OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The

There are many occupations that children don’t learn about in early reader books, which frequently portray police officers, firefighters or doctors. After finding no children’s books about public relations, Curtis Sparrer wrote one, placing a 10-year-old at the center of the action.Sparrer, who co-founded a public relations agency, Bospar, wanted to help young readers avoid the confusion he felt growing up, when movies made him think being an actor meant flying around on spaceships. Before he found his niche in PR, he worked in television production but didn’t enjoy the late-night shifts.

“Once you figure out what you really liked and why you liked it, you can really zero in on your passion,” Sparrer said.Aside from topic interests, there are personality traits to consider. Children know from an early age whether they like to be around a lot of people or by themselves, whether they prefer using their hands or enjoy reading, according to Jobs for the Future CEO Maria Flynn.“Very early you can start helping kids get a sense of what are they drawn to, and make that connection, how those skills and attributes show up in jobs,” said Flynn, whose nonprofit organization focus on education and workforce initiatives that advance economic opportunities.

When her daughter played video games with friends, Flynn noticed strong communication skills and pointed out that providing clear direction to teammates and solving problems together were skills she could apply in future jobs.Some U.S. high schools offer elective courses in fields like marketing, computer science and health care. They also are again investing in vocational classes such as wood shop, welding and mechanics, which fell out of fashion as school systems came under criticism for not preparing enough students for college. Meanwhile, some middle schools are offering career exploration courses.

“Really help them see — at an earlier age, even in middle school — what is the apprenticeship option? How does that work?” Flynn said. “How does the pay work on things like that? What are different trade school options?”

Some young people haveThe American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said Wednesday that Cardi B will receive the Voice of the Culture Award. She’ll be honored at ASCAP’s invite-only event celebrating the top hip-hop, R&B and gospel songwriters on June 8 in Los Angeles.

“Being recognized for the impact my songs have had on the culture means everything to me,” Cardi B said in a statement. “I’ve always wanted my platform and my music to stay true to who I am and inspire others to do the same, so this honor is especially meaningful.”The Voice of the Culture Award is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, recognizing their success as creators and changemakers.

Cardi B made history in 2020 as the first woman to receive consecutive Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Awards. She’s won 23 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music awards.The hip-hop superstar is a Grammy winner whose “Invasion of Privacy” won best rap album in 2019. She’s known for hits such as “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It” and “WAP.”