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Elementary School Students

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It’s never too early to start working toward your dreams! Preparing for postsecondary opportunities in elementary school is an important step in shaping future aspirations and preparing for success both in and outside of the classroom. Although high school graduation may seem distant at this stage, early exposure to postsecondary education opportunities helps develop a mindset of curiosity, exploration and goal setting.

Presenting age-appropriate college and career information at the elementary school level will broaden horizons and expand the possibilities that lie ahead. Elementary students should dream big when it comes to their future! Additionally, by learning about college and careers, students will begin to recognize that their academic efforts in elementary school can help them achieve their future goals.

Academic and Career Plan Portfolios

Students and families can start postsecondary planning and career development with an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio (ACPP) in elementary school. ACPPs help families to prepare for the future. Check with your school counselor for access to your student ACPP. By discussing the importance of education, financial planning, and available resources, families can lay the groundwork for a successful educational journey.

By providing elementary students with early exposure to careers, the world of work, and postsecondary opportunities, we empower them to dream, plan, and work toward a bright future. Start early, dream big, and help students build a roadmap to guide them toward a bright and successful future!

For Students...Dream Big

For Parents...Broaden and Expand their Horizon

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.

Resources

Career Advocacy for K-5 Career Development - Use this worksheet to find age appropriate tips for career development and questions to ask during parent-teacher conferences.
VDOE's Academic and Career Plan Webpage - Get more information on Academic and Career Plans from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
Virginia Career View - Activities include interactive game play, a kids career search, and multiple resources to print. Parent resources and Professional resources are also included.
Virginia Wizard - A comprehensive career and college planning website that provides elementary students with the ability to explore careers, take interest inventories, and develop Academic and Career Plan Portfolios.