CCAC Postsecondary Readiness Plan

A framework supporting early college and career planning across grades 6–11

Preparing students for postsecondary success through early, aligned experiences

The CCAC Postsecondary Readiness Plan is a developmental approach designed to prepare students for life after high school—before they reach senior year, when decisions become high-stakes and time-sensitive. Beginning in middle school and continuing through 11th grade, this framework builds awareness, exploration, and readiness so students are prepared to make informed postsecondary choices.

Through grade-level workshops and presentations, activities, and experiential learning opportunities, students gain a realistic understanding of career pathways and postsecondary options. The framework emphasizes not only aspiration, but access—helping students understand the steps, supports, and skills required to enroll and succeed in postsecondary education, whether through certificates, skilled trades, associate degrees, or bachelor’s programs.

For schools and districts, the CCAC Postsecondary Readiness Plan maximizes advising impact by delivering foundational learning in group settings, allowing advisors to focus one-on-one time where it matters most. For students, it provides consistent, age-appropriate guidance that builds confidence, clarity, and readiness over time—ensuring they enter senior year prepared to take action.

6th Grade - Discovering Interests

Purpose: Spark awareness and curiosity about careers
The student will:
- Identify interests, strengths, and hobbies
- Explore a wide range of careers at a high level
Experiential learning options:
- Virtual career videos
- In-person guest speaker(s) on various careers

7th Grade - Exploring Pathways

Purpose: Connect career pathways to training and education
The student will:
- Explore career clusters and pathways
- Learn about postsecondary credential options (certificates, degrees)
Experiential learning options:
- Virtual workplace videos
- Virtual college tours
- In-person guest speaker(s) on their career and how they got there

8th Grade - Preparing Foundations

Purpose: Identifying skills and how they relate to career pathways, and preparing for high school courses
The student will:
- Create myACT account and take all inventories:
  - Interest
  - Abilities
  - Work Values
- Understand how skills relate to career pathways
- Connect career pathways to high school course options
Experiential learning:
- Kids2College and Pathways2Professional Skilled Trades
  - Students will receive a college tour and a business/manufacturer tour to expose them to postsecondary options

9th Grade - Planning for Success

Purpose: Setting goals and connecting academics, skills, and activities to future goals
The student will:
- Set academic and career goals
- Explore extracurricular activities related to career interests
- Create a high school resume and portfolio
Experiential learning:
- Videos of student pathway stories
- In-person school alumni panel discussion

10th grade - Navigating Options

Purpose: Understanding realistic goals and building a strategy for life after high school
The student will:
- Revisit ACT Profile career assessment results and re-evaluate if needed
- Explore postsecondary education and training options
- Get an introduction to financial planning
Experiential learning:
- Virtual college experience/pathway videos
- Virtual financial planning for college video

11th Grade - Readiness & Action Planning

Purpose: Preparing for the transition to senior year of high school
The student will:
- Develop a senior-year action plan
- Explore summer extracurricular activities to boost college applications and resumes
- Learn about college- and career-ready behaviors: time management, study skills, self-advocacy
Experiential learning:
- Virtual videos around transition from high school to college/careers
- Senior student panel discussion

12th Grade - 1:1 Advising With Seniors

Services we provide for 12th-grade students:

1:1 College and Career Consultations with Seniors
Up to 8 College/Career Planning Workshops for Seniors
Decision Day Mini-Grants and Planning Support
Summer Melt Services to Yearly Graduates
Ongoing Annual Outreach to Previous-Year Graduates
Data Hub and Reporting Throughout the Year
Open Access at the Center During Evenings and Weekends

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