Family Engagement during High School
College and Careers Readiness for Highschoolers
Parental support for college and career readiness during high school is essential because students are making decisions that will shape their future pathways. Parents can help by encouraging goal-setting, exposing their teen to different career and college options, and guiding them through key milestones such as course selection, standardized testing, and applications.
By providing both emotional encouragement and practical resources—like connecting schoolwork to future opportunities—parents reinforce the message that education is a stepping stone toward independence and success. This active involvement helps students feel more confident, informed, and motivated as they prepare for life after graduation.
Weekly Tips for Families
Visit college campuses, attend career fairs, and talk about different career paths to spark your teen’s interests.
Help your teen select challenging courses that align with their goals and encourage them to stay on track with deadlines for tests and applications.
Support part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work that develop responsibility, time management, and career awareness.
KEY RESOURCE
The National PTA’s College Readiness Resources hub offers families comprehensive support to confidently select, prepare for, apply to, enroll in, and succeed in college, including guidance on choosing the right school, financial planning, and navigating admissions challenges
https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/college-and-career-readiness/college-resources
Other Helpful Resources
This official portal provides families with guidance on the Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP), career pathways, multiple postsecondary options—including college, certifications, apprenticeships, military service—and financial aid tools like FAFSA support and the Oklahoma's Promise scholarship.
https://oklahoma.gov/education/services/student-development/college-career-readiness.html
