Parents are the most important influence in their children’s chosen career path. Most people spend 14 years in school, 20 years as a parent, BUT 45 years in a career; more time than anything else in their lives. The right career decision will have an enormously positive impact. Helping your child make a satisfying and successful career choice success can be one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting.

Family support is more important than any other factors, including the student’s IQ or economic status.  Parents know their child’s interests, abilities and goals better than any other person involved in education.  They can help match these to a career.

• Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school and a B.A. is more than $800,000*
• Exploring careers while in high school saves money 

• 30% of college students take five or more years to get their degree?  **
• Planning helps students reduce the possibility of requiring extra time and extra money to complete a degree.

 

               

* College Board, 2007
**The National Center for Educational Statistics
*** College Board, 2007
***National Association of Colleges and Employers

Career exploration and planning should begin as early as middle school.

How to help Grade School and Junior High students:

• Encourage participation in career exploration activities such as 8th Grade Career Fair and Health Career Camp
• Encourage enrollment in Algebra in 8th Grade so that Geometry and Advanced Math classes can be taken in high school
• Don't say no to their dreams
• Encourage them to investigate possible careers and discuss how those careers match their interests and goals
• Take an interest in what your child is studying and homework
• Provide a quiet place for them to study
• Take advantage of T.R.I.O. Talent Search Program for eligible students in grades 6-12 Contact T.R.I.O.  at www.lakeland.cc.il.us/trio/

Guide for High School

• Meet with counselor to make a 4 year plan based on career choice
• Encourage enrollment in challenging courses to be prepared for college
• Encourage extracurricular activities and volunteering. These are important leadership skills. Keep a folder of participation and any awards. These will be useful when applying to colleges and scholarships.
• Encourage your child to take to take the PLAN or PSAT to prepare for the PSAE, ACT or SAT.
• Encourage participation in job shadowing, career fairs, PCCS activities such as Men in Nursing, and Construction Trades Expo
• Browse websites such as: http://careeronestop.org/EducationTraining/Plan/BePrepared.aspx for information on college selection
• Visit prospective colleges
• Help your student to meet important testing and admission deadlines

What is the PCCS Advantage for my child?

• Students will enter college with advanced skills and possible credit for work completed in high school
• Students may be exempt from some courses in college, saving valuable time and money.
• Students may earn preferred admission in highly competitive programs
• High Schools and Colleges coordinate curriculum and established pathways provide smooth transitions from high school to college without gaps or duplication

• Students may be able to earn while they learn because they enter college with advanced skills in their career field

How will we pay for college?

• Important to begin saving as early as possible, setting aside money each month
• Estimate the cost of college by using a website such as http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ or  www.finaid.org/
• Free application for Federal Student Aid website is: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Apply for financial aid as early as possible. Visit Lake Land’s web site: http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us/financialaid/index.c

• The Guide to Federal Student Aid website is: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov

Others:

• http://www.collegeispossible.com
• http://www.firstinthefamily.org
• http://www.KnowHow2Go.org

 

To find out more about Partnerships for College and Career Success, contact your school counselor or contact the Lake Land College Partnerships for College and Career Success office at pccs@lakeland.cc.il.us or 217-234-5372