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Ditch the Pressure, Start the Conversation

Hey parents! We know, we know – those “what are you going to do with your life?” conversations with your teen can feel a bit… intense. But guess what? Talking about college and future plans doesn’t have to be a pressure cooker! Let’s make it a casual, supportive chat instead.

Dinner Table Discussions: The Perfect Launchpad

Seriously, there’s no better time to bring up the future than when you’re all gathered around the dinner table. Keep it light! Start with something like, “Hey, have you been thinking about what comes after high school at all?” No pressure, just a friendly question. Hopefully, they’ve at least started thinking about it. If they have, awesome! You can follow up with some easy questions. What kind of schools are catching their eye? What’s making those colleges interesting to you? What’s really important to you when you think about their future? Getting to know what motivates them is key to a productive conversation.

Exploring College Options: Digging Deeper (Gently!)

Once you’ve got the ball rolling, you can nudge the conversation a bit further. Ask about the locations of the colleges they’re interested in, specific programs that sound exciting, and maybe even suggest a visit to a campus and a chat with the admissions team! It’s about exploring together.

When College Isn’t the First Thought: Navigating Uncertainty

Don’t panic if your teen hasn’t mapped out their entire future yet. It’s totally okay, and remember, it is never too early to start these conversations. Even in middle school you can start to talk about interests and hobbies. If senior year is creeping up and the college talk hasn’t happened yet, don’t worry. There’s still time! The most important thing is to get them thinking.

Career Paths Beyond College: Focusing on Skills and Interests

Sometimes, the “college question” is intimidating because they don’t know what they want to do yet. That’s super common! Here’s how you can help: connect their passions to potential careers, encourage informational interviews with people in jobs they find interesting, and focus on the skills needed, not just degrees. Remember, there are lots of ways to learn. Some careers need college, others need on-the-job training, and some need trade schools. It’s all about exploring!

Short-Term Training: A Quick Start to the Workforce

Let’s be real: some teens are ready to jump into the workforce right after high school. And that’s perfectly fine! Short-term training programs (like one- or two-year programs) can be a fantastic way to gain valuable skills and start earning money quickly.

Community College: A Smart, Affordable, and Flexible Choice

Community college is a fantastic choice for so many reasons! It’s a smart way to save money on a four-year degree by starting at a community college for the first two years and transferring to a university later. Plus, community colleges offer tons of career-focused training programs that lead directly to in-demand jobs. Here at Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College, we have amazing career training programs in healthcare, business, and industry. Plus, you might even qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship, which could cover your tuition! (link to Last-Dollar Scholarship and individual program and college pages)

Keeping the Conversation Going

The key is to keep the conversation going. Don’t wait until the last minute! And remember, our admissions teams at ECC and MCC are here to help. We’re happy to answer any questions you or your teen might have. Don’t let the college conversation be a scary one. With a little planning and a lot of open communication, you can help your teen navigate their future with confidence!