Students and Families

• EXPLORE career and education options. There are hundreds of different careers in the world; some that you have heard of and many that you don’t even know exist. ASPIRE helps you to explore careers and gather information about training and education beyond high school; including college, community college, apprenticeships, or technical/vocational programs.
• PLAN AHEAD to keep your options open for the future. What can you be doing now to prepare for your next step after high school? Learn how to choose classes to take while in school, recommend extracurricular activities, and how to prepare for and take the appropriate standardized tests.
• FIND the right educational opportunity and fit. Get help with the steps of searching for, applying to, and selecting the college or vocational program that best meets your needs.
• FUND your education. What help is available for paying for postsecondary education? Financial aid is any type of assistance used to pay educational costs. Types of assistance include grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study. Better understand these financial aid options and search and apply for scholarships.

The ASPIRE program trains mentors from your community and school/site to help you think about your career and college goals. Mentors can help you have a successful transition into your preferred field.

Connect with the ASPIRE Coordinator in your school/community and get connected with a mentor. As you build this relationship there are several important things to consider and be aware of:

1. Communication: It is very important that you let your mentor know what your interests and goals are. It’s ok if you are unsure about what you want to do, your mentor is here to help. By talking about your interests and ideas, your mentor will help you decide on a plan of action for your future. Don’t be afraid of having BIG dreams! Anything is in your reach if you are willing to work hard and ask for help when you need it!
2. Confidentiality: As a student in the ASPIRE program, you can expect your mentor to keep your conversations private. Mentors are here to help and will not divulge information that is confidential. However, an exception will be made if you talk about or plan to harm yourself or others. In this circumstance, the mentor is required to tell a school counselor.
3. Student Responsibilities: The most important responsibility you have is to keep your appointments. If there is a reason you cannot meet your mentor at the appointed time, it is your responsibility to:
   
   • Contact your mentor and explain that you cannot make the appointment.
   • Schedule a new appointment. If you miss your appointments without notifying your mentor, then your mentor may be re-assigned to a different student.
   • Students involved in ASPIRE can expect to be better prepared to enter college, the military, or trade school. However, the benefits you receive are directly related to the work that you put in.
4. Show your mentor you appreciate them: You can do simple things to express your gratitude for your mentor’s hard work and dedication. Here are a few easy ways to show appreciation.
   • Say “thank you.” As simple as it is, saying thank you is the easiest way to show appreciation for the help and encouragement they are giving you.
   • Keep your scheduled appointments. Your mentor is a volunteer whose time is valuable. By being on time to every meeting, you show your respect for your mentor's efforts.
   • Write a thank you note. Let your mentor know about how he or she has helped you to plan your future after high school.

Getting ready for your future begins now. ASPIRE provides an overview and steps you can take at each grade-level as you plan for your future:

• • College Bound: 9th Grade Checklist
  • College Bound: 10th Grade Checklist
  • College Bound: 11th Grade Checklist
  • College Bound: 12th Grade Checklist

• Lack of money will not keep you from attending college. You may have to work a little harder to make ends meet and find extra financial aid.
• Financial aid can help make higher education affordable. It is important to apply for multiple scholarships (first focus on institutional, local, and regional scholarships) and always apply to an Oregon community college and the Oregon Promise Grant to keep your options open. Lack of money should not keep you from attending college, but it will make it more difficult with your budget. In addition, you may want to consider other practical ideas to help make college affordable: Making College Affordable
• Time Management is as important as managing your money. Use spare moments, try not to over-commit yourself, and find a healthy balance between your studies and social life.
• It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do. Attending community college or university gives you the opportunity to explore different subjects to help narrow your interests the first two years of college. Take courses during these first two years that meet your general education requirements, and use electives to explore courses and classes of interest.  
• In life, there will be teachers, professors, and employers that are difficult. However, learning how to interact with difficult people or individuals you may not like, is essential to become successful. Embracing diversity encourages us to learn from each other, grow, and become better communicators. 
• Sometimes who you know is more important than what you know. Get to know the people in your school, college/university, and workplace. Connections and networking give you more opportunities!
• Remember that community service/volunteering and job shadow opportunities can help you find your career interest areas in addition to strengthening your resume.
• As you take steps toward your future, it's important to remember that you can change your mind and direction.
• Think outside the box. A little imagination can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals and have a happy, successful life.