Defined in Minnesota

Defined connects classrooms to careers through deeper learning. Our vision is to transform learning environments where every student discovers their potential through authentic learning experiences that bridge education and future success. Explore how the Defined ecosystem aligns with and supports career-connected deeper learning in Minnesota!

Minnesota & Defined

Defined & Minnesota Alignment

Alignment with Minnesota Standards

Defined’s content aligns with the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards, including the Minnesota Academic Standards in Science (which integrate the Next Generation Science Standards framework), English Language Arts, and Mathematics, as well as the Minnesota K-12 Computer Science Standards and Career and Technical Education (CTE) frameworks. Defined helps bridge classroom content with authentic career applications enabling students to develop and transfer knowledge while building essential future-ready skills.

In addition, Defined supports statewide initiatives such as the Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and Minnesota's Portrait of a Graduate efforts — helping districts guide students in exploring careers, setting goals, and preparing for success in college, career, and life. Our comprehensive ecosystem of career-connected, deeper learning resources empowers schools to bring Minnesota’s vision for student success to life through engaging, standards-aligned projects and performance-based assessments.

Career-Connected Learning

Defined’s comprehensive career-connected learning platform aligns with Minnesota's Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) Plan and PLPs. Our resources help districts strengthen the implementation of career and technical education by connecting academic learning to Minnesota’s Career Fields, Clusters, and Pathways Framework, ensuring students explore pathways that align with the state’s labor market needs and high-demand industries.

Through engaging, hands-on and minds-on projects across all career clusters and pathways, students build career awareness, reflect on their skills and interests, and gain authentic experiences across industries. Defined also advances Minnesota’s Portrait of a Graduate vision by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their futures, whether entering the workforce, pursuing postsecondary education, or both.

Defined Careers Graphic

Defined Careers Elementary School

Computer Science & STEM

From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, today’s challenges demand strong computer science and STEM skills. Defined helps Minnesota educators prepare K-12 students for these high-demand fields through career-connected, deeper learning experiences that bridge classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Defined’s engaging projects align with the Minnesota Academic Standards in Science (which incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards framework) and Mathematics, along with the Minnesota K-12 Computer Science Standards, supporting statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality, equitable STEM and computer science education.

Our resources advance the goals of Minnesota’s STEM Education Framework, Computer Science Education Strategic Plan, and CACR initiatives — helping districts spark student interest in STEM and computer science pathways while equipping them with the future-ready skills needed for success in college, career, and life.

Notable Partnerships in Minnesota

Explore Our Engaging Career-Connected Projects

Defined provides K-12 career-connected learning opportunities for every student. Our extensive course catalog contains standards-aligned academic programming across all grade levels and subject areas. Our projects actively engage students in hands-on experiences that offer a real-world perspective, mirroring the work of industry professionals to expand career exploration for all students. Check out a few Defined Learning and Defined Careers projects below!

Defined Careers Grades K-2

Computer Programmer: App Designer

Students take on the role of an App Designer to create a fun and engaging app for students to use during indoor recess. This app should be educational and something students can play together.

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Defined Learning Grades 2-3 Math

Backpack Designer

In this task, students will explore how math and engineering play a significant role in product design. They will be measuring to ¼ inch and determining areas to help design and manufacture a backpack for a specific audience.

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Defined Careers Grades 3-5

Veterinary Assistant

Students step into the role of a Vet Assistant. Vet Assistants work with pets and their owners. They help take care of sick and hurt pets. Part of their job is to teach pet owners how to care for their pets to keep them from getting sick. Students make sure pet owners have the information they need to keep their pets healthy.

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Defined Learning Grades 3-5 Life Science

Wildlife Biologist: Bats

Students step into the role of a wildlife biologist studying bats. Acting as an expert, students explore the important role bats play in the environment while working to dispel common myths about these fascinating and beneficial creatures. Students will also explain how bats use echolocation to navigate and survive. Their ultimate goal: to get the public excited about welcoming bats into the neighborhood!

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Defined Careers Grades 6-8

Biomedical Engineers

Students apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

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Defined Learning Grade 6 Math

Food Truck Entrepreneur

In this task, students will be creating their own food truck. Students make informed decisions about the food they'll be serving, the truck, and their business strategies. Additionally, students will create equations to create a fuel expense chart and determine profit and income for a monthly budget.

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Defined Careers Grades 9-12

Game Designer

Students step into the role of a Game Designer, designing core features of video games. This role includes specifying innovative game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies; creating and maintaining design documentation; and guiding and collaborating with production staff to produce games as designed.

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Defined Learning Grades 9-12 Biology

Forensic Entomologist

Students take on the role of a Forensic Entomologist helping the production staff of a new streaming series create a show focused on forensic science, and specifically how forensic entomology can help to solve crimes.

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Interested in learning more about how Defined can support Minnesota's goals and initiatives?

Ready to see how Defined can transform education in your school or district? Request a demo with Minnesota's designated partnerships representative today and witness how our platform bridges classroom learning with future success.

Minnesota Reps