a “Successful Transition to College, Career, and Life.” By providing students with insights into potential career matches, highlighting their academic strengths, and offering comprehensive career exploration tools, the ASVAB CEP empowers students and their parents to engage in meaningful discussions about future planning.
Ultimately, the ASVAB CEP equips young individuals with a robust understanding of their skills and interests. This self-awareness is crucial in fostering the confidence needed to strategically plan their post-secondary education and career paths, ensuring these plans resonate with their individual strengths and passions.
The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command emphasizes the unique position of the ASVAB CEP as the only career planning resource that consolidates multiple pathways to success. Whether a student is considering college, vocational certificates, apprenticeships, professional licensure programs, or military service, the ASVAB CEP serves as a centralized platform to explore all these options comprehensively.
