Graduation Matters Montana Tools and Examples

 

Montana College and Career Readiness

Welcome to the Graduation Matters Montana College and Career Readiness Resource page! Superintendent Juneau launched the Graduation Matters Montana initiative in the spring of 2010 with the goal of increasing the number of Montana students who graduate from high school ready for college and career. The resources below will help you access the wide range of opportunities and programs that can help you achieve your college and career goals.

 

On your way!

• As you consider your college and career dreams, there are some steps that will help you succeed. It is important to develop social and academic support systems. Check in with your academic advisor about resources that will help you meet the expectations of your college or career program. Studies have shown that students who participate in social activities are more successful in their academic goals. Take time to meet other students in a club or at other activities.

College readiness

• College Application Week
•  During this week, many two and four year colleges across Montana defer or waive their application fees to encourage students to apply to their programs. Schools and community organizations throughout the state can help high school seniors complete a college application. College Application Week takes place in early November and you can find more information about it below.
• ACT
• The ACT is a national college admissions test.  Every public high school junior in Montana can take the ACT at no cost to them or their families. This opportunity is offered once a year in April and students take the ACT at school during the school day. The links below will help you understand what the ACT is and how to prepare for it. Free study assistance is also offered through some of the resources below. http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/

Scholarship opportunities

• Don’t count yourself out! Scholarships are awarded to a wide range of students from a variety of organizations. Your grades, activities, and life experiences can make you a successful applicant. If you do not apply, you are 100% guaranteed not to receive financial assistance!
• Applying for scholarships is an important part of the college and career process because scholarships can help with the cost of books, tuition, housing, and other related expenses. Check with your high school counselor or even the regional Student Assistance Foundation Outreach Representative.  Below are a list of organizations and scholarship opportunities that will help your college and career dreams become more affordable.

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA

Every student should complete the FAFSA. This form can help your college and career dreams become a reality. The FAFSA allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine what type of

• federal aid a student is eligible for. Below are a list of resources to help you understand what the FAFSA means and how to complete it.

Career pathways

• Career and technical education
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for a wide range of career and college opportunities. CTE classes are a great way to obtain career readiness skills that will make you more employable. The variety of classes offered depends on the course offering at your school. In CTE courses, students gain the education and career skills they need for today’s workforce.
• Apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship is the oldest known form of skills training. It’s all about a seasoned, skilled worker teaching the skills of their craft to workers new to the trade or craft. Registered apprenticeship training includes both supervised on-the-job training through real work experience and related technical instruction in the classroom. The Montana Apprenticeship Program hopes to raise your awareness of apprenticeship and all the doors it can open for your future. Whether you are interested in becoming a meat cutter or a child care development specialist, an electrician or a heavy equipment operator, there is a career path for nearly everyone with hundreds of apprentice-able occupations

Get a jumpstart in high school

Preparing for your future doesn’t begin in college or a career training program anymore. Begin planning in high school! There are several resources and opportunities that Montana students can take advantage to get a jumpstart on your college and career goals.
Advanced Placement classes

• AP classes are high school courses that are roughly equivalent to undergraduate college courses. The courses are taught by a College Board certified teacher. Students scoring a 3 or better on the AP exam can receive college credit for the course. All of the two and four year MUS colleges accept AP scores of 3 or above for college credit, depending on the course and academic program.  Ask your high school counselor if your school offers AP classes.
• Dual credit classes
  • Dual credit classes are college classes taught at the high school, online, or college campus in which a student receives high school credit and college credit.  The students are enrolled in a college level course and complete all college level assignments and tests.  At the end of the course, the student receives a grade on a college transcript and the high school transcript. To find out if you have dual enrollment opportunities at your high school, contact your school counselor.
• HiSET (formally the GED)
  • The HiSET is a national high school equivalency test available to adults (16 years and older) no longer enrolled in high school. Upon successful completion of the HiSET, adults earn the Montana High School Equivalency Diploma. The Montana High School Equivalency Diploma opens doors to college, employment training programs, and career advancement. The test can be taken at one of twenty-four Montana HiSET test centers.
•  HERE is the link to HiSET information.  Click now for the opportunity to start on a journey to career or college success. http://hiset.ets.org/

Establish friend, family and community support

School staff, family members and friends often forget how stressful the transition out of high school can be. They focus on all the tasks and the deadlines you have to meet. Remind the people in your life that you are going through a big change. Don’t be afraid to talk about the concerns you have about going to your career or college program. It is good to ask a teacher, parent, guardian, friend or school counselor to take the time to talk with you. 

Attendance Matters

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Videos

"Attendance Matters. Graduation Matters." -- Denise Juneau's back to school PSA

 

 

 

 

Radio PSAs

Graduation Matters Montana Summer Summit

Helpful Links

Grant Opportunities