Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

It could have been more beneficial to hear more about trades through elementary and middle school. Not as much of a push on college only.

Steady income, home of my own, career that I enjoy going to every day.

Albion College, Cornerstone University, Hope College, Cedarville University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

I was not eligible to apply for this loan because the college/university I plan to attend is NOT State supported

I do not need any support at this time.

making so many decisions and trying to make the best decisions

end of middle school/beginning of high school - start to take career quizzes and think about what career you might want, middle of high school - prepare for SAT/ACT, emphasize extracurricular activities, think about APs and college credits, get shadowing experience or visit colleges if possible

hard work and persistence, academic preparation throughout high school, initiative and participation in many activities

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University

I did not think I would receive anything.

I do not need any support at this time.

Getting a degree, knowing how to live on my own, becoming a better person

Michigan Tech University, Saginaw Valley State University, Siena Heights University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I was not eligible to apply for this loan because the college/university I plan to attend is NOT State supported

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

The biggest challenges I faced by planning my life after high school was picking out a right college.

Start introducing college at a younger age. I felt college was hardly ever talked about until I was a junior.

1) Support from friends, family, and teachers
2) Being part of an Athletic team
3) Taking JC classes

I do not need any support at this time.

Before I met Sgt. Wilson and we talked about the Marine Corps, I really didn't know about what I wanted to do after high school. So I guess my challenges before that was just figuring out what I wanted to do, but that obviously changed once I met Sgt. Wilson.

Maybe just teaching kids in like middle school or freshmen about certain jobs that they can go into for after high school. I feel like all I did before senior year was just basic knowledge stuff and none of it really prepared me for anything occupational-wise for after high school. I feel opening up kids eyes to what types of careers they can potentially have would help them get a better understanding of life after high school.

I will almost be finished with my four years of active duty in the Marine Corps and hopefully by then, I will have decided if I want to continue with the Marines or go and work a regular job. Hopefully, I have learned all of the necessary skills that I need to be an extremely successful aviation mechanic and I can make a full career out of it. Hopefully I have proven myself to be worthy of being a Marine and I have moved up a few ranks in response to this.

Adrian College, Albion College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship, John George Loan

I do not need any support at this time.

More potential field trips to popular colleges

Having a job lined up when I graduate, receiving a 4 year degree, and being knowledgeable about my career

Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenges have been planning how I will fund college. It has been a long journey to fill out FAFSA, loans, and scholarships.

The school could have provided more clubs that are based around future careers. The school also could have offered more in-person advanced classes. There are a lot of online options, but they are not on the same level as in-person classes.

My success is defined by the drive I have to complete my work and earn a degree. My success is defined by getting accepted to the University of Michigan, joining clubs in my new community, and meeting new diverse people.

Adrian College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Oakland University, Western Michigan University

I did not think I would receive anything.

I do not need any support at this time.

Finding which college is the best for me.

Responsible, Organized, accountable

Jackson College, Washtenaw Community College

I do not need any support at this time.

I got pregnant in 2022 and now I have a baby so I would say that was challenged my planning.

I think it would be helpful if we started college planning our Sophomore or Junior year instead of packing it on all at once during our senior year.

In 4 years I will have my teaching degree (or will almost have my degree), I will be working in an elementary school whether that’s as a teacher or student teacher, and I will have another kid living in Tennessee.

I do not need any support at this time.

Deciding what I want to do any figuring out the life path I have to take to be successful with it.

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I do not need any support at this time.

U of M Dearborn, Kettering University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I do not need any support at this time.

My biggest challenge for me is reading because my dyslexia makes it hard for me to read.

I think something that could help students in their future is to talk about 401k.

I will probably be on my last year of college, have a very well paying job afterwards, and living in my own place.

Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Spring Arbor University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

My parents/guardians didn't want to take out loans

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

My biggest challenge is probably figuring out the degree I want to go into. However, I know that I'll have time to explore and figure this out in college.

Some ways that could have better supported me in thinking about college and career future is possibly learning more about what's out there. I know that students went on Xello a couple times, but maybe watching a presentation or video on types of career possibilities could help open students' minds. I think that Grass Lake is so small that many students don't even know what's out there. Also, I know that this program probably doesn't plan it, but I think that the U of M field trip was very helpful in setting my goals for the future. Even just taking a field trip to any popular Michigan college might help student expand their horizons for college.

Three examples that define my success are if I love what I do, if I have obtained a Bachelor's degree, and if I have been challenged to get where I am.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Kettering University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I was not eligible to apply for this loan because the college/university I plan to attend is NOT State supported

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenge has been trying to manage everything going on and making sure I have time to do what is important.

I think that overall the school does pretty well and I have definitely been given a lot of good opportunities. I think the school should emphasize figuring out what you want to do and testing the waters so you can really get a head start.

4 years from now I will have around 2 years of work experience and I will most likely be working at the same co op I started at. I will have a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. I will be making around 96,000 a year.

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

Just the uncertainty of what I want to do.

I feel there was too much pressure put on going to college and not enough information on the other options. Growing up i thought college was the only option.

I will not be starting my own buisness

I do not need any support at this time.

I am very indecisive so i was unsure with what I am doing after high school.

Have classes that show kids what their skills are

I want to be happy. I want to have money. I want to have my own house.

I did not think I would receive anything.

I do not need any support at this time.

The most challenging part for me would be having to make these plans on my own and hold myself responsible.

I believe that forcing students to start making full length plans earlier would be more helpful than waiting until senior year.

I plan to have continued my education. I hope to have a steady job. I hope to be financially stable for myself. Lastly, I hope to be closer to my full time career.

Central Michigan University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Western Michigan University

Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

With the course I want to take I will not know how I will be able to attend college without the financial support that would be required to maintain the course, along with not knowing whether I’ve been accepted into the program. In other words the greatest challenge is the planning itself.

Spend more time on basic intelligence and have more real life experiences to allow the younger generations understand what actions have what consequences.

Connections, Talent, and Perseverance. In order to succeed in theater/acting, you have to have the connections that allow people to know who you are, you have to have the talent that tell the people that know who you are know that you are good or even great, and you have to let yourself let go of the nos that you will get until you get a yes.

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I was not eligible to apply for this loan because the college/university I plan to attend is NOT State supported

Finding and Applying to Scholarships, I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenge when planning for life after high school has been financial aspects.

Personally, I have always known what I want to do with my life, and I felt extremely supported growing up. However, I think that in elementary and middle school, my district could have encouraged a pathway other than college for children uncertain or not fond of school.

1. Having grown as a student and a person through my future community
2. Being prepared to have an impact on the younger generation
3. Earning a position in a good school district as a Special Education Teacher

Adrian College, Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

Figuring out what I want to do with my life and if I want to go to college or not.

I wish people sat us down and gave us scholarship opportunities. Sometimes things get lost in emails or announcements, so giving us paper lists might have been more helpful

Being able to travel, beginning to work in the travel industry, and living in a big city.

Start my own business/become self-employed (Entrepreneurship)

I have both a completed Resume and Cover Letter

I do not need any support at this time.

I have both a completed Resume and Cover Letter

I do not need any support at this time.

well i think just getting to know how im not a baby anymore and my moms not gunna pay for my stuff anymore and i gotta do it on my own

well i feel like every-time we talked about college we always wanted to talk about that but not everyone likes school i know from experience and i dont like it one bit its just not for me and im okay with that im fine knowing school was not for me that just makes me wanna be good at something and i though elementary was fun and middle school because we didn't have to do anything we just got to be kids.

well i will be sexy so i will have a hot wife and im going to put a lot of work into my job and im going to fearless because no matter what happens im going to get back up on my feet

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

Applying for Student Loans, I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenge for planning for life after high school has been the financial part of it.

Maybe exposing us to more career paths at an earlier age.

Graduating from college
Becoming a certified Personal Training
Opening my own gym

Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

Finding and Applying to Scholarships, Going on a College Visit

There were a lot of things going on at the time, and it was overwhelming at the moment.

I wish the school would have pushed us to look a little bit earlier, and to learn about each college a bit more.

4 years from now I want to have my own apartment, have a successful job, and I want to be graduating if not already graduated from college.

I do not need any support at this time.

getting my mum on board about joining the military

Be more helpful to the kids with ADHD and that struggle with paying attention

I do not need any support at this time.

I think that my education was pretty good

working in a job I choose for myself. being happy in that job. having fun

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

My parents/guardians didn't want to take out loans

I do not need any support at this time.

Having limited verbal support and encouragement from my parents as well as the idea of being a first generation college student.

Make sure they slowly become aware of the process that applying to colleges is, as well as encouraging them to have a basic idea and a plan they can fall back on.

Three specific examples that define my success are motivation, being supported, and making myself proud.

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

Worrying about how I’m going to pay for college

I think that pounding it into us right as we get into highschool that our grades can’t be changed, and that they will affect us when we are seniors applying for colleges and scholarships.

Central Michigan University, Michigan Tech University, Saginaw Valley State University, Ohio State, Bowling Green State, UTK

John George Loan, I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

It has been difficult for me to figure out what I want to do and where I want to go to college. The surveys done in class are not helpful to me. I visited many college but it was still very difficult to pick a college and figure out where I wanted to go.

I feel like most people know if they want to go to college or not. I feel like the thing lacking was preparing students for college applications. I am a good student with good grades and academics. I believe a large reason for not getting into the big schools like OSU and UTK was I wasn't knowledgeable of things I needed to do to get in. As a junior in high school, students NEED someone stressing the importance of retaking the SAT, applying to college early (as soon to August 1 as possible), and writing those extra essays specifically for the colleges to help guarantee admissions acceptance. My friend who lives in Cali had a personal counselor going over her applications and told her that it would be more important to write a personal essay that takes a couple days than to submit the application a few days sooner. Just little things like this would have been beneficial in the college application process.

I am determined to succeed and be the best I can be.
I am driven to graduate college debt-free.
I will be farther away from home so I will have less distractions.

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

Showing there are more options then just college

Hard work, determination, and a good mindset

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

Applying for Student Loans, I do not need any support at this time.

adding a class starting at 4th or 5th grade that teaches you about life, ways to get over stressful situations, what to do in your life, and more. the pressure builds up because its almost like when you get into high school people pressure you.

Working on myself more than whatever I am doing and spreading that energy.
Getting to the pinnacle of my job position and being financially stable.

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

Talk about careers in elementary and middle school to give an understanding of what students might want to do.

Lots of money, own a duramax, and become closer with my parents.

I have decided to not go into the military

Grand Valley State University, Olivet College, Saginaw Valley State University, Siena Heights University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

I do not need any support at this time.

Figuring out the financial process with FASFA. Figuring out what I wanted to do

Just do what you love, I love sports and I am going to stay in them

Hardworking, disciplined and motivated

Central Michigan University, Hope College, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Western Michigan University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I was not eligible to apply for this loan because the college/university I plan to attend is NOT State supported

I do not need any support at this time.

Figuring out which college and major I wanted

I wish it was kind of helping me from the beginning instead of just senior yeat with more career exploration

Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Sigmund Foundation Scholarship, Jackson College Foundation - For students going to Jackson College

I do not need any support at this time.

Not being sure exactly what I want to major in.

Could have taken us to universities or helped us shadow businesses

graduating with a degree
finding my first job using that degree
moving out on my own

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I do not need any support at this time.

figuring out what i want to do and where i wanted to go to school

Talking about applying to colleges before senior year and talking about different scholarship opportunities

graduated college, have a good job, happy in my career

I have both a completed Resume and Cover Letter

I do not need any support at this time.

Ensure they understand the importance of actually spending time with people they enjoy, and reinforce the importance of strong relationships

3 specific examples of things that haven't happened yet?

Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship, Sigmund Foundation Scholarship, Jackson College Foundation - For students going to Jackson College

After Graduation Career/College Counseling ( I don't know what I want to do!), Applying for Student Loans

The biggest challenges have been picking a college, applying and finding scholarships to apply to, and picking my major.

Given us a calendar of all scholarships due so we know when we need them done. Also a list of different majors or careers we could go into.

Graduating college with my bachelors, becoming a nurse/nutritionist at a hospital, and going out of college debt free.

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

Told me more about apprenticeships and helped me find a good one

Hopefully making 80k plus with no debt and not worried about what im going to do with my life

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University

I did not think I would receive anything.

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenge for me was selecting a college

I really think an emphasis should have been placed on extracurriculars versus grades. Most colleges require some extracurriculars to get somewhere.

Four years from now, I want a job lined up for when I graduate, I want to be in a degree that makes me happy, and I want to be confident in my knowledge surrounding the field I am going into.

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I do not need any support at this time.

Trying to decide on athletics during college and if that is the most financially responsible decision.

Better middle school English classes. I had no grammar or citation experience when I went into high school. Make sure elementary students have social and emotional skills and have the ability to read at or above grade level.

Hard work, have to graduate college
I need a good paying job so I have to get my degree and resume updated
Gain some work experience over the summers

Adrian College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Jackson Community College

Adrian College, Jackson Community College

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

Mostly just preparing myself to be on my own kinda.

The only thing that might’ve helped more would’ve been preparing me to keep organized.

Starting out teaching/subbing, having my own place, being able to pay for a new car.

Work for a year or two, then explore post-HS classes.

I do not need any support at this time.

Probably the unknown, not knowing how long i'm going to be working full-time before I end up having to need the post education.

Personally, I don't think I needed more help. I was happy to have Travis help me.

Reaching my big goals, not giving up, overcoming my fears.

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Saginaw Valley State University, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, Northwood University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

I do not need any support at this time.

Choosing which college to attend and figuring out how to pay for college.

Present the career options early on so students can start thinking about it early so they are prepared senior year and know what career path they want to pursue. Encourage the Career Center and Jackson College classes. Teach how to apply for college and scholarships and help on how to write the essays for them and the best ways to get into college and win scholarships.

Achieve goals, never give up, and work hard.

My parents/guardians need to fill out their section.

I did not think I would receive anything.

I do not need any support at this time.

I've really been aimless and lacking motivation for the past three years. I only recently started working toward the path i'm on now.

Nobody really knows what they want to do in middle school, but once they get into high school, it becomes important to try to help students find a career they will succeed in, or at the very least not fail in.

In four years, I hope to be finishing a bachelors degree in music education. I want to be happy with my choices, I want to be confident in the direction im headed. If all of those apply, I would consider myself successful for that.

Albion College, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Spring Arbor University, Western Michigan University, Ball State University and University of Kentucky

I did not apply to one of these Jackson County Scholarships

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenges have been figuring out where I am going to go for college and what option is going to be the best for me.

I would say having little to no knowledge on anything college related until the last year of high school. It makes the whole process very difficult and it feels very rushed.

I have both a completed Resume and Cover Letter

I do not need any support at this time.

Covid, with how it ruined the economy it made it difficult to make any solid plans.

I wish I was not pushed towards college so heavily. At times it felt like trades were lower and or ugly work.

Attitude, perseverance, and a want to better myself.

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

Filling out College Applications, Going on a College Visit

I think the biggest challenge for planing life after highschool was knowing what you want to do for possibly the rest of your life. Somthing that makes you money that can support you and a family.

I think that Grass Lake could offer more classes/ clubs that are more related to future careers.

I do not need any support at this time.

I think the biggest challenge has really been finding the confidence to truly just do what I wanna do.

I think not putting as much pressure because it is almost as if there is too much pressure so it can seem too scary.

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenges for me in planning for life after high school were trying to choose the best college suited for my education. There are colleges that function different than others, and I needed to research what college best fitted my education that I plan on pursuing.

Some ways that my school could have better supported me in thinking about my college and career future are asking questions about what I want to do after high school, along with possible updates, where someone would check-in with the student and truly ask if you are committed to pursing this career.

Three specific examples that define my success in the next 4 years are getting an Associate's Degree in community College, then getting a Bachelor's Degree at a university in Mechanical Engineering. Also, I would find a way to earn quite a bit of money while I'm in college (side hustles) so that I prepare myself for my first big job in Engineering.

Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

Finding and Applying to Scholarships

Knowing colleges I got accepted to late.

Learn how to best present yourself in college applications.

- Graduate with bachelors in engineering at Michigan
- Have multiple internships for experience
- Entering my first engineering job

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Western Michigan University

I do not need any support at this time.

I have been planning for the difficulties of paying for college.

Focused on English and grammar, GL sucks at English.

Bachelor's Degree, apartment, travel

Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University, Spring Arbor University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenges for planning life after high school is coming up with the money for college and deciding what I want to do after high school.

I think my school did a great job supporting me and my college decisions. I also think the Senior Transitions class at Grass Lake was a great class to take.

Three examples that define my success are hard work, determination, and discipline.

Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Lake Superior State University, Western Michigan University

Jackson Community Foundation - Includes the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship, Sigmund Foundation Scholarship

My parents/guardians didn't want to take out loans

I do not need any support at this time.

The biggest challenge have been deciding what college to go to.

Providing more classes in the high school other than just the basic core classes and some ap classes.

I will be graduating from nursing school, I will have a set job as a nurse at a hospital, and I will be living in an apartment by myself or with some friends.

I do not need any support at this time.

I plan to work and find a job I enjoy doing.

More education in different subjects because I still don't know some of my interests and it would have been helpful.

My dedication, hard-working attitude, and my reliability.

After Graduation Career/College Counseling ( I don't know what I want to do!)

The biggest challenge that I have found is still not finding a career I want to pursue.

I think it could have been better If we felt we were more prepared for after graduation because it is a big change.

i hope to be doing better then how I am now

I have both a completed Resume and Cover Letter

I do not need any support at this time.

I'm waiting just in case major plans change again.

I'm not applying to an accredited college yet.

I didn't qualify for scholarships as the school is nonaccredited

I do not need any support at this time.

Deciding what I'm willing to do in life and what I'm not, and then narrowing down an education or career track.

School education could be more focused on students learning to figure out a solution than expecting to be given the right answer.

Crying through the work but completing it anyway (difficult assignments)

Learning which friends will help you stay on task (good work group)

Learning how to find the play within work (making the best of monotony)

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

I think the biggest challenges would be figuring out what to do after high school.

Gave some classes about future careers or what to expect for college and future careers. Like being able to explore it more.

Working hard to get to the goals I have in life
Studying to pass all or any classes I have
Always being on time for important events

Adrian College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Western Michigan University

I do not need any support at this time.

Just overall making final decisions about how I’m going to spend the next couple years.

Graduate college, possibly going to graduate school, or starting a job in the psychology field

Go to an Apprenticeship, Trade School or Certification Program

I do not need any support at this time.

I have a place to live, I have a good job, and i have a lot of animals