Empowering Students through College Transition Plans: Increasing Access to Postsecondary Degree, Credential and Certificate Programs

Abstract

This report explores how college transition plans can support high school students increase their access to postsecondary degree, credential and certificate programs. Some subgroups of students find navigating the college planning and readying processes particularly challenging, including those from low-income backgrounds, in the foster care system, experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and students who will be the first in their family to attend college. Even academically-prepared students may struggle without personalized guidance as they prepare for the transition to life after high school. Educators continue to look for resources that can be integrated into their college preparation programming. We recommend transition plans, which enable educators to guide students in articulating goals, identifying potential challenges, accessing resources and taking consistent steps toward turning their goals into reality. Transition plans allow for tailored strategies that recognize each student's strengths and challenges.