College Path Navigator Lesson Plan College Path Navigator
Post-Secondary Enrollment Workshop
Lesson Plan
Tier 2 Intervention
Time
40 Minutes
Audience
Junior/Senior Students
Objective
Identify key steps in the enrollment process for college or technical programs.
The "Why"
Navigating post-secondary enrollment can be overwhelming. This lesson breaks down the complex process into clear, manageable steps, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to proactively engage with their educational goals in a supportive environment.
Preparation Checklist
Review Materials: Lesson Plan, Slides, Script, Activity Sheets, Reading Packet, Vocabulary, and Rubric.Print: Enrollment Roadmap Activity, Reading Packet, and Vocabulary worksheet (one per student).Tech Setup: Ensure projector is ready for the College Path Navigator Slides.Room Config: Arrange seating in a U-shape or small group clusters to facilitate discussion.
Instructional Flow
Time Activity Teacher Actions & Notes 5 min Warm-Up: Future Me Use visual prompts to activate prior knowledge. Read aloud the visualization prompts. Emphasize that there are no wrong answers. 5 min Intro & Overview Use Slides. Introduce objectives using simplified, encouraging language. Frame the enrollment process as a journey. 5 min Vocab Frontloading Distribute Vocab worksheet. Briefly review terms like "Grant" vs "Loan." Encourage students to circle unfamiliar words. 5 min Exploring the Path Walk through the 5 steps using Reading Packet and Slides. Break complex ideas into chunks (Step 1-5). Pause for questions. 10 min Roadmap Activity Students map out the process. Circulate and support. Offer a 30-second mental break halfway through for focus. 5 min Group Discussion Use Discussion Prompts. Validate all responses. Ensure a low-pressure environment for sharing surprising facts. 5 min Cool-Down "One Big Step" reflection. Have students identify a concrete next step (e.g., "Talk to my counselor").
College Path Navigator Slides College Path Navigator
Welcome, Future Leaders!
Warm-Up: Future Me!
Imagine your life after high school.
What do you see yourself doing?
Where do you see yourself learning or working?
The Clear Path Ahead
Today, we'll learn about the steps to get into college, university, or a training program.
"It might seem like a lot, but we'll break it down together!"
Step 1: Discover Your Options!
What kind of job do you want?
Colleges: 2-year or 4-year degrees
Universities: Larger, more programs
Technical Schools: Specific job training
What to Look For?
Programs
Do they have what you want to learn?
Location
Close to home? Far away?
Cost
How much does it cost? (Help is available!)
Requirements
What do you need to get in?
Step 2: Time to Apply!
This is where you tell them about yourself!
Application Form
Transcripts
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
Step 3: Finding Money for School
Grants & Scholarships
Money you DO NOT pay back!
Loans
Money you pay back later (usually after school).
The FAFSA
The FAFSA is a special form that helps you get federal financial aid.
You are not alone!
Counselors and teachers can help you fill this out.
Step 4: Hear Back & Decide!
Acceptance Letter
You're In!
Financial Aid Package
The Offer
Compare offers and choose the best fit for YOU!
Step 5: Final Steps!
1
Commit to your school
2
Go to Orientation
3
Register for Classes
You've got this!
Your Enrollment Roadmap
Time to organize! This will be your personal guide to your future goals.
Let's Talk About It!
What part of the process seems most interesting or confusing?
College Path Navigator Script College Path Navigator Script
Teacher's Instructional Guide & Verbal Cues
Introduction & Hook
"Good morning/afternoon everyone! I'm really excited to talk about something super important today: your future after high school. We're going to make sure you know what to expect, and that it doesn't feel overwhelming. Today, we're going to explore the exciting journey of finding your path after high school, whether that's college, a university, or a training program. No pressure, just exploring! This isn't just theory; this is about your next big step and how we'll make it easier today by breaking it all down together. So, let's dive in!"
Warm-Up: Future Me (5 minutes)
Prompt 1: "To get us started, let's do a quick warm-up called Warm-Up: Future Me. I want you to close your eyes for a moment, or just look up at the ceiling, and imagine your life a few years from now. No need to share out loud yet, just think." [Pause 15 seconds]
Prompt 2: "What do you see yourself doing? What kind of work are you doing? Where are you living? What are you learning? Who are you with?" [Pause 30 seconds]
Prompt 3: "Now, open your eyes. Think about one word or a short phrase that describes what you just imagined. We're going to go around and share just that one word or phrase. For example, I might say, 'Traveling the world.' What comes to mind for you?"
Vocabulary Frontloading (5 minutes)
"Before we dive deeper, I'm going to hand out this College Path Vocabulary worksheet. It has some important words we'll be using today. I'll read out each term and its definition. If you already know it, great! If it's new, or a bit confusing, feel free to highlight or circle it. Knowing these words now will make the rest of the lesson much clearer and easier for you to understand."
Support strategy: Emphasize "Grant" (Free money) vs "Loan" (Pay back) as these are common points of confusion.
Exploring the Path (Reading & Slides)
Step 1: Discover
"First up is to Discover Your Options! This is all about finding out what kinds of places you can go to learn. We have Colleges, Universities, and Technical Schools. Think about programs, location, and cost. Does anyone have a quick question about what to look for?"
Step 2: Apply
"Next, it's Time to Apply! This is where you tell them about yourself. It's like telling your story through forms, grades, and maybe a personal essay. We can help you with all of this."
Step 3: Money (The FAFSA)
"Then, we have Finding Money for School, also called Financial Aid. This includes Grants and Scholarships. The key takeaway here is:
Warm Up Future Me Activity Warm-Up: Future Me
Thinking about what comes next...
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Visualization
Close your eyes or look up for a moment and imagine your life a few years after high school. Don't overthink it, just let your mind wander.
What are you doing?
Where are you living?
Who are you with?
What makes you happy?
Your Future Vision
In one word or a short phrase, what is something you saw yourself doing or being in the future?
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
College Path Reading Packet College Path Reading Packet
Your Future Journey
Thinking about what you want to do after high school is exciting! This packet will help you understand the main steps to get into a college, university, or a special training program. We'll break it down together!
1
Discover Your Options!
This is like looking at a menu to see all the delicious choices! You need to figure out what kind of learning or training is right for you .
Colleges: Often offer 2-year programs (Associate's Degree) or 4-year programs (Bachelor's Degree). Smaller community feel.
Universities: Often larger schools with 4-year degrees and many different majors.
Technical Training Institutions: Focused on specific skills for a job, like welding, culinary arts, or HVAC technician. Hands-on training!
2
Time to Apply!
Once you find a few places you like, it's time to tell them you're interested! This is called applying.
Application Form: Basic info like name and major.High School Transcript: An official record of your grades and classes.Essays: A chance to share your personality. We can help you brainstorm these!Letters of Recommendation: Written by teachers who know you well.
3
Finding Money for School
Paying for school can seem like a lot, but there are many ways to get help called Financial Aid .
Grants & Scholarships
Money for school that you do NOT have to pay back! Given for financial need, good grades, or special talents.
Loans
Money you borrow. You DO have to pay it back later, usually after you finish your studies.
The FAFSA Form
A very important form. It helps figure out how much aid you can get. Counselors and teachers will help you fill this out!
4
Hear Back & Decide!
You'll receive an Acceptance Letter and a Financial Aid Package . Compare them to see which is the best fit for YOU!
5
Final Steps to Enrollment!
Commit: Officially tell the school you are coming.Orientation: Visit the campus and meet other new students.Register: Pick out your first semester of classes with an advisor.
College Path Vocabulary Worksheet College Path Vocabulary
Name: __________________________
Post-Secondary Education
Any education or training you receive after high school.
College
Offers 2-year (Associate's) or 4-year (Bachelor's) degrees. Usually smaller than universities.
Technical Training Institution
A school that focuses on specific skills for a job (trade school).
Enrollment Process
The series of steps you take to officially join a program.
Transcript
An official record of your grades and courses taken in high school.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter written by a mentor speaking to your character and skills.
Financial Aid
Money provided to students to help pay for their education.
Grant
Money you DO NOT have to pay back. Usually based on financial need.
Scholarship
Money you DO NOT have to pay back. Based on grades, talents, or backgrounds.
Loan
Money borrowed that MUST be paid back over time, usually with interest.
FAFSA
A government form used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Orientation
A program for new students to introduce them to the school and campus.
Register for Classes
The process of officially signing up for your courses each semester.
Instructions:
Refer to this sheet during the lesson. Circle any words that are still confusing so we can talk about them more!
Enrollment Roadmap Activity Worksheet Enrollment Roadmap
Chart Your Course
Student Record
NAME: _____________________
DATE: ______________________
Mission Strategy:
List the 5 main steps of the enrollment process. For each step, write a short description in your own words. Bonus: Draw a small symbol next to the step name to help you remember it!
1
STEP: __________________________________
Symbol
Description:
2
STEP: __________________________________
Symbol
Description:
3
STEP: __________________________________
Symbol
Description:
4
STEP: __________________________________
Symbol
Description:
5
STEP: __________________________________
Symbol
Description:
My Roadmap is Complete!
I can use this guide to help me plan my future journey.
Enrollment Roadmap Rubric Enrollment Roadmap Rubric
Assessment of understanding for post-secondary planning.
Student: __________________________
Score: ________ / 16
Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Good 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Identification of Steps All 5 main steps are clearly identified and listed. 4 of the 5 main steps are identified and listed. 2-3 of the main steps are identified and listed. 0-1 of the main steps are identified and listed. Description of Steps Each step has a clear, accurate, and concise description in own words. Most steps have accurate descriptions with minor errors. Descriptions are partially accurate or lack clarity. Descriptions are missing or largely inaccurate. Organization & Clarity Well-organized, easy to follow, uses clear language. Symbols used. Generally organized and easy to follow; language is mostly clear. Shows some organization, but clarity could be improved. Unorganized and difficult to understand. Effort & Completion Activity is complete and demonstrates significant effort. Activity is mostly complete and shows good effort. Somewhat complete and shows some effort. Incomplete and shows minimal effort.
Feedback & Notes
Navigator Assessment Complete
College Path Navigator © 2026
Post-Secondary Discussion Prompts Post-Secondary Discussion
"No right or wrong answers, just your thoughts."
Let's Chat!
This is a safe space to share what you've learned and what you're still curious about. Your questions might help someone else in the group!
1
What was one part of the enrollment process that you found most interesting today? Why?
2
Was there anything we talked about today that surprised you? Or something you didn't know before?
3
What is one question you still have about applying to schools or training programs?
4
Between colleges, universities, and technical schools, which type are you most curious about right now? Why?
One Big Step Cool Down Activity Cool-Down: One Big Step
Finding your personal momentum.
Name: __________________________
Your Next Move
Reflect on what you learned today. What is ONE big step, even a small one, you feel ready to take towards your future goals?
I feel ready to... 🚶♂️
This is your personal commitment to your future.
Research
Talk
Reflect
Connecticut College Readiness Standards Document Connecticut Career & College Readiness Standards
Aligned to Grades 11-12 Intervention
English Language Arts (ELA)
RI.11-12.1 (Informational Text)
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
W.11-12.2 (Informative Writing)
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.
SL.11-12.1 (Speaking & Listening)
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners.
Career Development Standards
Self-Exploration: Analyze personal interests and skills to explore post-secondary options.Goal Setting: Develop realistic and achievable academic goals and action steps.Resource Utilization: Identify and use resources to research financial aid and enrollment requirements.Financial Literacy: Comprehend various financial aid options (grants, scholarships, loans).
Reference Document for Educators College Path Navigator Intervention
