ASK Program

The ASK program pairs experts with classrooms through a distance learning model using video conferencing technology. The goal is for an industry expert to do a 1-hour Zoom presentation for students that involves:

• 15–20 min. talk explaining their role, career story, work, or some other topic of their expertise
• 30–40 min. of open Q&A with the students facilitated by the classroom teachers and ASK Program moderator

Teachers register for one or more presentation time slots with our expert panel. Presenters send information about themselves and their work ahead of time which will be provided to classes when they sign up. Information about the speaker and their topic, including any relevant classroom activities, lessons, or links related to the topic, are sent to the participating classrooms for the students to research and learn about the topic and expert ahead of time. In their research, students will generate questions to ask the expert on the call.

Who participates?

Classrooms in grades 6–12 in the U.S. are eligible.

ASK Program

The ASK Program was started by Dr. Raymond Kettel at the University of Michigan over 20 years ago. Started as a university lecture series program, it has expanded and been adapted to K–12 education.

Career talks

Part of the focus of the ASK Program is for students to learn about an expert’s topic. Another goal is for them to learn about career possibilities through hearing about experts’ careers and backgrounds. Many students just don’t know what is possible, so hearing the stories of how experts’ career paths took shape gives them additional inspiration for their own futures.