Students + Families

Whether you plan on starting to work after high school or after college, PrepareRI wants to make sure you have as many opportunities as possible.

High school students

If you're in high school, PrepareRI provides resources to help you get on a pathway to a high-paying job. Whether you plan on attending college or not, there are many opportunities in high school that can set you up for long-term success.

Checklist:

• Make a plan

  • From sixth grade on, every student should have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). An ILP is a roadmap for your school experience, based on your interests, needs, learning goals, and graduation requirements.

• Earn college credit

  • You can earn college credits while you're still in high school, giving you a head start on your future college career. Through dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and the All Course Network, there are hundreds of free courses available that will let you earn college credit.

• Enroll in a career education program

  • Career and technical education (CTE) programs help you learn the practical skills that will prepare you for a job. PrepareRI is working to ensure that if you complete all the courses in a CTE program, you will earn a credential that Rhode Island employers value. If your school doesn't have a CTE program, don't worry--you can enroll in any CTE program in the state for free. Learn more.

• Get an internship

  • You can learn a lot by working! PrepareRI is trying to create more options for work-based learning. Apply for the new PrepareRI Internship Program to earn money and college credit this summer. You can also ask your counselor about other work-based learning options available at your school.

• Get a Guided Pathway Endorsement on your diploma

  • If you will be graduating in 2021 or later, you can earn a Guided Pathway Endorsement on your diploma, proving that you are graduating with skills in a specific subject area. Ask your school counselor for more information.

Middle School Students

If you are in elementary or middle school, then PrepareRI aims to help you discover your passions and the many possible careers you could pursue.

Checklist:

• Make a plan

  • From sixth grade on, every student should have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). An ILP is a roadmap for your school experience, based on your interests, needs, learning goals, and graduation requirements. Don't have one? Talk to your school counselor or a teacher.

• Explore possible careers

  • Career exploration gives you a chance to check out jobs and careers that you might want to do when you get older. Ask your teacher or counselor about the career exploration options available at your school.

• Take classes outside your school

  • If you're a middle school student, you can sign up to take free courses at other schools, local non-profits, and other organizations through the All Course Network. Go to www.EnrollRI.org to sign up.

Families

There are many opportunities for families to support their students via PrepareRI. From helping students understand supplemental course opportunities through the ACN, to deciding whether or not a CTE program is right for them, to getting endorsements on their diploma, please check out all of the resources PrepareRI has to offer!