What is Exploring?

Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years of age. Youth who are 13 years old and within 6 months of their 14th birthday can also register as Explorers. Any youth may remain an Explorer up until the day they turn 21 years old and then are aged out of the youth side of Exploring.

Exploring is broken up into three seperate programs: Business, Law Enforcement, and Fire and Emergency Services Exploring. Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop:

Career Opportunities

  • Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options.
  • Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work.

Life Skills

  • Build physical and mental fitness .
  • Experience positive social interaction.

Citizenship

  • Encourage the skill and desire to help others.
  • Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others.

Character Education

  • Help make ethical choices.
  • Fulfill one’s responsibility to society.

Leadership Experience

  • Acquire leadership skills to fulfill one’s responsibilities in society.

All of these opportunities come at the low cost of $24.00 per year. For more information, explorer our website or contact Learning for Life’s NYC offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my school become a “Chartered school”?

Educators interested in becoming chartered schools with the Exploring program are afforded many benefits. All of their students become eligible for membership, the student body is given the opportunity to have executives come on-site at the educational facility to conduct resume building sessions, interview skill sessions, and break-out group work on character development in a professional sense. As well chartered schools have the opportunity to utilize the camping facilities at three locations for a subsidized cost. To become chartered with the program and to learn more of the opportunities therein, contact an Executive today.

How do I become an Explorer?

If you are between the ages of 14 and 20 and a resident of NYC enrolled in some type of education (public/private school/home school) then you are eligible for membership in Exploring. Simple fill out the application, which can be found on the register for exploring page, get the application signed by a parent (if you are under 18) and pay the annual $24.00 fee and you’re a member entitled to the benefits, prestige, and privileges of every other Explorer. This membership entitles you to register for as many programs as you would like to attend for one year from the date of enrollment. If the cost of registration is impeding membership, contact an executive for aid.

How do I know what programs are upcoming?

The website, nyexploring.org will have information regarding upcoming programs locations, times, dates, and content. As well you can sign up to be on the weekly email blast by contacting an executive and providing them your email address. This email-blast will be in the form of a Microsoft Word document and will include individual fliers (for educators use in schools) with information on each upcoming program. This is a valuable tool for both educators and explorers so sign up today!

How do I register for a program?

Students are encouraged to register for programs themselves as appointment setting involves phone and communication skills. Registration can be conducted through the website, nyexploring.org for many programs. The steps to registering on line are very simple and a confirmation email will be received by successful registrants. Registration in some cases, will require a phone call as some programs have smaller attendance allotments and therefore cannot be opened up to on line registration. Educators, in some cases, will be the parties primarily responsible for registering interested students and both the on line registration and phone or email correspondence is sufficient to begin the process. However, until confirmed by an Exploring executive either via email, on line confirmation, or phone, the registration process has not been completed.

How do I start an Exploring Program at my organization?

Exploring programs are called ‘Posts’. To begin a post at your company or organization simply contact an Executive today. It’s a simple process and the benefits are incredible.

How does Exploring help me with college?

Exploring can help students planning on attending college clearly identify a path for achieving their degree with a specific emphasis. The exposure to career advice, paths, and insight from professionals who have already achieved success affords the students a clearly outlined guide to their own success. With the soaring costs of a higher education, the faster a students can excel, the better.

Can I attend more than one program at a time during a week/month?

Yes! The best and brightest Explorers take advantage of nearly every one of our programs, sometimes going to a different program each day of the week! Remember, even if you think you know what you want to be, it can’t hurt to learn about other possibilities as this will broaden your knowledge base an inevitably aid your success!

Can I bring a friend who does not attend the same high school as me?

Yes! As long as your friend is enrolled in a NYC high school or academic program and is between the ages of 14 and 20 he/she can attend with you. Remember though, all attendees to our programs must be registered Explorers! That means you have to fill out an application and pay the registration fee, unless your school covers this cost.