• October is College & Career Month in the Boston Public Schools! This marks an exciting month of events and activities designed to encourage and to empower all students and their families to begin planning for a passion-filled life after high school as early as possible. 

• Throughout October, BPS and Success Boston, along with multiple community partners, will collaborate on a campaign to encourage students at all grade levels to begin planning for college and their careers. 

• The goal of BPS College & Career Month in Boston is to showcase all of the city’s varied and helpful resources designed to get students prepared for, enrolled in, and through college.  

• DRAFT 2023 College & Career Month Press Release

Highlights and Themes: 

• Highlights and Themes: 

• BPS College & Career Month aligns with the new BPS Vision of a Graduate, which highlights skills and competencies in and out of the classroom and helps students chart their post-secondary paths to success.

• The project directly supports the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's statewide effort to help prepare students for Success after High School.

• With tectonic changes to the higher education landscape in the Commonwealth, including the launch of MassReconnect,  the expansion of the City of Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan for all Boston residents regardless of age and immigration status, the Tuition Equity bill signed into law guaranteeing in-state tuition rates to undocumented and DACA-status residents, and the success of Early College and Innovation Pathways, it’s more important than ever before that Boston’sstudents and families understand the wide variety of resources and opportunities available to them.

• For the third year, the College and Career Month team will be partnering with a group of social media-savvy BPS student ambassadors to promote events and resources throughout the month. Engaging with students through near-peer advocacy is important as they gain perspective about career possibilities and experiences.

The 2023 Themed Weeks are:

• Week 1: Exploring My Skills & Interests (October 2-6)

• Week 2: College & Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship (October 9-13)

• Week 3: STEAM Week- in conjunction with Mass STEM Week (October 16-21) 

• Week 4: College Affordability & Financial Literacy (October 23-27)

Key Dates: 

• Friday, September 29th - College Pride and “Share Your Why” Day: During the Friday kick-off for the Month, the community of practitioners will be asked to not only represent their college colors and alma mater but to share short videos and written inspirational posts on their “Why” and the path to accessing their careers. The road is long and winding, and it is critical that our students understand this more now than ever,  but also know there are supports along the way. Follow our social media accounts for videos, stories, graphics, and more: @SuccessBoston on Facebook and Twitter and @Success.Boston on Instagram 

• Saturday, October 21st from 10 AM - 1:30 PM: Citywide College, Career Fair & STEM Fair at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center. The goal of the Fair is to showcase all of the city’s varied and helpful resources designed to get students prepared for, enrolled in, and through college. This year there will be 150 exhibitors, ranging from local colleges and universities to employers offering internship opportunities, STEM agencies, and organizations in the city offering free college prep services.  A list of confirmed exhibitors can be found here. 

• Tuesday, October 24th - FAFSA Prep Day in BPS: College CAN be affordable! Studies have shown that 90% of students who complete a FAFSA by March 15th are more likely to enter college in the fall.  Students will be able to sign up for their FSA ID and learn about their financial aid options. This year, there is increased concern that the 2-month delayed launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA in December will negatively impact families and reduce eligibility for financial aid. Therefore, the 2023 BPS College & Career Month will place special emphasis throughout the month and during the fair, on preparation steps students and families can take throughout October so they are ready to submit the FAFSA starting this December. 

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October is College & Career Month! Learn how #BostonHasYourBack as you plan for life after high school by following #BPSCollegeMonth and attending the Citywide College, Career & STEM Fair on Sat, Oct 21st from 10AM – 1:30PM at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. Click here for more info! #SuccessBoston

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• Look through your closet and represent your alma mater Friday, 9/29! It's College Pride Day at @bostonschools - Share with us why YOUR college is the best! #BPSCollegeMonth @SuccessBoston 

• Are you ready to show your college alma mater pride on Boston’s Shows Us Your College Pride Day? It's coming up on 9/29! Snap a shot of you wearing your college gear and tell us why you love/loved it there! #BPSCollegeMonth @BostonSchools

• Did you know that the few years you spend in college can mean more than $1M in your pocket over your lifetime? During #BPSCollegeMonth in October @BostonSchools & @SuccessBoston will share resources, tips, & helpful info to get you & your family ready: bit.ly/bpscollegemonth 

• Did you know that you can get free financial advice from  @MassEdCO? Mass EdCo advisors are available to answer calls at 617.536.0200 for Boston & 508.586.3100 for Brockton. #BPSCollegeMonth https://www.massedco.org/locations/boston/boston-area-education-and-career-planning-center

• ATTN @BostonSchools Students: College application fees can be expensive. You may be eligible to have your application fees waived. Visit https://getschooled.com/  and talk to your guidance counselor for more information. #BPSCollegeMonth

• ATTN @BostonSchools Families: Getting ready to fill out the #FAFSA?  Take note that the redesigned FAFSA is expected to launch in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year — a delay from the typical Oct. 1 release date. #BPSCollegeMonth #BPSFAFSA 

• Want to attend college? No matter how early you start, here are some quick tips for college prep success:

  • Start making a list of colleges you might be interested in.

  • Make a list of 2-3 questions you want to ask people there.

  • Take the time to visit the schools that interest you.

Learn more at bit.ly/bpscollegemonth 

#BPSCollegeMonth @BostonSchools 

• Did you know that you don’t have to have all of your college plans set before you apply for financial aid? @BostonSchools & @MassEdCO want to help you plan your future! Schedule a meeting today: https://bit.ly/bpsfafsa or call 617-536-0200. #BPSCollegeMonth  

• ATTN @BostonSchools Parents - learn more about the types of financial aid available for your students, & get help filling out the #FAFSA! Schedule a meeting with @MassEdCO Advisors to learn more: https://bit.ly/bpsfafsa or call 617-536-0200. #BPSCollegeMonth 

• ATTN BPS Seniors: You can earn more money after you get your @BostonSchools diploma! Even if you don’t know your college admissions status, have all of your plans finalized, or don’t know what the future holds… You can still apply for financial aid! More: https://bit.ly/3eEoB9Y 

Downloadable Postcard & Flyers for Citywide College, Career & STEM Fair on Saturday, Oct 21, 2023

Downloadable Graphics for Social Media Use