The statistics are staggering when it comes to unemployment rates as compared to educational degree attainment. According to a 2023 report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for those without a high school diploma is cut in half when they earn an associate’s degree. It is also true that the median income for someone with a master’s degree is approximately $700 more per week than someone with a 2-year degree. Earnings per degree completion are practically linear, meaning the more education one has, the greater their power to provide for their family. 

And, yet, despite ESSA state plans, not every student has access to college and career planning in a way that provides them with the information, awareness, and strategies to be successful after high school. High schools that provide opportunities for students to do college and career planning are separating themselves from those who do not because students, particularly marginalized students who do not have access to college and career planning tools, will continue to be met with the same barriers that their parents found when they graduated (or not) from high school. And, the complexity of the educational industrial complex, including institutions of higher education (IHEs), has only become harder to navigate in the last 10 years, not easier, making it more difficult for freshmen to transition than we like to believe.  

For these reasons, and others, college and career planning at the middle and high school levels is an equity strategy. Whether students need access to information that they would not have otherwise uncovered or they simply need to know the kind of standardized test score they need to get into a specific school of their liking, without planning, they are at a deficit to those who have the information, which often comes from generational knowledge rather than their school. When schools take on this responsibility, they are embarking on the necessary equity work that many students need to be able to find success after high school. Five strong reasons for starting or continuing this work emerge.  

College and Career Planning Provides Students with Early Access to Information 

College and career planning is not just about selecting a school or a job; it’s about equipping students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future. This planning process gives students early access to vital information about themselves, potential career paths, educational requirements, and job opportunities. The more information we share with students and help them understand the various factors involved–such as years in school, job outlooks, salary ranges, required skills, workplace environments, and schedules–the more clarity and conviction they will have when they set off on their path. There are innumerable considerations for students to make, and, over time, their interests and desires will change and doors will open and close based on the decisions they make. The aim is to ensure that students are actively thinking about the path they want for themselves and that they understand the steps needed to progress down that path. The earlier they have access to information, the longer they get to contemplate and weigh their options. 

When schools provide ways for students to learn and reflect upon aspects related to future career goals, it creates a cycle where students can discover new interests and eliminate others. Below we share a visual of this cycle where a student can begin this process at any phase. For example, a student might enjoy an experience looking at stars on a camping trip. This leads them to asking questions about space and skies. They begin to picture themselves as an astronaut so they explore this idea by reading books and maybe they even meet an astronaut, giving them an opportunity to ask them questions. 

However, along the way, they learn that the food is not very good and the physical demands are not appealing; this leads the student to consider what other roles they might play, which leads them to the career of an astrophysicist. In this case, the idea of working in a lab and using high power telescopes is appealing, and it sets the student off on another round of the cycle. This process happens repeatedly with some ideas staying for long periods of time and others being quickly discarded. The point is that the earlier the student begins to interface with this type of college and career planning, the more prepared and informed they end up being. This kind of early information also helps students to understand the courses that they need to take in high school for the necessary exposure as well as to build an attractive transcript for when it becomes time to apply for the college major of their choice. 

Why does that matter for equity in schools? 

Not all students have access to information to guide them through the process of college and career planning. In fact, more affluent students tend to have greater access to information than their less affluent peers. When all students have the information they need for college and career planning, and especially when they get access at the early stages of the planning process, schools are able to provide an advantage to marginalized students that they would otherwise receive.  

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College and Career Planning Provides Students with an Opportunity to Map Their Coursework to Their Post-Secondary Goals

Being able to map coursework to post-secondary goals is a critical step for students. For example, a student interested in pursuing engineering needs to take advanced math courses like calculus, while a future medical student must complete chemistry and biology prerequisites. In the most extreme cases, colleges have denied applicants for certain programs because the student did not take the most rigorous course offerings in high school. Consider another example where a student who wanted to attend an elite engineering program is denied because they took an easier physics offering rather than the most challenging one at their high school campus. Yes, admissions committees look at applicants in this level of detail. In fact, sometimes the admissions department has graduate students who sort applications into “yes,” “no,” and “maybe” piles, and the admissions advisors only spend time with the “maybe” piles to make final determinations. 

This means that when students don’t have the right courses on their transcript, they can either be denied for the program for which they’re applying or find themselves unprepared for the academic challenges of their chosen field, potentially derailing their aspirations. In other words, if students don’t map their coursework to their post-secondary goals, those goals may not become a reality. 

Identifying these prerequisite courses early ensures that students are not only meeting graduation requirements but are also building a strong foundation for their future studies. This is especially crucial for students who are pursuing specialized fields, where missing a single course can set them back significantly. For example, in some schools a particular course might only be offered every other year, and if a student misses their chance, they are then left to apply to college without that course on their transcript and without that learning experience under their belt.

However, this is where the role of an informed school leader and skilled school counselor become both challenging and vital. They must provide realistic and candid guidance to students and families, balancing optimism with the practicalities of academic preparation. Open communication can be difficult but also essential to ensuring that students make choices that are aligned with their strengths and long-term career goals. Students should take the most challenging courses that are offered but that they can also do at least moderately well in. 

By integrating college and career planning into the curriculum, schools help students create a personalized academic roadmap that positions them for success. This proactive planning is not just about meeting college admissions requirements; it’s about empowering students to make informed choices that reflect their ambitions and capabilities, ultimately increasing their chances of success in higher education and beyond.

Why does that matter for equity in schools? 

Savvy parents, parents with a college education, and parents who understand the education system in the US all have an advantage in navigating course planning and course selection that marginalized groups don’t have. It’s not until school systems create processes and adopt tools for all students to plan the college and career trajectory that we truly have an equitable system for students. 

College and Career Planning Provides Students with Perspective about SAT/ACT Score Attainment 

Many students wait until it is far too late in the game before they consider if their ACT/SAT scores will open the door to the colleges on their lists. Students need to be informed as they assess which schools they want to attend and whether or not they are on track to earn the scores that will grant them access to those schools. Every year there are seniors who walk into their final months of high school with the notion that they can apply to an elite institution only to find out that their GPA and/or test scores are wholly inadequate. Furthermore, there are students who believe that the “test optional” movement gives them good reason to dismiss the need for a “good score” only to find out that one or more of the colleges they wish to attend are requesting the scores. 

The more information that students have about the average and expected scores that universities are looking for, the more they might pay attention to studying for and reaching for the scores they need. Consider the two sample students below; both students have paths that could potentially change based on the knowledge they have about SAT/ACT score attainment. 

Both students need counseling regarding their potential and future aspirations, but they fall into very different categories of support. Knowing their PSAT scores early in high school as well as having access to data pertaining to the schools of their choice and the expected scores to attend those schools is critical for their understanding of the path they need to take to get there. 

Why does that matter for equity in schools? 

Unfortunately, typically marginalized student groups not only tend to have lower scores than their peers, they’re also less likely to take the tests or have the insight necessary to understand the scores they need to reach their goals. When schools implement early indicators, like PSAT, and have programs and platforms that can inform students about accessible scores at various colleges and universities, they equip all students with the same opportunities to gain perspective. And, this allows counselors to guide students toward the path necessary for success. 

College and Career Planning Provides Students with Resources for Financial Aid and Scholarships 

College and career planning plays a crucial role in equipping students, particularly those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, with essential resources for financial aid and scholarships. Many students and families are unaware of the various opportunities available to offset the cost of higher education. By integrating robust planning programs into school curriculum, educators can increase awareness about financial aid options and scholarships that are tailored to their students' needs, including financial limitations that could otherwise impeded postsecondary goals. This proactive approach not only empowers students to pursue their educational future without financial burden but also fosters a pathway towards economic mobility and long-term financial stability.

To effectively execute this aspect of college and career planning, schools can implement the following strategies:

• Add Sessions/Touchpoints with Families During School-Wide Events:

‍Schools can maximize engagement by scheduling financial aid and scholarship information sessions to coincide with existing school-wide events where families are already present, such as parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, or school performances. This approach ensures that information reaches a broader audience, including those who might not otherwise attend a standalone financial aid workshop. By making financial aid information accessible in a familiar and convenient setting, schools can help families better understand their options and take actionable steps toward securing funding for their students' education.

• Make Experts Accessible:

Navigating the complexities of financial aid applications, particularly the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), can be daunting for students and their families. Schools can enhance their college and career planning programs by inviting college and career readiness experts, such as FAFSA planners, to guide students and parents through the family planning and application process. These experts can provide valuable insights, answer questions, and offer personalized assistance, enabling families in the completion of any necessary forms and meeting important deadlines. By demystifying the financial aid process, schools can empower students to access the resources they need to pursue higher education.

• Create a Newsletter or Resource Hub for Families:

Consistent communication is key to keeping families informed about financial aid opportunities. Schools can develop a dedicated newsletter or an easily accessible online resource hub that provides up-to-date information about scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. This platform can also serve as a space where families can ask questions and receive timely responses from school staff. By offering a centralized source of information, schools can help all families, regardless of their familiarity with the college planning process, with the tools they need to support their students' educational aspirations.

These strategies, when combined with a strong commitment to equity, can make a significant difference in helping all students—regardless of their background—access the financial resources necessary to achieve their post-secondary goals.

Why does that matter for equity in schools? 

Many students and their families do not have adequate access to accurate information and resources that can offset the financial burden of college attainment. Schools that guide students through the steps of financial planning, including information about local and national scholarships that students might not otherwise know about, are making the college and career decision-making process an equitable one. Systems that can provide families with reports about the cost of college, the salary of a career, and the credentials they need to meet their future financial goals are making a difference for students who traditionally do not have this kind of guidance. 

College and Career Planning Provides Students with Information about the Most Viable Jobs of the Future 

In today's rapidly evolving job market, students often lack guidance on the most promising career paths for the future. Educators, counselors, and parents play a pivotal role in helping students navigate these uncertainties by providing insights into emerging job sectors and high-demand professions. For instance, occupations like software development continue to grow exponentially, offering lucrative opportunities for those with a passion for technology. By integrating comprehensive tools for career planning, schools can give students direction about viable job prospects, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational and career pathways. This proactive approach not only aligns student interests with market demands but also prepares them to thrive in tomorrow's workforce.

To further support students in exploring their careers interests, schools can implement the following strategies:

• Use Interest Surveys and Career Assessment Tools:

Interest surveys and career assessment tools are valuable resources that can help students identify careers aligned with their passions, strengths, and values. Schools can regularly administer these surveys to students, starting as early as middle school, to help them explore various career options that match their interests. The results of these assessments can then be used to guide personalized career planning sessions, ensuring that students are aware of job opportunities in growing fields, locally and nationally, including those that they may not have previously considered. 

• Incorporate Data and Trends into Curriculum:

To prepare students for the future job market, schools can integrate labor market data and employment trends into the curriculum. This might involve creating dedicated lessons or workshops that focus on high-growth industries, regional job opportunities, and skills that are in demand. By using up-to-date data, schools can help students and their families make informed decisions about education and career paths that offer long-term stability and growth. Additionally, schools can invite industry professionals to speak about their careers, providing students with real-world insight into the opportunities that are available in their local community and beyond. 

• Develop Partnerships with Local Businesses and Higher Education Institutions:

Schools can expand their college and career planning efforts by forming partnerships with local businesses, trade organizations, and higher education institutions. These partnerships can lead to internship opportunities, job shadowing programs, and dual-enrollment courses that give students hands-on experience in growing fields. Such experiences not only provide students with a clearer understanding of their career options but also help them build valuable skills and connections that will be beneficial as they transition from school to the workforce.

By expanding efforts through the use of interest surveys, labor market data, and community partnerships, schools can more effectively prepare students for the dynamic job market of the future.

Why does that matter for equity in schools? 

Traditionally marginalized communities tend to follow a pattern of selecting lower wage careers, passing on generational poverty rather than solving for it. This doesn’t just happen because of a lack of credentials but also because of limited exposure to more economically advantageous examples. When schools build systems and provide tools that help students gain information and access to people and programs that can show them alternative routes to what they already know, the people in those systems are acting as agents of equity. This type of community advocacy is needed so that students, especially from impoverished backgrounds, can break generational barriers that are often considered inevitable. 

Conclusion 

Implementing programs for college and career planning at the middle and high school levels is an equity strategy, and, as such, it’s important for leaders to ensure that these resources are available to the students and families who need them the most. For many students, just doing well in high school is not going to lead to an economically stable life after graduation. Students need resources, tools, programs, and guidance to make good decisions and set clear and attainable goals. Some students are fortunate to have family backgrounds that will make it possible for them to do successful college and career planning at home, but for the process to be an equitable one for all students, schools and school leaders must step in with the necessary support for each and every student to achieve their postsecondary goals.

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