★ College & Career Resources

Ways to Prepare:
Activities & More

This page is a hub of activities, tools, and resources for the college journey. Students and families can use these together to start preparing for college and career success.

We help every student see a future they can reach.

This page is a hub of activities, resources, and tools to help students and families on the journey toward college and career. Below you’ll find the official ISBE definition of college readiness, hands-on activities you can do at home, digital learning games, and a full library of resources for both high school and middle school students.

What does it mean to be “college ready”?

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Definition of College Ready

A “College Ready” student can be defined as an academically prepared student who is ready for postsecondary education without the need for remedial coursework.

Illinois State Board Of Education Seal

Work-based Learning Manual

ISBE has funded a dedicated college and career pathways coordinator at every Education for Employment system. That way, every region in the state will have additional support to help students access College and Career Pathway Endorsements, dual credit, and work-based learning.

State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala

Weekly Message, July 12, 2022

What We Want You to Know

This is a message for both our students and the families who support them every step of the way.

For Our Students

What we want our students to know

  • You can go to college!
  • You can have an important career!
  • You are smart in your own way!

For Our Parents

What we want our parents to know

  • Your child(ren) can go to college!
  • Your child(ren) can be successful in the career of their choice.
  • You are your child’s best advocate and most important supporter.

PBS Kids College & Career Readiness Resources

These interactive games and videos help students explore careers and start thinking about the future.

Online Game

A Job for Me Game

This online game allows students to explore careers in various fields, throughout the neighborhood in a fun way. This game gets you thinking about the future early. Just click play and choose where to start!

Video Library

A-Z Career Lab

Check out videos on unique and exciting career paths in this online career lab that is available to students and families alike!

Video Series

Above the Noise | College: To Go or Not to Go

In this video series intended for middle and high school audiences, they discuss college, trade school, other pathways to success, the costs associated, and more!

Activities for Students & Families

Try these six fun, low-cost projects at home to build excitement around the college journey.

Choose a special day and encourage your friends to participate…Wear your favorite college gear or the colors of the college of your choice!

Create a story about your future goals on your Vision Board. It is all about you, so tell your story. Have Fun!

*You can use the template from the link below or write your story about your future goals on a sheet of paper.

You can also draw a picture of your future, age appropriate.

We are going to save .01 Cents to 1.00 dollar to start a savings account at home for our future college.

*You can use a Styrofoam cup, plastic cup, or whatever you have in your home to start a savings account/college fund cup for your student.

You can write on a piece of paper, “College Fund” or “Saving Account” and tape it on it.

This will motivate them to start to save their own money.

Represent your future college/university by creating a mask version of their mascot. You can make more than one! This builds pride and anticipation for the college journey. Again, please send us pictures. We’d love to see you or your student rocking the mask with pride!

You can use a paper plate, paper bags, piece of paper, or the template below, and then draw a mascot mask.

Show School Spirit by Creating Your Own College Pennant Using Arts and Crafts!

You can use the template or piece of paper.

Practice applying for the college or university of your choice with this tool for writing information most institutions will want.

Additional Resources

Check out Urbana High School Counseling Department’s resources for College & Career Readiness and other secondary student sources provided below.

High School Students

These resources are designed for students in grades 9 through 12.

Middle School Students

These early awareness materials are made for students in grades 6 through 8.

If you have questions, please reach out.

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