Eight Components of College & Career Readiness
The Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling chart a comprehensive, systemic approach for school counselors’ use to inspire all students to, and prepare them for, college success and opportunity developed by The National Office for School Counselor Advocacy (NOSCA). The eight components build aspirations and social capital, offer enriching activities, foster rigorous academic preparation, encourage early college planning, and guide students and families through the college admission and financial aid processes. Through implementation, school counselors provide information, tools and perspective to parents, students, schools and their communities that build college and career readiness for all students. To be most effective, school counselors must use data to identify gaps and inequities in achievement, preparation and access, and measure progress toward equitable student outcomes.
COLLEGE ASPIRATIONS
Goal: Build a college-going culture based on early college awareness by nurturing in students the confidence to aspire to college and the resilience to overcome challenges along the way. Maintain high expectations by providing adequate supports, building social capital and conveying the conviction that all students can succeed in college.
ACADEMIC PLANNING FOR COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Goal: Advance students’ planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to their college and career aspirations and goals.
ENRICHMENT & EXTRACURRICULAR ENGAGEMENT
Goal: Ensure equitable exposure to a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that build leadership, nurture talents and interests, and increase engagement with school.
College & Career Exploration & Selection Processes
Goal: Provide early and ongoing exposure to experiences and information necessary to make informed decisions when selecting a college or career that connects to academic preparation and future aspirations.
COLLEGE & CAREER ASSESSMENTS
Goal: Promote preparation, participation and performance in college and career assessments by all students.
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY PLANNING
Goal: Provide students and families with comprehensive information about college costs, options for paying for college, and the financial aid and scholarship processes and eligibility requirements, so they are able to plan for and afford a college education.
COLLEGE & CAREER ADMISSIONS PROCESSES
Goal: Ensure that students and families have an early and ongoing understanding of the college and career application and admission processes so they can find the post-secondary options that are the best fit with their aspirations and interests.
TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TO COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
Goal: Connect students to school and community resources to help the students overcome barriers and ensure the successful transition from high school to college.
Career Readiness
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The career readiness of college graduates is an important issue in higher education, in the labor market, and in the public arena. Yet, up until now, "career readiness" has been undefined, making it difficult for leaders in higher education, workforce development, and public policy to work together effectively to ensure the career readiness of today's graduates.
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CAREER READINESS IS THE ATTAINMENT AND DEMONSTRATION OF REQUISITE COMPETENCIES THAT BROADLY PREPARE COLLEGE GRADUATES FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO THE WORKPLACE.
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These competencies are:
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Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
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Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
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Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict.
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Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
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Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
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Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
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Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
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Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand in