Career Connected Learning for Seniors
The decisions students make over the next few years can dramatically affect their lives moving forward. Our goal, as educators at Grand Rapids High School, is to provide the information necessary to make the best post-secondary decision for each student. Over the course of four years, students learn about themselves and the programs of study that match their interests and abilities following high school. The following information and resources are only part of the education students are receiving in their weekly advisory periods and are meant to be utilized to help you and your student make the most informed decision possible.
Learning Targets
- Students will formulate and continuously evaluate yearlong goals
- Students will find resources within GRHS for supports, and scholarship opportunities.
- Students will create a plan for their future and know what steps to take in order to continue moving in the right direction
- Students will further investigate career options based on interests, abilities, performance and desirable features of future options
- Students will be able to compile application materials and prepare to apply to programs
- Students will be able to assess current progress in courses, determine if he/she is on track and create a plan to align future performance with established academics goals
Why is post-secondary planning important?
It is no secret that more education traditionally equals more money. The benefits of earning a higher level of education can be huge for those considering advancement, however, this pursuit might not be best for every student. In fact, higher education can be associated with higher debt, which can limit some individual’s future take-home salary. For these reasons, GRHS students are encouraged to explore career fields and programs that not only provide them the opportunities in life each individual student is seeking but also appeal to each individual’s life motivations and interests.
Students are also encouraged to consider long term goals when planning life after high school. It is often assumed that getting into college or a program of study is the end of the post-secondary planning effort. Seniors continue to explore post-secondary planning throughout their senior year to maximize their high school education and paths after they leave GRHS.
Research has also suggested that only 39% of four-year students actually finish their degree in four years, and as many as 59% need an additional year or two to complete their degree (Woodruff.) That additional time spent in college not only adds to student debt but also decreases their potential future earnings by delaying entry into employment (Woodruff.)
Feel free to utilize any of the information below as part of your post-secondary planning. Contact the school counseling office with any questions or to set up an appointment to discuss your plan today.
References:
Dallmann-Jones, A. (2006). Shadow Children: Understanding Education's #1 Problem (Second ed.). Lancaster: RLD Publications.
Woodruff, M. (2014, September 3). Here's how much it will cost you to spend an extra year in college. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
Additional Resources:
