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College and Career Readiness

Introduction

College and career readiness programs can provide successful transitions between high school and college or work by helping students gain the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed for their postsecondary success. The four chapters in this section describe ways you can integrate college and career readiness into your out-of-school time program through activities, partnerships and family involvement.

Implementation Strategies

Find strategies to move college and career readiness into practice, including setting goals and keeping projects focused on student needs.

Coaching My Staff

Plan staff training to develop the skills to integrate college and career readiness elements into your out-of-school time programs.

Tools

Find customizable tools that can assist you in planning, implementing and assessing your projects.

My Notebook

College and Career Readiness

The Notebook is a useful way to jot down notes as you go through the various topics available on the You For Youth website. If you'd like to use the notebook, please sign in if you already have an account or register now to join the Y4Y community!

Glossary

College and Career Readiness

A standardized test designed to measure the ability of a person to develop skills or acquire knowledge.  Examples include the SAT college entrance exam and the ACT National Test.
A coherent, articulated sequence of rigorous academic and career/technical courses, commencing in the ninth grade and leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate degree and beyond, an industry recognized certificate, and/or licensure.  [from National Career Pathways Network]
According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (2010), career readiness involves three major skill areas: core academic skills–the ability to apply those skills to concrete situations in the workplace and in daily life, employability skills such as critical thinking and responsibility that are essential in any career area, and technical, job-specific skills related to a particular pathway.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should gain throughout their K-12 education in order to graduate high school prepared to succeed in entry-level careers, introductory academic college courses, and workforce training programs.
Being prepared for any postsecondary education or training experience, including studying at two and four-year institutions leading to a credential (e.g., a certificate, license, or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree). A college ready high school graduate has the English and Mathematics knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without the need for remedial coursework.
An approach for integrating 21st century skills and an innovator’s mindset into the classroom, school and workplace. The design process is taught through problem scenarios called design challenges.  Through these design challenges, students develop creative confidence, critical thinking skills, and the ability to collaborate and communicate as a team.
Validated indicators of accomplishment, skill, quality or interest that can be earned in various learning environments. Some digital badge platforms allow organizations to create, issue, earn and display digital badges on members’ websites, social media pages, and resumes.
Registration as a student at an educational institution such as a college or university.  Enrolled students may take classes for a limited number of credits each semester at the college or university but are not officially registered in a degree program at this time and financial aid is not available to them.  Enrolled students can earn more credits for a degree through matriculation at the college or university.
The capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit.
Students who are in the first generation of their families to go to college and thus may face specific challenges in applying and being prepared for postsecondary education.  First-generation students can come from low income families or from middle- or high-income families without a college-going tradition.  Some students may come from families who speak languages other than English at home or from cultures outside the United States with different education systems. [from College Board]
Include both cognitive skills such as reading for information, applied mathematics, locating information, problem solving, and critical thinking and noncognitive skills, which are defined as attitudes, personal characteristics and behavioral skills such as flexibility, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation.
Used in schools throughout California, this approach helps students build a strong foundation for success in college and career—and life. Combines rigorous academics, demanding technical education, personalized student supports and real-world experience. It is delivered within career pathways, which are organized around 21st century themes such as digital media arts, engineering, green energy, health sciences and law and justice.
Community-operated workspaces (e.g. libraries) that provide technology, manufacturing equipment and educational opportunities to the public.  People with common interests can meet, socialize and collaborate using such resources as 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more.

Registration as a student candidate in a degree program at an educational institution such as a college or university. Matriculated students have applied and have been accepted into a specific degree program, may quality for financial aid and may earn credits to graduate with a degree from the college or university.

Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.  Students have this quality or demonstrate this behavior to reach a desired goal such as college success or graduation. 
Encompasses educational certificates, and degrees received at institutions of higher education, university extension programs or nondegree granting postsecondary institutions like area career and technical education schools. It may also include licenses typically granted by a government agency or certifications in cooperation with a business, trade association or other industry group.
A student-directed learning strategy by which young learners explore  topics of high interest to them through in-depth learning experiences lasting more than 3 days.