College and career exploration and planning can begin as early as kindergarten and continue beyond graduation from high school. Listed below are some activities that can be completed by students and parents at each grade level.

Elementary School

• Have guest speakers visit your school to talk about careers and preparing for them.
• Read about different jobs and careers.
• Learn what skills and activities you do well and you like and dislike doing.
• Develop good reading, writing and math skills.
• Visit a local college.
• Begin saving for college or technical school.

Middle School

• Continue to improve reading, writing and math skills and develop independent and critical thinking skills.
• Take an interest inventory and skills and abilities assessment.
• Enroll in challenging classes.
• Attend a career day.
• Talk to parents, relative, neighbors about careers.
• Continue saving for college or technical school.

Freshmen and Sophomores

• Take challenging courses.
• Develop strong study skills.
• Participate in extra-curricular activities, clubs, or other organizations.
• Explore your interests and skills.
• Take the PSAT and check “yes” for Student Search Service on the test.
• Visit college campuses during vacation.
• Review materials on colleges, jobs, and career fields.
• Plan your summer activities: school, work, or community service.
• Register for summer classes.

Juniors

• Take challenging courses; note progress towards graduation & college.
• Develop strong study skills; identify school staff to assist you.
• Participate in extra-curricular activities, clubs, or other organizations.
• Begin to search scholarship opportunities.
• Take the PSAT and check “yes” for Student Search Service on the test.
• Visit college campuses during vacation.
• Review materials on colleges, jobs, and career fields.
• Plan your summer activities: school, work, or community service.
• Register for summer classes.
• Continue saving for college or technical school.

Seniors

• Take challenging courses; note progress towards graduation & college.
• Develop strong study skills; identify school staff to assist you.
• Participate in extra-curricular activities, clubs, or other organizations
• Explore your interests and skills.
• Take the SAT/ACT .
• Visit college campuses during vacation.
• Review materials on colleges, jobs, and career fields.
• Plan your summer activities: school, work, or community service.
• Register for summer classes.
• Complete college and financial aid applications.
• Graduate!