Indra Aguilar’s Post

As we celebrate Youth #Apprenticeship Week, we recognize the vital role parents and guardians play in helping teens determine what to do after high school. Insights from a recent study by Jobs for the Future and American Student Assistance bring to light an important opportunity: an overwhelming 88% of parents are interested in understanding a variety of education-to-career pathways. One parent shared, "I would like to know all the options available for my child after high school." However, parents and guardians also need clear proof that these options are good for their teens' futures. Real success stories can help build this confidence and encourage parents and guardians to look into these pathways. Dive deeper into the survey’s findings: https://lnkd.in/eznacRc6 #YAW2024

Are you a 2024 high school graduate? (I know a good number of pre-college students I've had the good fortune of meeting over the years are here on Linked In!) Do you know a 2024 high school graduate? This is a really cool opportunity for someone who is not planning to start college this fall to start charting your own course, with support and mentorship from some truly amazing people (including the incredible Mia Birdsong, whose book I am giving to students again this summer, it's that good). It sounds like the best kind of messy to me - the kind where you've rolled up your sleeves to make something, and you don't know exactly what it's going to look like or how it's going to go, but you know the process is fun and what comes out of it could be amazing. Those are my words. In The Flight School's own words: "...think of us as the scaffolding around whatever you choose to do during the year after high school. Whether it’s a job, an internship, creative projects, or travel, we’re here to help you make it count. Through the Fellowship, you’ll get a community, coaching, and courses designed to make this year not just a transition, but a transformation. We’ll help you find your people, your purpose, and your power to drive change — before making huge decisions about the rest of your life." https://lnkd.in/eTM2QJvm

Summer is nearly here! For high school students, those long, sunny days → aren't just for lounging by the pool. The summer before your senior year is prime time, → to give your college applications a competitive edge. My advice is ”Use this free time strategically.” Here are 5 tips to make the most of your summer: 1) Work on application essay drafts. The personal statement lets you showcase your unique voice beyond grades. Use the extra time to brainstorm topics and refine multiple drafts until the essays sing. 2) Explore meaningful activities. Deepen your extracurricular profile by pursuing enriching experiences like internships, volunteering, summer programs, self-driven projects, or jobs aligned with your interests. Consistency matters. 3) Prepare for standardized tests. Before the school year kicks into high gear, dedicate focused prep time to the SAT/ACT. Take practice tests, identify weak areas, and aim to maximize your scores. 4) Finalize your college list For rising seniors and transfer students - thoroughly examine potential schools this summer. Consider factors like academics, cost, campus culture, and more. A thoughtful, tailored list positions you optimally for successful applications. For rising sophomores and juniors - dedicate time to researching schools of interest. Focus on academic programs, cost, campus life/culture, location/size, extracurricular offerings, as well as acceptance and graduation rates. An early, informed start on your college list will pay dividends later. 5) Schedule college visits. With fewer students on campus, summer is ideal for attending tours, meeting admission staff and getting an authentic feel for schools. *** Summer provides a valuable runway for motivated students to make headway on upcoming applications.

🌟 **Reflecting on College Life** 🌟 As you look back on your college journey, you'll realize it was a time of tremendous growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. From late-night study sessions to early morning classes, college life is a blend of challenges and triumphs that shape who you are. 📚 **Academic Growth:** Dive into subjects that excite you. Seek out challenging courses and connect with professors who can become mentors. 🤝 **Building Connections:** College isn't just about academics. The friendships and professional networks you form are invaluable. 💼 **Pursue Internships:** Gain practical experience and insights into your field. Internships bridge the gap between theory and practice, making you more marketable. 🎓 **Personal Development:** Beyond the classroom, college teaches resilience, time management, and the importance of balance. Join clubs, organizations, or sports teams to foster leadership skills and lifelong friendships. 💬 **Prioritize Self-Care:** Balance is key. Ensure you have time for relaxation, hobbies, and mental health. ✔️ **Stay Curious:** Explore beyond your curriculum. Take up a new language, learn coding, or delve into arts and humanities. 🚀 **Looking Ahead:** As you move forward in your career, carry the lessons learned and the memories made. College is a significant chapter in your life, shaping your future path. Remember, your undergraduate years are a canvas—paint it with vibrant experiences and meaningful connections. 🌟

Last weekend, I visited my Alma Mater, Davidson College - recently ranked top 10 best college in the nation by The Wall Street Journal, Go Cats! As an alumni board volunteer, I had the awesome opportunity to meet with student leaders at the school. My aha? We, as alumni, are seen as beacons and torchbearers! Students seek our experiences so that our paths & accomplishments can serve as inspiration. This means as an alumni community, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to support students in achieving their full potential- woah. During our session, three key themes emerged: - The importance of providing vast visibility into alumni paths toward success. - The need for regional alumni presence during student showcases. - Access to insights on how previous student groups were managed, enabling current students to learn from both successes and challenges. Call to action?! Davidson alumni, get ready to be tapped and asked to plug in! Also, any international students who were able to successfully source internships to remain in the US post-graduation, please DM me. Your guidance is requested! -- Left to right: @Christopher Anosike, Mikayla Bowens, Danielle Dory Hyppolite, Brianna Burton, Rayna McKenzie, Stacy Miruka, Kasha Salia, Chris Burton, D.Min., Jalyssa Hobbs, @Daniel Thomas, Arielle Germeus. Photo taken by Sarah Taylor <3

Young Men of Talent — Ensuring college degrees and workplace readiness for Black and Brown males. After a successful launch in the 2023-24 school year, the Young Men of Talent (YMT) partnership among CFES Brilliant Pathways, the University of Vermont, and community/business leaders is ready to build on its success in the 2024-25 school year. How does it work? YMT assists Black and Latino male students by providing academic, social, and professional networks that provide formal and informal mentoring, advice, and encouragement. Business and education leaders hold regular virtual and in-person meetings with YMT Scholars and help them obtain paid summer internships in their fields of interest. Older students who have recently navigated similar challenges serve as relatable mentors to younger peers. YMT students receive priority registration for college classes and preferential choice in academic advisors. To help them establish connections and build community, students also attend monthly dinners hosted by academic and corporate leaders. While the data is encouraging, it can’t begin to capture the program’s true impact. YMT has not only provided resources and support, but has fostered genuine excitement among participating students. They experienced firsthand that many people in academic and business circles care deeply about their success. See the full report on CFES Brilliant Pathways and the YMT program at https://lnkd.in/e4sv6X5W. Global leader CFES Brilliant Pathways, based in Essex, N.Y., has been helping underserved K-12 students from rural and urban communities become college and career ready for over 33 years. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/d3SRhHc.

The Shared Leadership Network met to explore the topic of Meaningfully Involving Families and Communities. THIS IS WHAT WE LEARNED: Meaningfully involving students, families, and communities goes beyond asking for their opinions. It means intentionally involving them in the design process, actively encouraging families and community organizations to be on campus and involved in student activities, and valuing families as experts in their larger communities. Here are some examples ⬇️ ➡️ Teams devote time and funds for home visits, encouraging parent participation in some projects and internships, allowing students to gain credit while working to better their communities. ➡️ Teams decide to adopt a year-round schedule or adjust daily start and end times to better meet the needs of the students and community. ➡️ Teams advance a bilingual and bicultural program that is different from the district’s standard language immersion. ➡️ Teams decide to use a community schools model to meet the needs of the whole community, including offering medical and dental services, opening their campuses after school hours for activities and adult education, and providing social services connections. Interested in joining the Maricopa County Shared-Leadership Network? Register for free https://lnkd.in/g4fjcBtb #Shared-Leadership #Shared-LeadershipNetwork #Teacher-PoweredSchools #Teacher-Powered

If I was applying to university, here’s what I would tell my 17 year old self 🫶 📖 Research the industry/industries you want to work or study in ~read blogs or watch videos from people who are where you want to be to inspire you 🚵♂️ Apply for a part time role which interests you or see how you can volunteer for something you're passionate about ~you can include things you didn’t think directly relevant including that sponsored walk you did a few years ago!! It all shows commitment ✍ Connect to societies at school which interest you and apply for positions of responsibility ~ Prefect positions or school programmes will emphasise the contributions you’ll make 👩💻 If you're interested in having an impact beyond yourself, start building your personal brand on LinkedIn and connecting to industry professionals ~ this demonstrates interest and initiative and creates other opportunities 👩🎓If you're interested in studying a particular subject, be imaginative about how you can gain exposure to it. ~I joined my local youth council before embarking on an apprenticeship in Central Government which taught me SO much You can show all of this in your applications and know universities & companies are only looking for an indicator of your potential not a perfect version !

Is your child an incoming high school senior? Here's a little guide: 📝 College Applications: Start early! Help your student identify a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Ensure they meet deadlines for applications and have their essays proofread by someone they trust. 📘 Class Selection: Encourage your child to balance their schedule. While it’s important to impress colleges with challenging courses, it’s equally vital they manage their workload to maintain a healthy school-life balance. 🎭 Extracurriculars: Colleges look for consistency and passion. Support your child in continuing to engage in activities that interest them, whether they’re sports, arts, or volunteer work. Leadership roles can be particularly impactful. 💰 Scholarships and Financial Aid: Begin researching scholarship opportunities and understand the FAFSA process. Securing financial aid can greatly influence college choices. 🔭 Career Exploration: Use this year to explore potential career paths. Job shadows, internships, and talks with professionals can provide invaluable insights and guide future decisions. 👩👧👦 Parents, you're not alone in this journey. Let's use our experiences to help each other out. What strategies have worked for you in supporting your high school senior? Share your tips and questions in the comments below! #HighSchoolSenior #CollegeApplications #ParentingTips #ClassOf2025

Calling all incoming High School Juniors! 🎓Junior year is crucial - the time when everything matters more. 📚 Start prepping for your next chapter - COLLEGE. 🎒 Suddenly, college is a reality, and grades/tests are vital. The last 2 months of school might stress you, but staying organized and prepared can make it smooth and stress-free. Here are some tasks you can do to keep on top and stay organized: 1️⃣ Make a list of majors, careers, and schools that interest you 2️⃣ Attend college fairs and open houses 3️⃣ Plan college visits this summer 4️⃣ Sign up for a Test Prep program to increase your test scores 5️⃣ Register for one of our FREE Practice ACT - SATs 6️⃣ Take the ACT or SAT during the summer or register for the fall test 7️⃣ Meet with your school counselor to plan senior year 8️⃣ Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults who would gladly write letters of recommendations 9️⃣ Work with your parents to gather documents for financial aid 🔟Start your summer job or internship 1️⃣1️⃣ Most importantly, enjoy your summer!😀 Parents, if you need a comprehensive College Planning guide, we have a free download on our website -https://lnkd.in/ghUp_aEm