Washington students have big dreams! It’s as important as ever to support students in planning and progressing toward their hopes and aspirations for the future. The High School and Beyond Planning process can help. It provides a way to explore key questions like: Who am I? What can I become? How do I get there? As students engage in continuous learning at home, here are grade-specific recommendations for making use of the HSBP.
Parents: Check out our fact sheet that highlights the key information to know as you help your child plan for post-high school success. You can find this page in Spanish here.
Students: Find more resources about financial aid and post-high school pathways here.
GRADE 12: Congrats, senior!
The end of your senior year looks a lot different than anticipated, making an already momentous transition time that much more challenging. But, you can stay on track to achieve your post-high school goals! Make sure you:
Complete your financial aid form (the FAFSA or WASFA). This form will open the door to scholarships and grants (like the Washington College Grant for students who meet a certain income threshold) to pay for education or training (such as an apprenticeship) after high school. You’ll never know if you’re eligible unless you apply!
If you have already filed your FAFSA or WASFA and your financial circumstances have changed, talk to the financial aid office at your college. They may be able to adjust your award and provide more support. Learn more here.
Need help? Try Otterbot, a free texting service designed to help Washington high school seniors navigate financial aid for college and career education. Text “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281.
Connect with your school counselor to get help and ask questions.
GRADE 11: It’s time to take concrete steps toward post-high school education and training!
Use the College Knowledge guide, developed with student input, to research colleges and how to pay for it. When looking at schools, consider financial, academic, and social factors.
Update your High School and Beyond Plan to make sure you’re on track for graduation next year. Ask your school counselors to reflect with you!
GRADE 10: Now is the time to reflect and plan as you prepare for the second half of high school.
Key questions you can ask yourself include: How is your high school experience going? Is your scheduled ready for your junior year? What have you accomplished so far, and what goals do you have that you want to keep working on? What information can you use to understand where you are at and what you need to focus on moving forward?
Find out your school counselor’s office hours and/or process to schedule an appointment to get support in making decisions.
Start working on your resume to get ready for job and internship opportunities when the time is right.
GRADE 9: Build on your exploration from middle school to keep exploring your interests!
Think about your strengths and interests, and how they might relate to future careers.
Explore the many pathways available after high school.
GRADE 8: What do you like to do outside of school? What do you think you’re good at? What problems do you like to solve? Thinking about your answers to these questions could spark your thinking about what you might like to do in your future.
One tool that can help you explore further is a career interest inventory – consider this free one that you can do at home!
Your school counselor will be excited to talk with you about the results!
