10th Grade-Discover 

Sophomore year is about building on what you learned freshman year. You still don't need to have your future figured out, but this is a good year to start connecting your interests, classes, and experiences to possible careers and plans after high school.

🎯 1. Check Your Progress

☐ Meet with your counselor and make sure you're on track for graduation.

☐ Know your GPA and how many credits you've earned.

☐ Look back at freshman year: What worked? What needs to change?

☐ Keep attendance strong. Missing school can affect grades, credits, and opportunities.

☐ Use tutoring or academic support when you need it.

📚 2. Choose Classes With Purpose

☐ Look ahead at the courses your school offers for 11th and 12th grade.

☐ Explore CTE pathways, career clusters, Dual Credit, AP, certifications, internships, and other advanced opportunities available at your school.

☐ Choose electives because they interest you or help you explore something—not simply because your friends are taking them.

☐ Challenge yourself appropriately. You don't need the hardest schedule possible, but don't automatically avoid a class because it looks difficult.

🧭 3. Explore Careers & Life After High School

☐ Identify 3–5 careers or career areas you'd like to learn more about.

☐ For each one, ask:
What does the person actually do? What education or training is required? What does it pay? Would I enjoy this kind of work?

☐ Explore different pathways: college, community college, technical training, apprenticeships, military, certifications, and direct-to-work careers.

☐ Attend a career or college fair, even if college isn't currently your plan.

☐ If traditional school doesn't excite you, spend extra time exploring hands-on careers, skilled trades, apprenticeships, technology, healthcare, public service, entrepreneurship, and other career-training options.

🌟 4. Build Experiences

☐ Stay involved in something you enjoy—or try something new.

☐ Consider volunteering or community service.

☐ Start looking at summer jobs, internships, camps, career programs, or volunteer opportunities for teens.

☐ Begin keeping a simple list of your:

• Activities and clubs

• Volunteer work

• Jobs

• Awards

• Leadership

• Certifications

• Accomplishments

This becomes the beginning of your future resume.

📝 5. Start Thinking Ahead

☐ Take the PSAT if offered at your school.

☐ Don't worry about having a college list yet. Instead, start learning about the different kinds of colleges and training programs available.

☐ Talk with adults about their careers. Ask them how they got there and what they wish they'd known in high school.

☐ Think about what you'd like to accomplish during junior year.

🚀 Ready for Junior Year?

By the end of 10th grade, try to have:

☐ A good understanding of your graduation progress
☐ An idea of the courses you want to take junior year
☐ Several careers or career clusters you're interested in exploring
☐ At least one activity, job, volunteer experience, or interest you're developing
☐ Connections with your counselor and teachers
☐ A basic understanding of your options after graduation
☐ A plan for making junior year count