College Path Navigator Lesson Plan College Path Navigator
Tier 2 Small Group Lesson Plan
Duration: 40 Minutes
Grade 11-12
Why This Lesson?
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.
Objective
Students will identify and understand the key steps involved in the college, university, or technical training institution enrollment process, including research, application, and financial aid.
Audience
Junior/Senior High School Students (Tier 2 Small Group)
Approach
Interactive presentation, guided discussion, and a hands-on activity with simplified language.
Preparation Checklist
Review all generated materials (Slides, Script, Activity, etc.).
Print Roadmap Activity, Reading Packet, and Vocabulary sheet (one per student).
Ensure projector/screen is set up for the slide deck.
Gather pens, pencils, and optional markers/colored pencils.
Arrange room in a U-shape or small group table for focus.
Instructional Sequence
5 mins
Warm-Up: Future Me
Activate prior knowledge and engage aspirations.
Open with the "Future Me" prompts to spark imagination.
Follow the script for guided visualization.
5 mins
Introduction & Overview
Use slides to introduce objectives and importance of enrollment.
Keep language simplified and encouraging. Outline the 5 key steps.
5 mins
Vocabulary Frontloading
Distribute Vocabulary worksheet; review key terms.
Students highlight unfamiliar terms. Emphasize it as a reference tool.
5 mins
Exploring the Path: Reading and Slides
Walk through slides while referencing the Reading Packet.
Pause for processing and connection to vocabulary. Chunk complex ideas.
10 mins
Hands-On: Enrollment Roadmap Activity
Students map out enrollment steps individually or in pairs.
Circulate to offer support; suggest a brief mental break halfway through.
5 mins
Group Discussion & Sharing
Facilitate chat using Discussion Prompts.
Identify surprises or remaining questions. Validate all responses.
5 mins
Cool-Down: One Big Step
Students identify one actionable next step for their future.
College Path Navigator Slides Your Future Starts Now
Welcome, Future Leaders!
Today, we're talking about YOUR future!
Activity
Warm-Up: Future Me!
Imagine your life after high school.
What do you see yourself doing?
Where do you see yourself learning or working?
Your Future: 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 do you want to study? What kind of job do you want?
Colleges
2-year or 4-year degrees
Universities
Larger schools, many degree levels
Technical Schools
Specific job training (e.g., Chef, HVAC)
What to Look For?
Programs
Do they have what you want to learn?
Location
Close to home or far away?
Cost
How much is it? (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 Rec
Step 3
Finding Money for School
Grants
Free money!
Scholarships
For talents/grades!
Loans
Borrowed money.
THE FAFSA
The FAFSA is a special form that helps you get federal financial aid.
Your counselors and I can help you fill this out when the time comes!
Step 4
Hear Back & Decide!
Acceptance Letter
Financial Aid Package
Compare your offers and choose the best fit for YOU !
Step 5
Final Steps!
Commit: Let the school know you're coming!Orientation: Visit and learn the ropes.
College Path Navigator Script College Path Navigator
Instructional Script
SESSION LENGTH
40 Minutes
Opening Script
"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!"
5 Min
Warm-Up: Future Me
Instructions
Read aloud while students follow along or listen.
"To get us started, let's do a quick warm-up called 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]
"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]
"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?"
5 Min
Introduction & Overview
Slide: Your Future: The Clear Path Ahead
"Great job sharing your visions! Today, our big goal is for you to understand the steps it takes to enroll in a college, university, or a technical training program. Why is this important? Because knowing the steps helps us feel more in control and less stressed about the future. It helps us reach those 'Future Me' dreams!"
"It might seem like a lot right now, but we are going to break it down into smaller, easy-to-understand parts. Think of it like building with LEGOs – one brick at a time, and soon you have something amazing!"
5 Min
Vocabulary Frontloading
[Distribute College Path Vocabulary Worksheet]
"Before we dive deeper, I'm going to hand out this 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."
5 Min
Exploring the Path: Reading and Slides
Warm Up Future Me Activity Warm-Up: Future Me
Visualization Activity
Name
Date
Instructions
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?
Work or learning?
What makes you happy?
Your Turn:
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." — Eleanor Roosevelt
Cool Down One Big Step Activity Cool-Down: One Big Step
Final Reflection
Name
Date
Reflect
Take a moment to think about everything we discussed today regarding exploring options for after high school. Reflect on what you learned and how it connects to your own future.
Your Turn:
What is ONE big step , even a small one, you feel ready to take towards your future goals after high school?
This could be something you want to research, someone you want to talk to, or just a new idea you want to think about more.
You've Got This!
Enrollment Roadmap Activity Enrollment Roadmap
Post-Secondary Navigation Activity
Name:
Date:
Goal: Organize and remember the steps for enrolling in a college, university, or technical institution.
List the main steps discussed today.
Write a brief description in your own words.
(Optional) Draw a small picture or symbol next to each step!
1 Step Name:
Icon/Symbol
Description:
2 Step Name:
Icon/Symbol
Description:
3 Step Name:
Icon/Symbol
Description:
4 Step Name:
Icon/Symbol
Description:
5 Step Name:
Icon/Symbol
Description:
Enrollment Roadmap Rubric Enrollment Roadmap Rubric
Student Assessment & Feedback Guide
This rubric assesses the Enrollment Roadmap Activity . It evaluates the student's ability to identify and describe the 5 key steps of post-secondary planning.
Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Good 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Identification of Steps All 5 main steps are clearly identified and listed correctly. 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 description in the student's own words. Most steps have accurate descriptions with minor room for improvement. Some steps have descriptions that lack clarity or partial accuracy. Descriptions are missing or largely inaccurate. Organization & Clarity Well-organized and easy to follow. Visuals (optional) enhance understanding. 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 and thought. Activity is mostly complete and shows good effort. Activity is somewhat complete and shows some effort. Activity is incomplete and shows minimal effort.
Total Score:
/ 16
Teacher Feedback College Path Reading Packet Your Future Journey
College Path Reading Packet
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!
Step 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: These often offer 2-year programs (like an Associate's Degree) or 4-year programs (like a Bachelor's Degree). They can be smaller and have a community feel.
Universities: These are often larger schools that also offer 4-year degrees, and might have even more options for what you can study and higher-level degrees.
Technical Training Institutions: If you know you want to learn a specific skill for a job, like how to be a welder, a chef, or a computer technician, these schools are perfect! They focus on hands-on training for a particular career.
What to Think About When You're Looking:
What do you want to learn? Does the school have programs for your interests?Where is it? Do you want to stay close to home or explore somewhere new?How much does it cost? Don't worry, there's often help with money!What do you need to get in? Do they need certain grades or classes from high school?
Page 1 of 3 • Step 1: Discover
Step 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
This is a paper or online form where you put your basic information, like your name, address, and what you want to study.
High School Transcript
This is an official record of all your grades and classes from high school. It shows them how well you've done.
Essays & Recommendations
Some schools ask for a short story about yourself or letters from teachers. This shows your personality and why you'd be a great student.
Step 3
Finding Money for School
Paying for school can seem like a lot, but there are many ways to get help! This help is called Financial Aid .
Grants & Scholarships
Money for school that you do NOT have to pay back!
College Path Vocabulary Worksheet College Path Vocabulary
Your Guide to Key Terms
Name
Refer to this guide during the lesson to help you understand important words about your future journey. Highlight or circle any terms that are new to you!
Post-Secondary Education
Any education or training you receive after high school.
College
A school that offers 2-year (Associate's) or 4-year (Bachelor's) degrees.
University
A larger school that offers 4-year and higher-level degrees.
Trade School / Tech Institution
A school focusing on specific job skills (e.g., electrician, chef).
Enrollment Process
The steps you take to officially join a school or program.
Transcript
An official record of your grades and classes from high school.
Application Form
A document you fill out to request admission to a school.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter from a teacher or mentor saying why you'd be a great student.
Financial Aid
Money provided to students to help pay for their education.
Grant
Financial aid that you do NOT have to pay back. Based on need.
Scholarship
Financial aid that you do NOT have to pay back. Based on merit.
Loan
Money borrowed for school that MUST be paid back over time.
FAFSA
Government form used to find out how much aid you can get.
Acceptance Letter
A letter from a school offering you admission.
Financial Aid Package
A document outlining all the aid a school is offering you.
Orientation
A program for new students to introduce them to the school.
Register for Classes
The process of signing up for your courses each semester.
Notes & Questions Post-Secondary Discussion Prompts Classroom Discussion
Let's Chat About It!
There are no right or wrong answers, just your thoughts and questions. We want to hear from everyone!
1
What caught your eye?
What was one part of the enrollment process that you found most interesting today? Why?
Thought Starter
2
Any surprises?
Was there anything we talked about today that surprised you ? Something you didn't know before?
Aha Moment
3
Still wondering?
What is one question you still have about applying to schools or training programs?
Question Corner
4
Where next?
Which type of post-secondary option (college, university, or trade school) are you most curious about right now? Why?
Future Focus
Teacher Notes
Ensure all students feel comfortable sharing.
Provide 10-15 seconds of "wait time" after asking a question.
Rephrase student responses to ensure clarity for the group.
Validate all responses—there are no wrong answers in this discussion.
Connecticut Standards Alignment Guide Connecticut Career & College Readiness Standards
Curriculum Alignment Guide • Grades 11-12
This document outlines the relevant Connecticut Career & College Readiness Standards addressed by the College Path Navigator lesson.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI)
RI.11-12.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.11-12.2
Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
Writing Standards (W)
W.11-12.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.
W.11-12.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Speaking and Listening (SL)
Career Development (Cross-Curricular)
Self-Exploration and Career Planning
Analyze personal interests, aptitudes, values, and skills to explore diverse career pathways and post-secondary educational options.
Goal Setting and Action Planning
Develop realistic and achievable academic and career goals, outlining the necessary steps and resources to attain them.
Accessing and Utilizing Resources
Identify and effectively use resources to research post-secondary education and career opportunities, including financial aid.
Application Process Understanding
Understand the components of post-secondary applications (transcripts, essays, recommendations) and develop strategies for success.
Financial Literacy for Post-Secondary
Comprehend various financial aid options (grants, scholarships, loans) and the process for applying for them.
