Discovery Direction Lesson Plan Future Launchpad
Session 1: Discovery & Direction
SESSION 1/6
Duration
45 Minutes
Audience
12th Grade Students
Approach
Interactive & Guided
The "Why"
Identifying personal assets and aspirations empowers informed college and career decisions. Crafting SMART goals builds clarity, motivation, and direction as students prepare for life after high school.
Preparation
• Print Self-Assessment & SMART Goal templates
• Set up Career Interest Survey link on devices
• Gather poster paper and colored markers
Learning Objective
Students will assess their strengths, interests, and values through a guided worksheet and career interest survey, then draft SMART academic and personal goals for post-graduation planning.
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction & Icebreaker
• Conduct "Two Truths and a Future" icebreaker: each student shares two facts and one aspiration.
• Review today's objectives: self-assessment and goal-setting.
15m
Self-Assessment Activity
Distribute the Self-Assessment Worksheet . Students reflect on strengths, interests, and past achievements. Circulate to support detailed responses.
10m
Career Interest Survey
Students access the digital survey to identify top career clusters. Pair up to discuss one surprising result or pattern found.
10m
Goal-Setting Workshop
Introduce the SMART framework. Students draft one academic goal and one personal goal using the template.
5m
Share & Next Steps
Volunteers share insights on poster paper. Summarize and preview Session 2: Exploring College & Career Options.
Discovery Direction Slides Mission Control: Session 1
Future Launchpad
Self-Assessment & SMART Goal Setting
Unit: Post-Secondary Planning Ignition Ready
Session Objectives
01
Assess personal strengths, interests, and core values
02
Explore career clusters through an interest survey
03
Apply the SMART framework to post-grad planning
Two Truths and a Future
The Mission
Share two facts about your present and one bold dream for your future.
1 Two true facts about yourself
2 One post-graduation aspiration
TIME: 5 MINUTES
Self-Assessment
EST. TIME: 15 MIN
Open your Self-Assessment Worksheet.
Reflect deeply on the qualities that make you unique and the values that drive your decisions.
Strengths
Interests
Values
Achievements
Mapping Your Path
Complete the Career Interest Survey to identify the professional clusters that match your profile.
The Action
Note your top 2 clusters and any field that surprises you.
The Discovery
Pair up and share one result that makes you curious about a career path.
SMART Goals Workshop
S
SPECIFIC
M
MEASURABLE
A
ACHIEVABLE
R
RELEVANT
T
TIME-BOUND
Draft 1 Academic Goal & 1 Personal Goal for this school year.
Mission Summary
Share one SMART goal on the group poster.
Reflect on how these goals change your perspective.
Next Launch
Exploring College & Career Options
Self Assessment Worksheet Session 1: Discovery
Self-Assessment Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Take time to reflect on your personal strengths, interests, values, and achievements. Provide detailed responses to help guide your post-graduation planning.
1
Personal Strengths
List three strengths you bring to school, work, or your community. Explain why each is important.
A) Strength:
Explanation
B) Strength:
Explanation
C) Strength:
Explanation
2
Interests & Passions
Interest 1:
Why is this meaningful to you?
Interest 2:
Why is this meaningful to you?
3
Core Values
Values like Integrity, Creativity, Service, etc.
Value 1
Influence on decisions:
Value 2
Influence on decisions:
Value 3
Influence on decisions:
4
Proud Achievements
The Situation
Skills Used
The Outcome
5. Feedback from Others
How do friends, family, or teachers describe your strengths?
6. Pattern Reflection
What patterns do you notice? How do they inform your goals?
SMART Goal Setting Template SMART Goal Launchpad
Strategic Planning Template
CADET NAME:
MISSION DATE:
01
Academic Achievement Goal
Master Goal Statement
Example: "I will achieve a 3.5 GPA this semester by studying 5 hours weekly."
Criterion
Launch Specifics
S SPECIFIC
M MEASURABLE
A ACHIEVABLE
R RELEVANT
T TIME-BOUND
02
Personal Growth Milestone
Master Goal Statement
Example: "I will complete 20 volunteer hours at the local clinic by April 1st."
What exactly? (Specific)
How to track? (Measurable)
What resources? (Achievable)
By when? (Time-Bound)
Why now? (Relevant)
Review your goals with a partner or counselor. Ensure they are clear, actionable, and aligned with your Launchpad self-assessment results.
Career Interest Survey Activity Career Interest Survey
Session 1 Activity: Cluster Navigation
Self-Discovery 01
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Explore the career clusters below. Rate each cluster based on your level of interest on a scale of 1 (Not Interested) to 5 (Very Interested) . Think about your strengths and passions from your worksheet.
Career Cluster Description Interest (1-5) STEM Scientific research, engineering, technology development. Healthcare Patient care, medical research, health administration.
|
| Arts & Communication | Visual arts, performing arts, journalism, media design. |
|
| Business & Entr. | Management, finance, marketing, sales, startups. |
|
| Education | Teaching, academic training, educational services. |
|
| Social Services | Counseling, law enforcement, public policy, social work. |
|
| Skilled Trades | Advanced labor, manufacturing, construction, aviation mechanics. |
|
| Enviro & Ag | Environmental science, farming, natural resources, forestry. |
|
| Law & Gov | Legal professions, public administration, policy analysis. |
|
Reflection & Analysis
Which two clusters had your highest scores? Explain why they appeal to you:
#1 TOP CLUSTER:
SCORE:
Why does this appeal to you?
#2 TOP CLUSTER:
SCORE:
Why does this appeal to you?
Options Research Lesson Plan Future Launchpad
Session 2: Options & Research
SESSION 2/6
Duration
45 Minutes
Focus
Research & Compare
Approach
Guided Exploration
The "Why"
Gaining clarity on college options and career fields empowers students to make informed choices, align their interests with realistic pathways, and set actionable next steps.
Preparation
• Print College Comparison & Career Pathway worksheets
• Bookmark research sites (CollegeBoard, BigFuture, etc.)
• Set up chart paper stations for final sharing
Learning Objective
Students will explore different college types and career pathways through guided research using comparison templates, then collaboratively discuss findings to inform their post-graduation decisions.
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction & Recap
• Recap Session 1 SMART goals and how they connect to today's focus.
• Introduce the concepts of exploration and mapping pathways.
10m
Overview of College Types
Brief presentation on key categories: community colleges, public universities, private colleges, and technical schools. Highlight cost and admission differences.
15m
College Comparison Research
Pair students to research two colleges (one public, one private/other) using the College Comparison Template .
10m
Career Pathways Research
Pairs select a career cluster and research roles, education requirements, and salaries using the Career Pathways Research Worksheet .
5m
Share & Reflect
Pairs post comparisons on chart paper. Facilitate reflective questions on surprising findings or cost influences.
Options Research Slides Mission Control: Session 2
Future Launchpad
Exploring College Types & Career Pathways
Unit: Options & Research Navigation Engaged
Session Objectives
Recap SMART goals and connect to today’s research
01
Understand key college types and program differences
02
Research and compare two specific colleges
03
Investigate career pathways linked to your interests
04
Recap & Agenda
Session 1
"How do my SMART goals guide my search for the right college or career path?"
1 College Type Overview
2 College Comparison Activity
3 Career Pathways Dive
4 Shared Reflections
The College Landscape
Community Colleges
Two-year programs, lower cost, open admission.
Public Universities
State-funded, large campuses, diverse programs.
Private Colleges
Independent funding, smaller classes, selective.
Technical Schools
Skill-focused training, trade certificates.
Data Collection
Pair up and use the College Comparison Template.
Research 1 Public + 1 Private/Other
Compare Cost, Size, & Programs
Time: 15 Minutes
Career Mapping
Select one Career Cluster from Session 1.
Use the Career Pathways Worksheet to investigate:
Education Requirements
Average Salaries
Key Roles & Skills
How do your college choices align with this career?
Mission Debrief
Reflection
"How did cost or program offerings influence your top choices today?"
Reflection
"What surprised you about the requirements for your chosen career?"
NEXT SESSION: Application Skills & Essays
College Comparison Template Session 2 Research Log
College Comparison Template
Mission Status
IN PROGRESS
Cadet 1:
Cadet 2:
Criteria
College A: (Public)
College B: (Private/Other)
Institution Name
Location & Size
Est. Yearly Tuition
Top Majors / Programs of Interest
Admission Requirements (GPA/Test/Essays)
Campus Life (Dorms, Clubs, Culture)
Analysis & Selection
Primary Differentiators
What is the biggest difference you found between these two options?
Preference Score
Which institution feels like a better fit for your Session 1 SMART goals? Why?
Research Tip
Don't just look at tuition. Look at the "Net Price Calculator" if available on the college website to see estimated costs after financial aid.
Career Pathways Research Worksheet Session 2: Future Navigation
Career Pathways Research
Target Career Cluster:
Select from your top Session 1 survey results.
Top Career Roles
Research 3 specific job titles within this cluster that interest you.
Role #1
Est. Starting Salary:
Role #2
Est. Starting Salary:
Role #3
Est. Starting Salary:
Path Requirements
Focus on your #1 role from above and research the necessary education and skills.
Education & Degree Needed
(e.g., Bachelor's Degree, Certification, Apprenticeship)
Key Technical Skills
Essential Soft Skills
(e.g., Communication, Leadership, Adaptability)
Major Daily Tasks
The Launch Connection
How do the colleges you researched today help you reach this career?
College A Pathway:
College B Pathway:
Application Skills Lesson Plan Future Launchpad
Session 3: Application Skills
SESSION 3/6
Duration
45 Minutes
Focus
Narrative & Voice
Approach
Collaborative Review
The "Why"
Effective personal statements showcase students’ unique experiences, improving their chances for admission or scholarship. Peer feedback refines clarity and impact.
Preparation
• Print Brainstorm, Draft, and Rubric materials per student
• Ensure devices have a shared folder for draft submissions
• Review rubric criteria and prepare example opening lines
Learning Objective
Students will brainstorm, draft, and peer-review personal statements to strengthen their college and career applications.
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction & Purpose
• Explain the role of personal statements in applications.
• Share examples of compelling opening lines and narratives.
10m
Brainstorming Activity
Distribute the Brainstorm Worksheet . Students identify key experiences, challenges, skills, and values. Encourage vivid details.
15m
Drafting Workshop
Students write a 1–2 paragraph introduction and outline main body points using the Draft Template .
10m
Peer Review
Pair up to exchange drafts. Use the Peer Review Rubric to provide constructive feedback on clarity, organization, and tone.
5m
Reflection & Next Steps
Volunteers share key takeaways from the writing process. Preview Session 4: Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Application Skills Slides Mission Control: Session 3
Future Launchpad
Application Skills & Personal Statements
Unit: Application Skills Voice Finalized
Session Objectives
01
Understand the role of the personal statement in applications
02
Brainstorm unique experiences, challenges, and core values
03
Draft and peer-review a personal statement introduction
The Power of Your Voice
Humanizes the Data
Moves beyond GPA and test scores to show who you actually are.
Shows Your Fit
Explains why you belong in their program or on their campus.
"Your essay is the interview you don't have to show up for."
The Hook: Compelling Openers
In Medias Res
"The smell of scorched solder and burnt coffee filled my garage..."
The Insight
"I used to think leadership was about talking; I learned it was about listening."
The Contrast
"While my classmates were sleeping, I was at the market at 4 AM."
Excavating Your Story
Open the Personal Statement Brainstorm Worksheet.
CHALLENGES GROWTH IMPACT
TIME: 10 MINUTES
Phase 2: Drafting
The Goal:
Write a 1–2 paragraph introduction that pulls the reader in.
The Focus:
Draft 1–2 body points that connect your past to your Future Launchpad goals.
15 Minutes
"Don't get it right, get it written. Revision comes later."
The Peer Review Circle
Constructive Critique
Be specific. Instead of "I like it," say "The way you describe the engine helped me see your passion."
Check for clarity. Does the story flow logically?
Using the Rubric
Organization
Unique Voice
Relevance to Goals
Clarity & Impact
Mission Progress
"Refine your draft tonight. A story isn't finished when it's written; it's finished when it's felt."
Discovery
Options
Skills
Funding
UP NEXT: SESSION 4 – FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Personal Statement Brainstorm Worksheet Essay Blueprint
Personal Statement Brainstorming
AUTHOR:
DATE:
The goal of your personal statement is to share a story only you can tell. Use these prompts to excavate meaningful experiences that showcase your character, growth, and resilience.
01
Turning Points & Challenges
Describe a significant challenge you faced. How did you respond? What did you learn about yourself?
02
Core Values in Action
Think back to your Session 1 values. When have you lived out one of those values in a difficult situation?
03
Unique Perspective
What is something you understand or do well that many others don't? Why is it important to you?
04
The Future Connection
How does your past experience drive your desire for the college or career path you researched in Session 2?
Selection for Drafting
Review your brainstorm above. Which section contains the most vivid story or strongest emotion? Circle it. You will use that as the anchor for your draft on the next page.
Personal Statement Draft Template Session 3 Draft Space
Personal Statement Draft
Status
Draft 1.0
The Hook (Opening Sentence)
Grab their attention
Tip: Try starting "in the middle" of an action or with a surprising realization.
Introduction Paragraph
Set the scene and introduce your theme
Body Paragraph Outlines
Point 1: The Challenge/Action
What specific steps did you take? Use strong verbs.
Point 2: The Lesson/Result
How did this experience change you? How does it connect to your goals?
Conclusion Goal
"By the end of this essay, what is the ONE thing you want the reader to remember about you?"
Peer Review Rubric Peer Review Rubric
Personal Statement Evaluation
Author:
Reviewer:
Instructions for Reviewer
Read the draft twice. First for the "Vibe" (overall feeling) and second for "Precision" (the details). Use the scales below to provide honest, constructive feedback.
1. The Hook & Impact
Does it grab you immediately?
1-5
Reviewer Feedback:
2. Unique Voice
Does it sound like a person, not a robot?
1-5
Reviewer Feedback:
3. Organization & Flow
Does the story move logically?
1-5
Reviewer Feedback:
4. Goal Alignment
Does it connect back to their Future Launchpad goals?
1-5
Reviewer Feedback:
One "Glow" & One "Grow"
GLOW (What was strongest?)
GROW (One specific improvement)
