Many students in high school just focus on getting through to graduation – and that is an important goal. However, every student should have a plan for after high school graduation. As documented in the report Making Alaska More Competitive, continuing education is more critical than even before. Alaska now ranks near the bottom for postsecondary achievement.

Benefits of Higher Education

There are many options for your students to consider, from vocational training to professional degrees. Any postsecondary education brings benefits:

• more employment options
• higher wages and better benefits
• better working conditions
• lower risk of unemployment
• higher savings levels
• higher quality of life for families
• better health and life expectancy

To make a difference and help create a college-going culture in Alaska, sometimes all it takes is the right mentor. That mentor may be you!

You can inspire your students, help them develop college and career plans, and inform them about financial aid.

Alaska College and Career Advising Corps (ACAC)

This new initiative places recent college graduates in targeted Alaska high schools. Working along-side counselors and career resources staff, they help students get on track. Because they are close to the students in age, and have only recently completed the college experience themselves, they connect with students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

College and Career Guides start candid conversations about the future, and help students:

• explore careers and develop a career plan
• apply to colleges and postsecondary institutions
• find scholarships and other financial aid

Use this College and Career Guide idea in your school. Post a pennant from the college you went to on your classroom door. Include a brief resume. Where did you go to school? What jobs have you worked in? Ask your fellow teachers and counselors to do the same. It’s a great conversation starter.