Cradle to Career's Post High School Success (PHSS) project was created to address the gaps in college and career advising programs in the Aspen-to-Parachute region to ensure that all students had the guidance and support needed to graduate from high school academically and financially prepared to earn some form of a postsecondary degree or credential.
In partnership with Colorado Mountain College, all four school districts, and local nonprofit organizations, the project set out to provide college counseling, career and scholarship advising, concurrent enrollment opportunities, and financial aid advice for students at all nine of our regional high schools.
Over six academic years, beginning with 2015-2016, nearly $1.5 million will be invested by Aspen Community Foundation to support college and career counselor positions, provide professional development for these counselors, and to coordinate scholarships to more effectively distribute dollars. Philanthropic funding has decreased over the term of the project so that by 2021, counselors will be supported by the school districts.
Strategies:
1. Place dedicated college and career counselors in the regional public high schools that did not have one. These counselors will:
-Help students, especially those from low-income families, develop formal postsecondary plans; and
-Offer guidance and support to help students and families explore postsecondary options and ensure that all requisite paperwork is completed on time.
2. Train new and existing counselors to help develop a “best practice” postsecondary prep curriculum relevant to each high school, including:
-College/Career Counseling – one-on-one advising, ideally starting freshman year; and dedicated classes to teach multiple students about financial aid, scholarship and college applications as well as expand a student’s understanding of career pathways, connect with community resources and leverage volunteers for additional support.
-Technology –utilizing technology platforms to assist students and their planning throughout high school and beyond.
In partnership with Colorado Mountain College, all four school districts, and local nonprofit organizations, the project set out to provide college counseling, career and scholarship advising, concurrent enrollment opportunities, and financial aid advice for students at all nine of our regional high schools.
Over six academic years, beginning with 2015-2016, nearly $1.5 million will be invested by Aspen Community Foundation to support college and career counselor positions, provide professional development for these counselors, and to coordinate scholarships to more effectively distribute dollars. Philanthropic funding has decreased over the term of the project so that by 2021, counselors will be supported by the school districts.
Strategies:
1. Place dedicated college and career counselors in the regional public high schools that did not have one. These counselors will:
-Help students, especially those from low-income families, develop formal postsecondary plans; and
-Offer guidance and support to help students and families explore postsecondary options and ensure that all requisite paperwork is completed on time.
2. Train new and existing counselors to help develop a “best practice” postsecondary prep curriculum relevant to each high school, including:
-College/Career Counseling – one-on-one advising, ideally starting freshman year; and dedicated classes to teach multiple students about financial aid, scholarship and college applications as well as expand a student’s understanding of career pathways, connect with community resources and leverage volunteers for additional support.
-Technology –utilizing technology platforms to assist students and their planning throughout high school and beyond.
