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Bridging Young Learners and Future Careers: The Launch of Mirai Step Project

Kashima Asahi High School has embarked on an innovative career support initiative known as the "Mirai Step" project, aimed at connecting young individuals from alternative high schools with their future career paths. This initiative is a collaborative effort alongside Jinjib and HASSYADAI Social, and it plans to launch this September. An informational session regarding the project is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

Overview of the Mirai Step Project

The Mirai Step project specifically addresses the challenges faced by young people in alternative high schools who have yet to determine their career paths. The project focuses on providing comprehensive support in both skills and mindset, tailored to each individual's career situation. By leveraging the expertise of Jinjib and HASSYADAI Social, the initiative aims to empower students to actively shape their futures.

Background of the Mirai Step Initiative

In recent years, alternative high schools have gained popularity as diverse learning options, leading to an increase in enrollment. However, the expectations of students and their guardians have shifted from merely obtaining high school diplomas to seeking robust career support. Unfortunately, the current infrastructure for career guidance does not adequately meet these evolving needs.

Kashima Asahi provides support through both direct and partnered educational facilities, often termed "support schools," helping students with their learning, living conditions, and mental well-being. Nonetheless, many students have limited opportunities to visit these facilities, which affects face-to-face communication and support. Coupled with the diverse backgrounds and worries of the students, the lack of resources and manpower often results in graduates who remain undecided about their future.

Surveys indicate that remaining undecided at graduation can severely affect an individual's life trajectory. A study on graduates from alternative high schools revealed that many who were undecided as they graduated ended up in a state of inertia post-graduation. It was found that a significant percentage of these youth were not engaged in anything two years after their graduation.

To combat this troubling trend, the Mirai Step project has been initiated as a collaborative effort between educators and support organizations. It aims to allow every young person to take proactive steps toward shaping their future, providing tailored assistance to high school seniors who are still uncertain about their paths.

Offering Tailored Career Support: The Structure of Mirai Step

The Mirai Step project offers two main courses designed to meet the varying needs of students:
1. Employment Course (Managed by Jinjib): Targeted at those eager to kickstart their job search, this course provides thorough support until securing job offers. Students receive personal guidance on resume writing and interview skills from specialists in high school job placement support. Furthermore, participants can opt for internship opportunities with various companies.

2. Employment Preparation Course (Managed by HASSYADAI Social): Aimed at students uncertain about their desires or who feel anxious about employment, this course fosters a positive mindset necessary for career development. Through workshops and individual consultations over two months, participants will enhance their self-esteem and learn to articulate their career aspirations. Those interested in employment can transition to the Employment Course, while students contemplating further education can shift to an academic track.

The Essence Behind the Mirai Step Project

The name "Mirai Step" reflects the strong conviction of alternative high schools to take responsibility for guiding young people's futures. It signifies the school's role in bridging students to a hopeful and fulfilling future, aspiring to be a step towards cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Prospects for the Future

The project will initially operate primarily for graduating students this year. It aims to establish a more robust support system, encompassing graduates and early school leavers. Furthermore, the teams intend to implement this initiative across other alternative high schools to enhance career certainty rates for these students.

Upcoming Online Information Session

An online session will be held to elaborate on the project, allowing stakeholders in alternative education to engage in discussions about its future. Details are as follows:

• - Date: August 27, 2025
• - Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (JST)
• - Target Audience: Kashima Asahi stakeholders, including parents and press representatives.
• - Registration Link: Register Here
• - Inquiries: Kashima Asahi Tokyo Office – Misawa & Tokuhira, Email: [email protected], Phone: 03-6709-9266.

Comments from Project Leaders

Kazuma Misawa, Head of Career Support Center at Kashima Asahi, expressed enthusiasm for the new system, underscoring the school’s commitment to helping students realize their future paths. Meanwhile, Keimi Hoshino, Director of Career Education Development at Jinjib, reiterated the initiative's goal in empowering students to confidently take steps into the workforce. Akira Morimoto from HASSYADAI Social emphasized the importance of continuing to support youth through both skills and mindset training.

Conclusion

The Mirai Step initiative emerges as a beacon of hope for students at alternative high schools, enabling them to not only determine their future career paths but also to thrive in life as proactive individuals. The collaborative efforts of Kashima Asahi, Jinjib, and HASSYADAI Social signify a commitment to nurturing a brighter future for young people across Japan.