College & Career Prep

College might seem far off, but the sooner you start planning, the smoother the journey. Here’s how to set your child up for success, without the stress.

Explore Interests & Careers

What do they love? What careers spark curiosity? Research fields of study and potential job paths. Because "Professional Gamer" might need a backup plan.

Meet with a Counselor

Talk about course options, extracurriculars and future goals. They’re like a GPS for high school. Utilize them!

Stay on Track Academically

Strong grades matter. Encourage AP, honors or dual enrollment classes for a challenge. Effort now equals more college options later.

Get Involved

Clubs, sports, volunteering. It all builds a well-rounded resume. Colleges love to see leadership, teamwork and passion.

Research Colleges

Size, location, programs - what’s the best fit? Big city, small campus or somewhere in between?

Prepare for Standardized Tests

SAT, ACT, PSAT - take them, prep for them and know your options. Also, check out available practice tests.

Pro Tip: Start early, stay organized and remember college is about finding the right fit, not just the "best" one.

Not every student takes the college route and that’s okay. There are plenty of ways to build a successful future that don't involve dorm rooms or student loans. Here are some great options to explore.

Trade Schools & Vocational Programs

Skip the four-year plan and jump into hands-on training for in-demand careers like healthcare, IT and skilled trades. Less time in school, more time earning. Win-win.

Apprenticeships

Get paid while learning a trade. Think of it as a job with built-in training. No tuition, no lectures, just real-world skills and a paycheck.

Military Careers

Serve your country, gain leadership skills and earn education benefits along the way. 
Bonus: You’ll learn discipline, teamwork and how to make a bed with hospital corners.

Entrepreneurship

Got a great idea? Turn it into a business. Whether it’s freelancing, launching a startup or inventing the next big thing, this path is all about creativity, hustle and a little bit of risk-taking.

Workforce Entry

Jump into the job market with internships or entry-level positions. It’s a great way to gain experience, make connections and figure out what you actually want to do.

Pro Tip: There’s no "one right way" to success. Choose a path that fits your skills, interests and goals. Your future is yours to build.

The future may feel far away, but a little planning now can set your child up for success. Whether that means college, a trade or something totally different, here’s how to support them without turning into a helicopter parent.

Talk About Goals

Keep the conversation open. What excites them? What are their strengths? No pressure. Just brainstorming their future like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

Help With Research

Colleges, trade schools, financial aid. There’s a lot to sort through. Be their sidekick in the search, not the boss.

Teach Time Management & Decision-Making

Deadlines, priorities, tough choices. These skills will help them in school, work and life. Start now, so they’re not learning the hard way later.

Visit Colleges & Career Fairs

Seeing options in person can make the decision way easier (and maybe even exciting). Bonus: It’s a great excuse for a road trip.

Encourage Independence

This is their future. Let them take the lead while you offer support. No micromanaging, just guidance when needed.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead = less stress later. Whether they choose college, a trade or another path, the goal is the same. Help them find a future that fits.

What is the FAFSA?

(AKA: The form that can unlock thousands of dollars for high school grads)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) might sound intimidating—but it’s really just your golden ticket to grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans for college or career training. It's free to fill out, and the earlier you do it, the better your chances of getting the most help.

Here’s how to tackle it step-by-step:

(Take a deep breath–you’ve got this.)

Step 1: Gather Your Info

Before diving in, you’ll need a few things:

• Social Security Numbers (student + parent)
• Tax returns from two years ago (yep—prior-prior year!)
• W-2s or other income records
• Any bank or investment account details
• An FSA ID (you’ll create this next)

Step 2: Create Your FSA ID

Think of it as your FAFSA login.

• Both the student and one parent need one
• Create it at studentaid.gov

Pro tip: Write down your username and password—you’ll use this every year

Step 3: Fill It Out Online

• Head to fafsa.gov
• Log in with the student’s FSA ID
• Choose the correct school year
• Answer questions about you and your parents
• List up to 10 schools to receive your info
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to auto-fill your financial details (huge time-saver!)
• Sign and hit submit

Step 4: Double-Check Everything

• You’ll get a confirmation—don’t skip this step
• If you find a mistake later, no worries—you can go back in and fix it
• Schools will automatically get your updates

Step 5: See What You’re Offered

• Colleges use your FAFSA to build your financial aid package
• You’ll get an offer that may include free money (grants), part-time jobs (work-study), and low-interest loans
• Review your options and accept aid through the school’s financial aid office

Don’t Miss the Deadlines

• FAFSA opens October 1 every year
• State and college deadlines vary, so don’t wait
• The earlier you apply, the more aid you may qualify for

Need backup? A school counselor or financial aid advisor can walk you through it—you're not in this alone.