Download - GEARING UP helping your middle school student prepare for college and career.

GEARING UPhelping your middle school student

prepare for college and career

College and Career Planning by the Numbers

• 11 goal• 22 startling statistics• 33 reasons college is important• 44 types of higher education• 55 ways to pay for college • 66 career paths to explore• 77 things you can do now to help your student

goal

This is the motto of Oregon GEAR UP which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

The GEAR UP program in Oregon is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, run through the Oregon University System, and supports middle and high schools across the state to encourage students to pursue higher education and prepare them to succeed.

As a parent or family member, you and your middle school student can begin

planning for the future today.

11COLLEGE. It’s not a dream, it’s a plan.

startling statistics22Only 46.5% of Oregon’s high school graduates go directly to college, which ranks second-to-last for all states.

80% of the jobs in Oregon that pay over $50,000/year will require a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

NCHEMS Information Center (2008 data)Oregon Employment Department (2009 data)

important reasons to go to college

• More money!• Greater job security• Career satisfaction

33There are LOTS of reasons to go to college, but

these are some of the most important.

important reasons to go to college33

Information and statistics provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics (2009), the General Social Survey (GSS) and

CollegeBoard.

types of higher education44Type Degree # Years Examples

Technical or Vocational

Diploma or certificate 1-2 Oregon Culinary School, Oregon School of Massage

Community College

Associate’s Degree (may also have certificate programs)

2 Chemeketa CC,Central Oregon CC

Public 4-YearCollege

Bachelor’s Degree (often also have Graduate and Professional degrees)

4 Oregon State University,Southern Oregon University

Private 4-Year College

Bachelor’s Degree (occasionally Graduate and Professional degrees)

4 Willamette University, Linfield College

ways to pay for higher education55• College Savings Plans• Loans• Grants• Work Study• Scholarships

College can be expensive, but there are multiple ways of paying for college (or getting it for free!)

ways to pay for higher education55

Types of Savings Plans

529 College Savings Plan

Coverdell Education Savings Account

Savings bonds

Stocks and mutual fund accounts

College Savings Plans: The first step in paying for college.

Talk to local banks or credit unions about setting up an account. All of these plans should gain interest tax-free – so that by saving now, your student will have more money for college later. Other family members and your student can contribute, too!

Save this amount each week:

In 5 years with 5% interest, you’ll have:

In 5 years with 8% interest you’ll have:

$5 $1,475 $1,595

$10 $2,950 $3,185

$20 $5,895 $6,370

$50 $14,725 $15,650

ways to pay for higher education55

Need-Based Aid What is it? Need to be paid back?

Loans Borrowed money to help pay for college.

Yes

Grants Money from the federal government or the college.

No

Work Study Part-time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for college.

No

Merit-Based Aid What is it? Need to be paid back?

Scholarships Given for good grades, community service, athletic ability or unique personal qualities.

No

Financial Aid: Money to help pay for college.

ways to pay for higher education55Let’s see how a student might use financial aid and college savings to help pay for college.

First: How much is the “sticker price” of college?The cost of college includes tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and tuition.

Average annual cost for Oregon colleges: Type of Institution Tuition &

FeesOther Costs

Annual Total

2 Year Community Colleges $3,710 $11,014 $14,724

4 Year Public Universities $7,217 $13,050 $20,627

4 Year Private Universities $27,158 $11,822 $38,980Source: Oregon Student Assistance Commission, 2010-2011

ways to pay for higher education55Mt. Hood

Community College

Western Oregon

University

University of Portland

Annual “sticker price” $11,179 $20,236 $46,545

Financial Aid

Grants $3,087 $3,784 $19,758

Scholarships $2,000 $3,100 $10,700

Work-Study $0 $1,465 $1,000

Loans $2,690 $3,259 $3,319

Total Financial Aid -$7,777 -$11,608 -$34,777

Actual family cost $3,402 $8,628 $11,768

Second: What does it really cost?

Average financial aid packages by college

Source: CollegeBoard College Search

career paths to explore66Help your student explore his/her interests, related careers, and the kind of education he or she will need.

Careers can be grouped into six categories:

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Systems• Arts, Information, and Communications• Business, Finance, and Management• Health Sciences• Human Resources, Education and Social Services• Industrial and Engineering Systems

Adapted from Oregon Career Information System.

career paths to explore66


Arts, Communication and Information

Student interest: Art, drawing, or designCareer option: Graphic designerEducation needed: Associate’s degree or higher

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Student interest: Nature, scienceCareer option: HydrologistEducation needed: Bachelor’s degree or higher



Business, Finance and Management

Student interest: Computers, mathCareer option: Computer and Information Systems ManagerEducation needed: Bachelor’s degree or higher

Health Sciences

Student interest: Sports, animals, helping peopleCareer option: Dental hygienistEducation needed: Associate’s degree or higher



Human Resources, Education, and Social Services

Student interest: Helping others, listening, persuadingCareer option: PsychologistEducation needed: Graduate degree

Industrial and Engineering Systems

Student interest: Solving problems, doing experimentsCareer option: Aerospace engineering technicianEducation needed: Associate’s degree or higher

ways to help your middle school student77

Talk to your student.

Ask questions and start conversations about homework, classes, high school, college, and careers.


Set a routine for homework.

Set specific times aside for students to complete homework. Good grades are the most important factor in getting accepted to college.

ways to help your middle school student77Encourage your student to get

involved.Sports, music, community service, or school clubs are all good ways

for your student to stay engaged and explore interests.


Talk to the school.

Teachers, counselors, administrators and staff can help navigate the transition process to high school and preparing for college.

ways to help your middle school student77Visit a college

campus.Join a school field trip or visit a community college or university with your student. Schools offer free tours with current college students.


Talk to a bank.Start a college savings plan that both you and your student can

contribute to each month.


Keep it up!Continue learning with your student about the steps to get into college. There are resources available online, at school, and at

colleges to help you through the entire process.

For more information about college and career planning, call, e-mail or visit the

school counselor:NamePhoneE-mail

Helpful websites include:Knowhow2go.org

College.govMychildsfuture.org

More information