Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, every eighth-grade student in Cleveland Public Schools (CPS) will have access to Central Tech’s Explorer Program, expanding career exploration opportunities for students earlier than ever.
The Explorer Program, currently offered in seven other Central Tech district middle schools, helps students discover career paths and connect classroom learning to real-world jobs. Students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for what comes next, college, career training, or going straight to work.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner in the Central Tech Explorer Program. This experience will positively impact every CPS eighth grader for years to come, serving as a true gift to our students, families, and community,” said Cleveland Public School Superintended Sol Bayouth. “At CPS, we believe it is our responsibility to provide hope for every student. The Explorer Program does exactly that by exposing students to a wide range of career clusters, igniting curiosity, inspiring dreams, and helping them envision a hope-filled and successful future.”
Throughout the school year, students will explore 10 of the 16 National Career Clusters®, including automotive technology, construction, photography, healthcare, and energy and natural resources. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and early exposure to in-demand careers.
Rebecca Palmatary will serve as the Explorer Program Instructor at Cleveland. Palmatary brings more than 20 years of classroom experience, including teaching Pre-K through fourth grade, gifted and talented education, and STEM and computer science at the junior high level.
“I am excited to begin this next chapter with Central Tech,” Palmatary said. “I look forward to continuing to support students in developing technical skills and preparing for future careers. My goal is to foster a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, while helping students discover their strengths and potential in new and meaningful ways.”
The Explorer program launched during the 2024-25 school year and has continued to grow as more schools and parents see the impact of early career exploration.