Talking about tough topics is essential for students. But having these challenging conversations might feel like a significant obstacle to overcome. This year, the team at Nepris has set up a series of free, live discussions with virtual expert panels.
We know that students have instant access to information on so many topics — including topics that might have incorrect or misleading information online. Although it is easier than ever to do a quick Internet search, connecting students to industry professionals is one way to help them tackle difficult topics.
You can now connect students with experts about real-life social and emotional topics. Let’s dive into the new Nepris series of social and emotional learning discussions.
Virtual Expert Panels
If you haven’t heard of Nepris before, it is an online platform that connects educators and learners with a network of industry professionals across a diverse array of career pathways. Educators and students can log on and listen to discussions with a wide variety of industry professionals and role models. Having an industry professional visit a school or taking students on a field trip might have been on your calendar in the past.
As students learn remotely, in a hybrid model or an in-person model, connecting with industry pros through virtual channels is a great option. The online platform from Nepris breaks geographic barriers to help students learn from people who they might not get a chance to meet without these virtual options.
Nepris facilitates conversations through virtual connections to allow students of all ages to gain real-world exposure to various topics. Students can learn about career options, job opportunities, and pathways they might not have otherwise encountered.
Social & Emotional Learning Discussions
When investigating tough topics, students must get the right information from the right source. In February through May, Nepris is hosting a series of discussions about various tough topics on their platform.
Nepris partner SBConnect has engaged the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for this particular series. The series focuses on areas that are sometimes hard to talk about. The goal of these discussions is to support conversations around mental health and healthy relationships.
Tackling Tough Conversations
During these conversations, middle and high school students, educators, and their families can all tune into these crucial conversations. The series will include discussions around topics like human trafficking, teen violence prevention, healthy relationship, addiction, mental health awareness, and more.
The SBCOnnect Social and Emotional Learning Series of Industry Chats and every live, virtual session from Nepris is entirely free and open to all educators and parents, with and without a Nepris subscription. All of these Industry Chats are led by presenters from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. The speakers each have special expertise and knowledge of each topic. Due to the nature of the topics, the sessions contain sensitive content. However, the sessions are set up so the experts will share information in a developmentally appropriate manner. Of course, both families and educators are also invited to join the conversation.
Next on the schedule for Nepris’ free Industry Chat on February 24th. This discussion addresses Teen Violence Prevention Month & Teen Dating Abuse.
Career Exploration with Nepris
In addition to the discussions around challenging topics, Nepris offers lots of content to help students learn about different careers. You can access either via their library of over 11K pre-recorded sessions, upcoming live Industry Chats, or their Career Explorer. It might be hard for students to imagine all of the other career possibilities available to them.
Research shows that It is never too early to incorporate career exposure into your classroom. Preparing students for the future of work should start as early as elementary school and continue through high school and college. According to the Entangled Solutions white paper, Unlocking Career Potential: An Analysis of the Career Navigation & Guidance Product Landscape, only 1/3 of students believe they will graduate with the skills they need to acquire a good job, and 41% of recent graduates are underemployed.
Do you usually host a career day at your school? This virtual option is certainly a perfect way to expand access to career pathways and bring these expert conversations into your classroom. The Nepris platform easily shifts between in-person, distance, and hybrid learning models.
Want to learn more about Nepris and their special discussion series? Educators can sign up now for a 1-month complimentary Nepris account! Administrators and department heads can request a demo from a Nepris education specialist.
