You (and your child) have made it to Senior year. Now what???
As you and your teenager continue learning about college and career preparation, it’s important to remember that no one expects you to have all the answers. There are many helpful tools and resources online, but you can always find support at your child’s school. School counselors, educators and college/career awareness programs are available to answer questions, provide information and generally help as needed as your family embarks on the future ready path. Here are a few tips on how to maximize the support offered at school:
1. Get to know your child’s teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators. Let them know you are interested in your child’s progress and want to know more about the college-going or career readiness process. School personnel can help with career counseling and interest inventories, course selection, information about early college admissions exams, and much more! Do not hesitate to ask for information and support.
2. One of the best things parents can do is to talk with other parents and teens. Through school organizations, or even outside of school, become an “information sharer” with other parents. Many of them might have children in college right now, and they can be a great source of help to other parents. After all, they survived it!
3. Take advantage of college awareness and career readiness activities offered by the school district. Many schools offer college tours for students and families, summer programs on college campuses, college preparation or financial aid workshops for students and parents and career fairs. Check the school website or talk to a school counselor to find out what is available and take advantage of it whenever possible. School involvement helps parents know exactly what is going on at school and helps everyone build a support system for your child.
4. If possible, find a mentor for your teenager. Mentors can offer mentees career advice, set up possible internships, provide a different perspective on issues, and help teens to build self-confidence. A mentor’s advice doesn’t take the place of a parent’s guidance, but a mentor can serve as another advocate for teens (and their parents) during the high school and post secondary years.
Information adapted from: www.ownyourownfuture.com.
2. One of the best things parents can do is to talk with other parents and teens. Through school organizations, or even outside of school, become an “information sharer” with other parents. Many of them might have children in college right now, and they can be a great source of help to other parents. After all, they survived it!
3. Take advantage of college awareness and career readiness activities offered by the school district. Many schools offer college tours for students and families, summer programs on college campuses, college preparation or financial aid workshops for students and parents and career fairs. Check the school website or talk to a school counselor to find out what is available and take advantage of it whenever possible. School involvement helps parents know exactly what is going on at school and helps everyone build a support system for your child.
4. If possible, find a mentor for your teenager. Mentors can offer mentees career advice, set up possible internships, provide a different perspective on issues, and help teens to build self-confidence. A mentor’s advice doesn’t take the place of a parent’s guidance, but a mentor can serve as another advocate for teens (and their parents) during the high school and post secondary years.
Information adapted from: www.ownyourownfuture.com.