"College isn't for me." How do we best support this group of students?

Supporting All Students and Diverse Paths: A Guide for Counselors on Professional Pathways

Legacy college counseling and navigation platforms do exactly that, navigate college. By definition, they leave behind the half of students who don’t go to college. We believe that all students deserve high-quality next steps after graduation that lead to meaningful work and thriving wages.

In counseling, we often encounter students who express disinterest in pursuing a traditional college education. Counselors must explore the 'why' behind this sentiment. This blog post aims to guide how to support students in exploring quality college programs and valuable professional pathways.

A recent study by ASA and Jobs for the Future found that 2 in 3 (62%) of high school students said they wanted more information about professional pathways, and that 9 in 10 students in professional pathways were satisfied with their choice (Success Redefined, 2023).

Understanding the 'Why'

The first step is to understand the reasons behind a student's reluctance towards college. It might be due to financial constraints, lack of information, intimidation by the application process, or simply a preference for a different career path. Active listening and open-ended questions are key in this exploration. We believe that every student needs to know that there is a quality college program available to them if they choose, and that there are great professional pathways if that is their preference. 

Ensuring Informed Decisions

1. Address Perceived Barriers: If the reluctance is due to perceived barriers like cost or academic readiness, provide information on scholarships, financial aid, and preparatory programs.

2. Explore Recommended Programs: Explore with students their Willow-recommended programs that offer practical, hands-on experience and can lead to fulfilling careers. Many of these pathways include stackable credits, allowing for future educational advancement.

Professional Programs: Quality Alternatives to College.

Professional pathways are increasingly recognized for their value in providing specialized skills and immediate job opportunities. However, unlike bachelor's degrees, where roughly ~70% provide a positive ROI, only about half of certificate programs will offer a positive ROI.

Explain options such as:

• Technical and Vocational Training: Programs in fields like healthcare, IT, or trades.

• Apprenticeships: On-the-job training in areas like electrician work or culinary arts.

• Certificates and Short Courses: Focused learning opportunities in specific skill areas.

• Earn and Learn Jobs: Did you know that some of the world’s best companies, such as Amazon, JP Morgan, Accenture, and Starbucks, will pay for their employees to pursue a college degree or credential? We’ve built a tool to help your students: FreeCollege.jobs  

The Value of Stackable Credits

Explain the concept of stackable credits, which can be a game-changer for students. These credits can be accumulated over time and applied towards a degree if they pursue a college education later.

Facilitation Guide for Counselors

1. Connect: Create a non-judgmental space for students to express their thoughts about post-secondary education. Connect to their personal “why” for making a quality next step.

2. Resource Sharing: Provide resources on both college programs and professional pathways, ensuring students have access to comprehensive information.

3. Career Exploration: Facilitate sessions where students can explore various career options, including guest speakers from different fields. Explore the Willow personality profile and recommended careers and courses. We love the saying, 'You can't be what you can't see.' Help your students see more.

4. Follow-Up Support: Regularly check in with students to discuss their thoughts, provide additional information, and answer any questions.

Conclusion

Every student’s journey is unique, and as counselors, our role is to support and guide them toward a quality path that aligns with their interests and goals. Whether it leads to a college campus or a professional pathway, what matters most is that the decision is well-informed, reflective of the student’s aspirations and abilities, and a quality next step.