Pre Launch Readiness Test Ready for Launch?
College Readiness Pre-Assessment
Name:
Date:
Be honest with your answers! This is not a graded test, but a way to see where you are and what we need to focus on before you head off to college next year.
Part 1: Independent Living
1. How confident are you in doing your own laundry (sorting, settings, products)?
Never done it
Somewhat confident
I'm a pro
2. Do you know how to prepare 3 simple, healthy meals without a microwave?
Yes
No
Part 2: Money Matters
3. Do you currently have a personal bank account (checking or savings)?
Yes
No
4. Can you explain the difference between a Credit Card and a Debit Card?
Yes, clearly
I have an idea
Not really
Part 3: Time & Focus
5. How do you track your assignments and appointments?
Paper Planner
Digital App/Calendar
I keep it in my head
My parents tell me
Part 4: Community Building
6. On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you reaching out to a stranger to join a group?
Very Anxious
1
2
3
4
5
Total Pro
What is your biggest fear about living on your own after high school?
Launchpad Orientation Slides College Launchpad
Mission Control: Orientation
The Mission
1
Identify the "Hidden Skills" needed for college success.
2
Bridge the gap between being a high school student and an independent adult.
3
Build confidence before you even set foot on campus.
"Adulting is a skill, not a personality trait."
Your 6-Week Trajectory
WEEK 1
Orientation
WEEK 2
Money Moves
WEEK 3
Dorm Life
WEEK 4
Time Ninja
WEEK 5
Campus Life
WEEK 6
Final Launch
Check Your Fuel
Time to complete your Pre-Launch Readiness Test .
Estimated Time: 10 Minutes
Money Moves Slides Money Moves
Financial Independence 101
Plastic Battles
Debit Cards
Money comes directly from your bank account.
Can't spend what you don't have (usually).
No interest charges.
Credit Cards
You are borrowing money from the bank.
Must pay back monthly or pay Interest .
Builds your Credit Score .
The Budget Blueprint
50%
Needs
Rent, Food, Utilities
30%
Wants
Hobbies, Dining Out
20%
Savings
Emergency Fund
Money in Motion
Teacher: Insert your favorite Financial Literacy video here!
(Recommended: "Banking Basics for Teens")
Budget Bash Worksheet Budget Bash
Practice Your Financial Independence
Name:
The Scenario
You are a college freshman. You have a part-time job on campus that pays you $800 per month after taxes. Your meal plan covers 14 meals a week, but you're on your own for weekends and late-night snacks.
1. Expense Categorization
Identify if each expense is "Fixed" (same every month) or "Variable" (changes).
Cell Phone Bill
Groceries/Snacks
Netflix/Streaming
Movie Tickets
2. Build Your Monthly Budget
Category Suggested % Your Dollar Amount ($) Needs (Rent, Phone, Food) 50% Wants (Concerts, Takeout, Tech) 30%
|
| Savings (Emergency, Big Goals) | 20% |
|
| Total Budget: | $800.00 |
Scenario: Your laptop screen cracks and it costs $150 to fix. How does your budget change this month?
Money Moves Teacher Guide Money Moves
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Week 2
Duration: 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between debit and credit cards and their implications.
Apply the 50/30/20 budgeting rule to a student income scenario.
Identify fixed vs. variable monthly expenses.
Classroom Setup
Projector/Screen for "Money Moves Slides"
Printed "Budget Bash Worksheet" (1 per student)
Video Link ready (optional but recommended)
Pacing & Facilitation
0-5 MIN
Introduction & Hook
Ask: "What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought with your own money?" Transition to the idea that in college, students manage thousands of dollars (loans/grants/income) and need a system.
5-15 MIN
The Slides (Debit vs Credit & 50/30/20)
Walk through the slides. Emphasize that credit cards are not "free money" but a tool for building a future (like getting an apartment or car later). Introduce the 50/30/20 rule as a "cheat sheet" for life.
15-25 MIN
Budget Bash Activity
Hand out worksheets. Have students work independently or in pairs to solve the $800 scenario. Walk around to help with the math (50% of 800 is 400, etc.).
25-30 MIN
Wrap Up & Reflection
Discuss the "Rainy Day" scenario. Ask students where they would take the money from (the "Wants" or "Savings" category?). Collect worksheets.
Pro-Tip for Facilitators
Be sensitive to varying economic backgrounds. The goal is to teach the ratio and the habit of tracking money, regardless of how much a student actually has.
Dorm Life Slides Dorm Survival
Independent Living 101
Laundry Logic
Sort
Darks vs. Lights vs. Delicates. Don't turn your white socks pink!
Temp
Cold for most. Warm for bedding. Hot for germs (but shrinks clothes!)
Dry
Clean the lint trap EVERY TIME. Avoid high heat for your favorites.
Beyond Cup Noodles
The Dorm Pantry
Oatmeal & Nut Butter
Microwaveable Grains
Canned Beans/Tuna
Frozen Veggies
Pro Tip:
"The $5 Rotisserie Chicken is your best friend. It's protein for 3-4 different meals."
Salads Wraps Rice Bowls
The Roommate Code
The "Don't Be That Person" List:
Take the trash out BEFORE it smells.
Wash your dishes within 24 hours.
Use headphones after 11 PM.
"Communicate before you're angry. A quick text solves 90% of dorm drama."
Laundry Lab Worksheet Laundry Lab
Don't Shrink Your Favorite Hoodie
Name:
1. The Sort Challenge
Write each item into the correct pile: Lights, Darks, or Delicates/Special.
White T-Shirt New Navy Jeans Red Gym Shorts Wool Sweater Bed Sheets Black Socks Lace Blouse
Lights / Whites
Darks / Colors
Special Care
2. Decode the Tag
C
Machine Wash Cold
T
Tumble Dry Low
Reflect:
If a tag says "Dry Clean Only" and you put it in a dorm washing machine, what is the most likely result?
3. My Laundry Plan
1
What day of the week will you set aside for laundry?
2
What will you do while waiting for the dryer? (Study/Call home)
Dorm Life Teacher Guide Dorm Survival
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Week 3
Duration: 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Laundry Mastery
Understand sorting, temperature, and drying safety.
Dorm Dining
Identify healthy microwaveable staples and basic prep.
Social Living
Learn basic conflict resolution for shared spaces.
Pacing & Facilitation
0-5 MIN
The "Laundry Horror Story"
Start with a quick story about shrinking a favorite shirt or turning everything pink. Ask if anyone has ever done their own laundry from start to finish.
5-15 MIN
Dorm Life Slides
Cover Laundry Logic, The Microwave Chef, and Roommate Code. Key Emphasis: The dryer lint trap is a major fire hazard in dorms—stress this point.
15-25 MIN
Laundry Lab Activity
Students complete the worksheet. Have them share their "My Laundry Plan" with a neighbor to practice thinking about their future college routine.
25-30 MIN
The Roommate Contract
Quickly discuss the importance of setting boundaries early. Ask: "What is one thing you 100% need to agree on with a roommate?" (e.g., guests, lights out).
Pro-Tips
• If possible, bring in a few clothing care tags to pass around.
• Remind students that many dorms have apps now to see which machines are open!
• Meal prep: Mention that most colleges have a nutritionist on staff for free.
Time Ninja Slides The Time Ninja
Mastering the College Calendar
The Freedom Trap
High School
35-40 hours per week in class.
Teachers remind you of deadlines daily.
Structure is provided for you.
College
~15 hours per week in class.
Deadlines are on the syllabus—that's it.
Structure is 100% up to you.
Weapon of Choice: Time Blocking
1. Anchors
Classes, work, and sports. Things that CANNOT move.
2. Deep Work
Block 2 hours of study for every 1 hour of class. NO PHONES.
3. Re-Fuel
3. Re-Fuel
Gym, meals, and social time. If you don't schedule rest, you'll burn out.
Ninja Study Hacks
The Pomodoro Tech
25 mins work / 5 mins break. Repeat 4 times. Then take 20 mins off.
Office Hours
Professors ARE paid to help you. Use their office hours early and often.
Crucial Habit:
Do it today, not "due" today.
Time Ninja Worksheet Ninja Schedule
Master Your Time Before It Masters You
Name:
1. The "Anchor" List
List your must-dos for a typical Tuesday. (Classes, Practice, Meals, Sleep).
07:00 AM - 09:00 AM: ______________________
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM: ______________________
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM: ______________________
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM: ______________________
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM: ______________________
07:00 PM - 09:00 PM: ______________________
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: ______________________
09:00 PM - 11:00 PM: ______________________
2. The Ninja Block Out
Color code or label blocks for: Class, Deep Work (Study), Health (Gym/Meal).
TIME
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
08:00
10:00
12:00
02:00
04:00
3. The Distraction Duel
Top 3 Time Wasters:
My Focus Pledge:
"When I start my Deep Work blocks, I will put my phone in ________________________ and I will not check it until the timer goes off."
Time Ninja Teacher Guide The Time Ninja
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Week 4
Duration: 30 Minutes
Lesson Focus
Transitioning from the highly structured high school environment to the "free time" of college is the #1 cause of academic struggle for freshmen. This lesson focuses on proactive scheduling and deep work .
Key Vocabulary
• Syllabus: The master contract for a class.
• Time Blocking: Dedicating specific chunks of time to one task.
• Anchors: Non-negotiable time commitments.
Student Takeaway
"If it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist."
Pacing & Facilitation
0-5 MIN
The "Free Time" Illusion
Ask: "If you only had class for 3 hours a day, what would you do with the other 12 waking hours?" Guide them to see that without a plan, those hours vanish into social media/gaming.
5-15 MIN
Time Ninja Slides
Present the slides. Focus on the Structure Shock slide. Many students don't realize that "homework" in college isn't just worksheets, but 2-3 hours of reading/studying for every hour in class.
15-25 MIN
Ninja Schedule Activity
Students fill out the worksheet. Walk around and challenge them: "You have a gap between 10am and 1pm. Where is your lunch? Where is your study block?"
25-30 MIN
The Phone Pledge
End by discussing the "Distraction Duel." Have 2-3 students share where they will hide their phones during study time.
Teacher Tip: Real Syllabus
If you have an old college syllabus, bring it in to show them! Point out the "Calendar" or "Schedule" section where 4 months of work is listed at once. It's eye-opening.
Campus Connections Slides Campus Connections
Building Your Support System
The First 6 Weeks
Most freshmen feel lonely in the first month. This is normal.
"Your 'people' are there—you just haven't met them yet."
The Golden Rule:
Say YES to every (safe/healthy) invitation for the first 14 days. You can narrow it down later.
Finding Your Squad
Interest Clubs
From Chess to Skydiving. Low stakes, high reward.
Academic Orgs
Pre-Med Society, Marketing Club. Great for networking.
Intramural Sports
Flag football, Pickleball. No tryouts, just fun.
The Pro Network
Don't just hide in the back of the lecture hall. Connect with:
Professors (Office Hours!)
Your R.A. (Resident Assistant)
Career Services Staff
FACT:
Students who visit office hours are 40% more likely to pass difficult classes.
Social Blueprint Worksheet Social Blueprint
Mapping Your Future Community
Name:
1. The Club Scavenger Hunt
Think of your favorite hobby and your future career. Use your phone or a computer to search for these clubs at a college you're interested in.
The "Just for Fun" Club
Example: Board Game Club, Hiking Society
Club Name:
Why it sounds cool:
The "Future Career" Club
Example: Pre-Law Society, Coding Ninjas
Club Name:
Professional Benefit:
2. Breaking the Ice
Walking up to a professor or a club leader can be scary. Fill in the blanks for these "ready-to-use" scripts.
Scenario A: Visiting Office Hours
"Hi Professor __________________, I really enjoyed today's lecture on __________________. I was wondering if you could explain more about __________________. Also, what's your best advice for students wanting to major in this field?"
Scenario B: Joining a Club Table
"Hey! My name is __________________ and I'm a freshman. I saw your sign for the __________________ Club. I've always been interested in __________________. When is your next meeting, and do I need any experience to join?"
3. Safety & Support
Who can you talk to if you're struggling?
Resident Assistant (RA)
Campus Counseling Center
Academic Advisor
The Tutoring Center
"Asking for help is the ultimate college hack. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of a smart student."
Campus Connections Teacher Guide Campus Connections
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Week 5
Duration: 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
• Students will recognize that social transition takes time and normalize "freshman loneliness."
• Students will identify specific campus organizations to join based on interests and career goals.
• Students will practice communication strategies for interacting with professors and peers.
Pacing & Facilitation
0-5 MIN
The "Comfort Zone" Discussion
Ask: "What is one thing you're nervous about when it comes to meeting people in college?" Emphasize that almost everyone is nervous, even if they don't show it.
5-15 MIN
Campus Connections Slides
Present the slides. Spend extra time on the Office Hours slide. High schoolers often view talking to teachers as something you only do when you're in trouble; pivot this to "networking."
15-25 MIN
Social Blueprint Activity
Students research clubs and fill in scripts. Tech Tip: If students don't have devices, brainstorm common club types as a class (Robotics, Intramural Soccer, Student Gov).
25-30 MIN
Roleplay (Optional)
If time allows, have students practice their "Breaking the Ice" scripts with a partner. Encourage them to use a professional but friendly tone.
Essential Resource
"Remind students that colleges have 'First-Year Experience' offices. These people are literally paid to help them make friends and stay in school. Don't be afraid to walk in and ask for help!"
Ready for Lift Off Test Ready for Lift-Off
College Readiness Post-Assessment
Name:
Date:
Great work over the last 6 weeks! Let's see how your confidence and knowledge have grown since we started Mission Control.
Part 1: Independent Living
1. Do you know how to sort laundry and set the correct temperature for lights vs. darks?
Yes
Mostly
Still unsure
2. What is a "Dorm Pantry" staple that you plan to keep stocked?
Part 2: Money Matters
3. Explain the 50/30/20 rule in your own words.
4. Which type of card uses money you've already deposited in your account?
Debit Card
Credit Card
Part 3: Time & Focus
5. What is "Time Blocking" and why is it useful in college?
Part 4: Community Building
6. On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you that you can find and join a club on campus?
Terrified
1
2
3
4
5
Total Pro
What is one skill you feel most excited to use next year?
Personal Launch Plan Worksheet Personal Launch Plan
My Senior Year Readiness Roadmap
Captain:
"College isn't just a place you go—it's a lifestyle you prepare for. Use this document to set your 'Flight Plan' for the next year."
Step 1: The Senior Year Sprint
Choose 3 skills from this course you want to master before graduation day. Describe how you'll practice them.
My Plan: ____________________________________________________________________________________
My Plan: ____________________________________________________________________________________
My Plan: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Step 2: Money Mission
What is one financial goal you have for this summer? (e.g., Save $500, Open a checking account, Apply for 3 scholarships)
I AM READY TO LAUNCH.
Signature:
Date:
Launchpad Finish Teacher Guide The Launchpad Finish
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Week 6
Final Lesson
Curriculum Wrap-Up
This final session is designed to help students reflect on their growth over the past six weeks and bridge the gap between their current junior year and their future college start. It focuses on accountability and long-term planning .
Pacing & Facilitation
0-10 MIN
Post-Launch Readiness Test
Distribute the post-test. Have students compare their answers to their pre-test (if available) to visualize their growth in confidence and knowledge.
10-25 MIN
Personal Launch Plan
Students work on their action plans. Teacher Guidance: Help them make their plans "SMART" (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, instead of "Do laundry," suggest "Do my own laundry once a week starting this Sunday."
25-30 MIN
The Graduation Pledge
Collect the plans or have students keep them in a safe place. Congratulate the class on completing the College Launchpad! Encourage them to see their senior year as a "training ground."
Final Discussion Questions
• "Which of the four areas (Living, Money, Time, Social) do you feel most prepared for now?"
• "What is one thing you're going to teach your parents or friends about what you learned?"
• "How has your perspective on college changed in the last 6 weeks?"
Mission Accomplished.
You have successfully prepared your students for their next great adventure.
