Ways to Prepare:

Activities & More

What does it mean to be "college ready"?

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Definition of College Ready

A “College Ready” student can be defined as an academically prepared student who is ready for postsecondary education without the need for remedial coursework.

For Teachers: Work-based Learning Manual

ISBE has funded a dedicated college and career pathways coordinator at every Education for Employment system. That way, every region in the state will have additional support to help students access College and Career Pathway Endorsements, dual credit, and work-based learning.

-State Superintendent, Dr. Carmen I. Ayala's

Weekly Message, July 12, 2022-

What we want our students to know

● You can go to college!

● You can have an important career!

● You are smart in your own way!

What we want our parents to know

● Your child(ren) can go to college!

● Your child(ren) can be successful in the career of their choice.

● You are your child’s best advocate and most important supporter.

PBS Kids

College & Career Readiness Resources

This online game allows students to explore careers in various fields, throughout the neighborhood in a fun way. This game gets you thinking about the future early. Just click play and choose where to start!

A-Z Career Lab

Check out videos on unique and exciting career paths in this online career lab that is available to students and families alike!

Above the Noise | College: To Go or Not to Go

In this video series intended for middle and high school audiences, they discuss college, trade school, other pathways to success, the costs associated, and more!

Activities

for

Students & Families

SPORT YOUR FUTURE COLLEGE GEAR!

Choose a special day and encourage your friends to participate...Wear your favorite college gear or the colors of the college of your choice!

BECOME A SCHOLAR!

Create a story about your future goals on your Vision Board. It is all about you, so tell your story. Have Fun!

*You can use the template from the link below or write your story about your future goals on a sheet of paper.

You can also draw a picture of your future, age appropriate.

Vision Board Template

MANAGE MY MONEY!

We are going to save .01 Cents to 1.00 dollar to start a savings account at home for our future college.

*You can use a Styrofoam cup, plastic cup, or whatever you have in your home to start a savings account/college fund cup for your student.

You can write on a piece of paper, "College Fund" or "Saving Account" and tape it on it.

This will motivate them to start to save their own money.

MAKE MASCOT MASKS!

Represent your future college/university by creating a mask version of their mascot. You can make more than one! This builds pride and anticipation for the college journey. Again, please send us pictures. We'd love to see you or your student rocking the mask with pride!

You can use a paper

plate, paper

bags, piece of paper, or the template below, and then draw a mascot mask.

Mascot Mask Template