OnTrack Workshop Series

www.ontrackpse.com

As a supplement to the OnTrack E-Learning modules, the Uncommon Individual Foundation is now offering in-person mentoring and workshop facilitation for students and/or parents during or after-school hours. Workshops are offered as individual sessions or in a series, tailored to the needs of the requesting organization. Here is a description of our OnTrack Workshops:

Navigating High School (9th, 10th)

In this workshop, we will discuss the transition from middle school to high school, and how students can navigate high school to be successful.

IN THIS INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP, STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

● Explain the importance of attendance, behavior, and coursework during their high school years

● Summarize what they can expect throughout these next four years of high school

● Prepare for college as freshmen or sophomores in high school

Goal Setting & Planning (All Grades)

In this workshop, students will learn why it is important to set goals and how to create a plan to achieve them.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Recognize the importance of goal setting

● Create SMART goals

● Design a plan for achieving goals

Developing Self-Advocacy (All Grades)

In this workshop, students will learn the importance of advocating for themselves. Additionally, they’ll learn how self-advocacy leads to personal success.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Define the term “self-advocacy”

● Identify different ways to advocate for themselves

● Apply self-advocacy as a skill to facilitate their own success

Using Social Media Well (All Grades)

In this workshop, students will learn how to use social media responsibly; as well as the importance of being mindful of their online activity.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Discuss how social media can be used for harm and for good

● Recognize their role in being responsible and safe users of social media

● Explain how social media use can affect career and college decisions

Post-Secondary Options (9th, 10th, 11th)

In this workshop, students will learn about the different post-secondary options available after high school. They will also learn how each option may better suit students with specific preferences, and the latest statistics about certain pathways.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Identify the options that are available to pursue after successfully completing high school

● Articulate how each post-secondary option fits students with differing wants and needs

● Assess which post-secondary option may be the best choice for them

College and Career Planning

Demystifying College (9th,10th)

In this workshop, we will discuss what going to college means and the basics of going to college.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Communicate the impact and purpose of a post-secondary education

● Express their feelings (good and bad) related to going to college

● Describe the characteristics of colleges in general and college life

Planning to Go to College (9th, 10th)

In this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare for college while in high school.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Evaluate whether they are on track to getting into college or not

● Explain the importance of skill development and extracurriculars in the college application process

● Paraphrase what is needed to apply for college and financial aid

The College Application Process (10th, 11th, 12th)

In this workshop, participants will learn what it takes to actually apply to college, from start to finish.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Explain the process of applying to college-- suggested timelines, types of admissions, components of the application, and what to do after they’ve applied

● Organize what is needed for each college application

● Identify resources and people who can support throughout the process

Essay Writing for College Applications/Scholarships (11th, 12th)

In this workshop, students will learn how to write compelling essays for college admissions and/or scholarships.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Recognize the importance of self-reflection in the writing process

● Explain the differences between a personal statement and a prompted essay

● Write a draft of an essay to gain admission to the school(s) of their choice or to apply for a scholarship

Career Planning (All Grades)

In this workshop, participants will learn how to start planning for their future careers.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Recognize the importance of self-reflection in career planning

● Research careers using resources like MyNextMove and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

● Create an action plan to pursue their desired careers

College Affordability

Scouting for Scholarships (All Grades)

In this workshop, participants will learn why securing scholarships is important and how to apply for them.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Explain the process to look and apply for scholarships

● Identify different resources and strategies for searching and applying for scholarships

● Apply for scholarships

Understanding Financial Aid (All Grades)

In this workshop, participants will gain a general overview of the U.S. financial aid system, and how it works to award students financial aid.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Define “financial aid” and its purpose

● Distinguish between the different types and sources of aid

● Explain the role of the financial aid at office any college/university

Understanding the FAFSA (11th, 12th)

In this workshop, participants will get a high-level overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Identify what the FAFSA is, and its significance in paying for college

● Describe how the FAFSA differs according to each individual’s specific situation

● Explain what is need to complete the FAFSA

Interpreting Your Financial Aid Offer (11th, 12th)

In this workshop, participants will learn how to read their financial aid offers, regardless of the school it comes from.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Interpret a financial aid offer and know what it actually means

● Identify solutions to close the gap if their financial need isn’t met

● Calculate how much they will have to pay out of pocket for college

Borrowing Smart: Student Loans 101 (11th and 12th)

In this workshop, participants will learn about a specific type of financial aid (student loan) and how to borrow smartly.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Define what loans are and the responsibility that comes with borrowing to pay for college

● Identify the different types of federal loans available

● Summarize what happens AFTER they graduate from college and it's time for repayment

Transition to College

What to Expect in College (11th, 12th)

In this workshop, participants will explore how college is different from high school and what to expect academically, socially, and emotionally.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Summarize the academic and social expectations in post-secondary education

● Explain how college differs from high school

● Identify the resources that exist on a college campus to aid in their success

Preparing Financially for College (11th, 12th)

In this workshop, students will begin to think about how they can prepare for college and life after high school, financially.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Identify tactics for saving and budgeting money

● Recall the different ways that one can pay for college

● Create a budget

Transitioning from High School to College (12th)

In this workshop, participants will learn how to smoothly make the transition from being a high school senior to a college freshman.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Decide or confirm their final college choice

● Gather the documents needed for matriculation

● Discuss the changes that may come with transitioning to college and how to navigate them

Mastering the Hidden Curriculum (12th)

In this workshop, participants will unpack the “unwritten rules and unsaid expectations” that exist for college students.

By the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

● Explain the impact and importance of being aware of this “hidden curriculum”

● Recognize why relationships matter and how they relate to college success

● Apply this content to real-life situations that may happen preparing to go, or while in college

For more information or to schedule a workshop contact Shakia Kirksey; OnTrack Assistant Director of College Readiness Programs

Email Shakia Kirksey

All workshops are available for customization according to the wants and/or needs of the requesting organization. Information can be provided as one individual workshop, or as a series of workshops. Other topics not listed can also be covered. If you have a specific topic you would like for us to cover, please let us know.

WWW.ONTRACKPSE.COM

OnTrack is made possible by the Uncommon Individual Foundation. Founded in 1986, by Dr. Richard E. Caruso, the Uncommon Individual Foundation (UIF) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit leader in mentor-based learning. A successful entrepreneur, and former CEO of Integra Life Sciences, Dr. Caruso attributes his entrepreneurial success to the mentors he encountered throughout his life. UIF is his way of ‘mentoring it forward,’ to help individuals and organization succeed through curated connections to mentors.

To learn more: https://www.uif.org

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