Introductory Webinar by Maryland Out of School Time Network

Ellie Mitchell

Director, Maryland Out of School Time Network

• Director at the Maryland Out of School Time Network since 2009
• Baltimore Native - Western High School Grad - go Doves!
• Before working in afterschool - my focus was on arts and education (Center Stage, Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance)

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Stephanie Grimes

Curriculum Designer & Educational Consultant

• Lead author on College & Career Readiness Toolkit
• Former Kindergarten teacher
• OST provider for 10 years
• Former Director of Programs at Digital Harbor Foundation
• Baltimore native

POLL #1

At what age do you think students need to start preparing for college and career readiness?

1. Ages 5-10�
2. Ages 11-13�
3. Ages 14-18�
4. 18+

Beginning in elementary school...

students should be on a pathway of learning about work, learning through work and learning for work - all the time differentiating these experiences based on students interests

Our toolkit...

• Provides practical resources, information and activities for out-of-school time programs to move through this continuum, starting with foundational skills, career and college readiness culture building, and awareness�
• As students move closer to high school graduation, the toolkit offers how-to’s on building partnerships with colleges and industry to make the transition to applied learning that prepares students for the next steps�
• Is available online for FREE

POLL #2

What do you think is the recommended ratio for students to school counselors?

• 150 to 1�
• 250 to 1�
• 500 to 1�
• 750 to 1

Our Students Need More

• According to the American School Counselor Association there should be a student to counselor ratio of 250 to 1
• Maryland has an average of 369 to 1
• Baltimore City has an average of 900 to 1�

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Our Students Need More, con’t.

• Students who end their education at high school are more at risk for experiencing poverty and less likely to earn living wages than students who pursue skilled trade or college degrees. �
• Students who earn bachelor’s degrees have a 3.5 times lower poverty rate than those who earn only a high school diploma

By the Numbers

• Average salary for high school grads in Maryland = $41,543 �
• Average technical and trade school salary = $49,002�
• Average starting salary for a college graduate in 2019 = $55,280

• In Baltimore City, the median income for all graduates after six years was $15,093�
• Never enrolled in college = $13,374
• Some college, no degree = $15,604
• Associate’s only = $22,060
• Bachelor’s degree = $18,968�
• Livable wage threshold = $27,622

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POLL #3

What do you think the role of OST programs is in preparing youth for college and career?

• None. That’s the school’s job�
• To support the work schools are doing�
• Supplement school programs with our own initiatives and activities�
• Establish our own comprehensive college and career readiness program in addition to what students obtain through school

Why OST?

• Need for more caring and informed adults to provide guidance to young people�
• 80% of a young person’s life spent outside of the school day and school year�
• Research indicates that OST programs are effective and play an important role in building 21st century skills

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OST programs can and should play a critical role in...

• Starting early and continuously incorporating career and college readiness activities, culture, and mindset�
• Providing guidance, support and even inspiration for students’ career and college pathways�
• Helping to remove barriers and open new avenues

Role of OST Programs in College & Career Readiness

Three main roles of out-of-school time program can play:�

• Raising College & Career Aspirations�
• Fostering 21st Century Skills�
• Connecting youth to workforce - particularly STEM careers

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Afterschool: A Path to College & Career Readiness by Ignite Afterschool & Asia Society

QUESTION

What is the biggest hurdle you face in implementing college and career readiness activities with your youth?

Purpose of the Toolkit

• Provide practical how-to’s, activities, and additional resources for you to help bridge the information, awareness, and opportunity gap for students�
• Increase exposure opportunities for youth to explore career and college options�
• Bring intentional career and college readiness activities to middle school youth

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Our goal is for you to use this toolkit...

• To make the difference for youth participating in your programs by opening up options to them as early as possible�
• To increase the quality and frequency that students are exposed to career and college readiness�
• To create more opportunities to practice and apply the skills necessary to successfully navigate the college and career landscape

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Included in Each Unit...

• Overview of the area of focus
• Relevant Research
• How-To’s
• Guided Activities
• More Links to Explore
• Accompanying student worksheets, activity guides, and supplemental student resources

• Where applicable, information and resources have been provided about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting closures and delays on existing processes, data, and overall approaches.

This toolkit can be used to...

• Design your program model and create curriculum�
• Make the case for your program in applying to career and college readiness grants by utilizing the research and best practices�
• Provide resources and training to staff�
• Share with potential career and college readiness partners to build new opportunities for your students

POLL #4

Prior to today, how familiar were you with the topic of college and career readiness?

• I am very familiar; I could teach a course on it.�
• I am somewhat familiar; my role involves some aspect of this work.�
• I am pretty unfamiliar; but eager to learn more.

Sub-Topics

• Creating a College and Career Readiness Culture
• Raising the Bar on Expectations
• Mentorship
• Collecting Data Related to College and Career Readiness

Sub-Topics

• Middle School Activities: Career Exploration and High School Decisions
• High School Activities: Career Exploration and College / Post-Secondary Education Decisions
• Economic Context for Youth

Sub-Topics

• Building 21st Century Skills
• Preparing Youth for the Workplace
• Interviewing Skills
• Financial Responsibility

Sub-Topics

• Career Awareness
• Entrepreneurship
• Job Readiness Skills
• Work Experience

Sub-Topics

• Certificates
• Licenses
• Two-Year Degrees
• Military

Sub-Topics

• College Awareness
• First-Generation College Students
• Supporting DACA Recipients and “DREAMers”
• The College Search
• Financial Planning
• Applying to College
• Managing the Transition to College

Student Worksheets

• Handouts and worksheets designed to accompany information and activities included in the toolkit�
• Printable for student use�
• Available as PDFs for digital use as well

Activity Guides

• Detailed guides to lead activities with youth �
• Including ideal age group, learning goals, materials needed, estimated time to complete the activity and detailed instructions for facilitation�
• Modifications for virtual learning also included

Supplemental

Student Resources

• Informational guides containing supplemental information directly from the toolkit designed as handouts for students and families�
• Available as printable PDFs�
• High quality design to match the toolkit

Supplemental

Student Resources

• In some cases, activities for students are contained in these resources to help them work through particular sets of information

QUESTION

What is one action step you can take from this webinar and apply in the next 30 days?

Access the Toolkit

bit.ly/MOSTCCR

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Give Us Feedback on the Toolkit

info@mdoutofschooltime.org

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Learn More about Updates, Professional Development,

www.mostnetwork.org