How to Help High School Students Succeed After Graduation

Help students succeed after graduation

Graduation is an important event for a teenager, but what happens afterward is also crucial. Students face many choices when it comes to figuring out what to do following their high school graduation. As a friend, family member or educator, you have the opportunity to speak to high school seniors about their life plans and help them succeed after graduation.

Instructions

1. Discuss future plans with the student. Ask the student if she plans on going to a university or community college. If she doesn't have any education plans, talk about military enlistment or her ideas about entering the workforce. Remember that some students will not want to go to college, according to the WestEd website. Never insult the student's decisions, but offer an honest view about her post-graduation expectations.

2. Help the graduate with applications. Show him how to fill out a college application and assist him in his search for financial aid or scholarships if he opts to go to school. Is the student entering the military? Locate an acquaintance who has joined the service who will give her an unbiased opinion about the pros and cons of the military. Proofread resumes for high school graduates who decide to get jobs and agree to be listed as a character reference if you are not a family member.

3. Keep in touch with high school graduates. One of the best ways to show your support is by following up with the student. Contact students by social networking, email or telephone. If she is a college student, ask about her grades and if she has declared a major. Question other students about how work is going. Has the student received a promotion? Did he switch to a new job last year? Asking the high school graduate about his life lets him know that you want him to succeed.

4. Inform the graduate that you are available to help. Sometimes a graduate's plan does not work out, and he decides to alter his decisions. For example, a college student may decide to return home for a year because he's not ready for the university environment or a graduate decides to enlist in the military instead of work at a local company. Support the student and encourage him to meet his goals.

References

• WestEd: Preparing Students for Success