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Planning for life after high school can be both exciting and scary for teens. Choosing the right career, choosing the right school, applying to schools – the list of decisions and preparation tasks goes on and can put a lot of pressure on teens. As a parent of three now adult children, I have experienced this firsthand.
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Yvonne Johnson
National PTA President
“The best thing we can do as parents is to provide support throughout the process and equip our teens with the knowledge to help them confidently transition to their best next steps.”
It is important to remember that there is no one clear decision for every student and that there are a variety of higher education options, including attending college, participating in a job training program, going straight into the workforce, or joining the military. The best thing we can do as parents is to provide support throughout the process and equip our teens with the knowledge to confidently transition to the best next steps.
create a plan
As high school begins, talk with your teen about their aspirations and goals. Then sit down with a teacher, counselor, or other advisor to discuss what your child needs to graduate, his or her goals, aspirations after high school, and how best to support your child. Create a plan together to help your child achieve his or her goals and review it annually to ensure they are on track.
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This plan must include:
- This is the right sequence of courses to help your child achieve his or her goals. For example, if your child wants to study life sciences in college, they will likely need additional or advanced math and science courses in high school to prepare them for college-level coursework.
- Which extracurricular activities are best for your child to participate in? For example, if your child is interested in journalism or photography, encourage him or her to subscribe to the school newspaper or yearbook. These activities can help your child extend their learning outside of school and may help them develop new hobbies or interests.
- How you can help your child prepare for college or a career. For example, if your child is interested in a specific field, find out if there are internships available where he or she can gain work experience in that subject area.
- Find a way to pay for college or advanced education. College tuition can be expensive, but there are many ways to get financial help, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. You can start by helping your child complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the fourth grade. For more information about the FAFSA and financial aid, visit StudentAid.gov.
Change can be difficult, and a student's aspirations may change frequently during the four years of high school. But it's important to talk openly and often, help them keep perspective, and praise them for accomplishments big and small.
And know that, by working collaboratively with your teen's teachers, counselors, and other advisors, you are providing the important support your child needs during this important time in his or her life.