Helping your child prepare for postsecondary opportunities starts early. By introducing age-appropriate college and career information at the elementary school level, you can broaden their horizons and expand the possibilities that lie ahead.
Why Start Early?
- Mindset: Early exposure to postsecondary education helps children develop a mindset of curiosity, exploration, and goal setting.
- Academic Effort: Learning about college and careers can help children understand that their current academic efforts will help them achieve future goals.
Academic and Career Plan Portfolios (ACPP):
- Introduction: ACPPs are tools that help families prepare for the future by discussing education, financial planning, and available resources.
- Access: Check with your school counselor for access to your child’s ACPP.
- Review and Update: These portfolios are regularly reviewed and updated by students, educators, and parents/guardians. They serve as a basis for ongoing discussions about academic progress, career exploration, and future planning.
Benefits of ACPPs:
- Self-Reflection and Goal Setting: They foster self-reflection, goal setting, and thoughtful decision-making.
- Career Path Exploration: They help students explore potential career paths and take active steps toward future success.
By providing your child with early exposure to careers and postsecondary opportunities, you empower them to dream, plan, and work toward a bright future. With the right support and information, they can start their educational journey with enthusiasm and confidence. For more information on Academic and Career Plan Portfolios, please visit the Virginia Department of Education’s webpage on Academic and Career Plans.