It is never too early to talk to your students about their goals for the future. Among today’s Alaska 9^th graders, only 3 out of 50 will have a college degree in 10 years. When you encourage students and their parents to see education beyond high school - college or career training - in their future, you build a college-going culture in Alaska.

By the time a student enters middle school, he or she is developing lasting attitudes about learning, work, and values. Middle school students are developing a self-concept and social skills. It is a great time for educators to motivate middle school students to plan for their future by integrating college- and career-planning themes.

These themes promote students' understanding of how their future career relates to their education and the rest of their lives. They also help them adapt to living in a constantly changing world.

• Explore with students how they can successfully live and work in a diverse world.

• Help students recognize their interests, aptitudes, and abilities.

• Help students understand the broad scope of work and career possibilities available currently and in the future.

• Help students broaden their aspirations beyond the stereotypes of gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.

• Explore careers and all types of academic or vocational education to promote intellectual development.

• Assist with students' development of social skills, personal values, and self-esteem.

• Work with families to support their children's career aspirations.

• Explore careers and all types of academic or vocational education to promote intellectual development.

• Help your students explore financial aid opportunities.