Next Steps Idaho: Idaho Press Club Awards Submission, Media Kit

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Brian Cronin, Casey Shelley Bender, Blake Youde

Idaho Press Club Awards | Public Relations Division | Media Kit

Next Steps Idaho

Executive Summary

THE CHALLENGE

Using a College Access Challenge Grant from the US Department of Education, the Idaho State Board of Education was looking to launch an initiative that would help advance their overarching goal goal of having 60% of Idahoans between the ages of 25 and 34 possessing a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020. The State Board wanted a web-based (and mobile responsive) tool targeting students that would help them and their families to navigate the path to college or some form of post-secondary education. Lacking an actual advertising budget to drive traffic to the site, the initial success of Next Steps Idaho would hinge on earned media coverage and grassroots communications through existing stakeholder and educator net-works.

THE STRATEGY

Conceived and built by Strategies 360, and launched in the fall by the State Board of Education, Next Steps Idaho is a website designed to assist schools and counselors as they work with students to explore and prepare for postsecondary college and career options. The site was launched at the inaugural conference of the Educate Idaho Network, where Governor Otter extolled the site in his opening remarks.

The site provides information for counselors, students, and families on every step of the journey, ranging from the first semester of 8th grade to the final semester of 12th grade. Planning checklists, questions to re-search and ask a counselor during appointments, and grade-by-grade timelines are available, as is informa-tion on topics ranging from financial aid to career exploration. The site content was developed after extensive research with Idaho students about the challenges they see and the information they need as they begin to think about life after high school.

Strategies 360 developed the many pieces of a media kit designed to explain what Next Steps Idaho was and give examples of the sorts of information and tools available that could empower students to more effectively plan their future. This packet was also shared with people working in the schools who’d likely be talking with students about post-secondary plans (administrators, counselors, and teachers).

THE SUCCESS

In its first four months, Next Steps Idaho has received more than 12,000 unique visits and 45,000 page views from people in every corner of the state. The average session duration is 4 minutes, which is consid-ered extraordinary in an era of short attention spans. Traffic to the site has been entirely organic, thanks to earned media and grassroots outreach and communication. Next Steps Idaho was mentioned in Governor Otter’s 2016 State of the State address and highlighted during First Lady Lori Otter’s visit to Vallivue High School during College Application Week (which received media coverage).

www.NextSteps.Idaho.gov650 West State Street, 3rd Floor | Boise, ID 83702(208) 334-2270

State Board of Education

This folder is sponsored by the College Access Challenge Grant Program, PR/Award Number P378A080033, as administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education,U.S. Department of Education. The contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Postsecondary Education or the U.S. Department of Education, nor are they necessarily endorsed by the Federal Government.

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For Immediate Release September 3, 2015 Contact: Casey Bender (208) 850-9871 [email protected] Blake Youde 208-332-1591 (office) 208-696-9447 (cell) [email protected]

State Board of Education’s New “Next Steps” Website Launches as Go-To Resource for Students and Families

(BOISE) – The Idaho State Board of Education has launched a new online resource, Next Steps Idaho (nextsteps.idaho.gov), aimed at students and parents of students exploring options for life after high school.

“Next Steps is an important part of the go-on equation for Idaho. It provides a wide range of clear, easy-to-digest information, all in one, easy-to-access place,” says Matt Freeman, Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education. “The information is specific to Idaho and helps counter some of the obstacles Idaho students face when considering postsecondary college and career training.”

Whether students have their sights set on a four-year college, a community college, a certification program, or the military, Next Steps provides tools and support for students, families, educators, and community members. Information on the site is easy to find, organized both by students’ grade level and topic area.

The State Board of Education conducted focus group research with students statewide to better understand existing obstacles. Applying these findings, Next Steps provides a library of resources including materials on how to pay for school, how to prepare for a conversation with a school counselor, and how to determine which college or training program might be a good fit. Additional tools include testing and study tips, a glossary of higher education-related terms, links to Idaho public college and university admission sites, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) worksheet, an admissions tracker to help students manage application deadlines, and listings of Idaho-specific scholarship opportunities.

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Next Steps 2

The Next Steps Idaho website is sponsored by the College Access Challenge Grant Program, PR/Award Number P378A080033, as administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. The contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Postsecondary Education or the U.S. Department of Education, nor are they necessarily endorsed by the Federal Government.

Multiple stakeholders collaborated on Next Steps, including the Idaho Career Information System, the Department of Labor, the Idaho Division of Professional Technical Education, and other key community leaders, educators, and policymakers. The site is part of the State Board of Education’s ongoing efforts to reach its goal of having 60% of Idahoans ages 25 to 34 in possession of a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020.

More information about Next Steps can be found online at nextsteps.idaho.gov.

The State Board of Education is charged with the general supervision, governance and control of the public educational institutions and the public school system of the State of Idaho. To learn more about the Idaho State Board of Education, please visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov.

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GUEST OPINIONS SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 12:00 AM

Guest Opinion: Next Steps Idaho can improveIdaho’s go-on rates

iBy Don Soltman

You may have wondered what it means when you hear news reports that only 50 percent of Idaho’s highschool graduates are enrolled in college or career programs one year after graduating. Why is this figureso important? More importantly, what is Idaho doing to change these numbers?

You may have wondered what it means when you hear news reports that only 50 percent of Idaho’s highschool graduates are enrolled in college or career programs one year after graduating. Why is this figure soimportant? More importantly, what is Idaho doing to change these numbers?

HIGHLIGHTS

GUEST OPINIONS SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 12:00 AM

Guest Opinion: Next Steps Idaho can improveIdaho’s go-on rates

iBy Don Soltman

You may have wondered what it means when you hear news reports that only 50 percent of Idaho’s highschool graduates are enrolled in college or career programs one year after graduating. Why is this figureso important? More importantly, what is Idaho doing to change these numbers?

You may have wondered what it means when you hear news reports that only 50 percent of Idaho’s highschool graduates are enrolled in college or career programs one year after graduating. Why is this figure soimportant? More importantly, what is Idaho doing to change these numbers?

HIGHLIGHTS

The Idaho State Board of Education has been working toward its goal of 60 percent of Idahoans betweenthe ages of 25 and 34 possessing a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020. Having 60 percent of ouryoung citizens with postsecondary training or degrees is no longer just a far-off goal for the future — it is anecessity given today’s economic realities.

I am excited to announce the launch of Next Steps Idaho, an online resource and public outreachcampaign designed to prepare Idaho’s students for a successful life after high school. You can access thisgreat resource — one of several initiatives focused on our postsecondary educational attainment rates — atnextsteps.idaho.gov.

The Next Steps Idaho website helps reduce the confusion and uncertainty many students and familiesexperience regarding going on to college. It provides free, Idaho-specific advice, with information aboutIdaho colleges, universities, technical training programs, and other postsecondary options. It offersdownloadable tools, such as checklists for each year your student is in high school. The calendar lets youknow about events like College Application Week and financial aid deadlines. It also offers an admissionstracker, where you can keep track of what you need to submit to apply for Idaho schools, and a GPAcalculator to ensure you are staying on track academically. And last but not least, the site providesinformation not only on how to get into college but also on how to pay for it.

Next Steps Idaho was designed based on focus group research we conducted with Idaho students abouttheir needs. It is student friendly and organized with students and their families in mind. It does notintend to tell students what to do; rather, it aims to provide students and families with all of theinformation (and motivation) they need — in one, easy-to-access place — to make the decisions that areright for them.

There has been a lot of collaboration behind the scenes, too. With funding from a College AccessChallenge Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the Idaho State Board of Education worked inpartnership with Idaho Career Information System, the State Department of Education, the Department ofLabor, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, the Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education, and keycommunity leaders, educators and policymakers.

I hope you’ll join me in spreading the word about Next Steps Idaho and what it has to offer. Let’s shift theconversation — together — from a discussion about how much Idaho’s go-on rate needs to improve to asuccess story that the nation can learn from.

Don Soltman is president of the Idaho State Board of Education.

MORE GUEST OPINIONS

NextSteps.Idaho.gov650 West State Street, 3rd Floor | Boise, ID 83702(208) 334-2270


Why College?

Build Connections College is a great place to meet new people, make friends, and network. The friends you make in college are often friends you will have for life. You also have the opportunity to network through classmates and professors.

Better Future for Your Family71% of students with at least one parent with a bachelor’s degree will apply to college themselves, as opposed to 26% of those who do not. Start a tradition that will be passed to your children by setting the example and earning a bachelor’s degree.

Earn More MoneyThose who graduate from college earn more money than those with only a high school diploma. On average, someone with a college degree can earn $1,100 a week as opposed to just $638 with a high school diploma. Whatever your dreams are, a college degree can help you get there.

Better HealthStudies continue to show that college graduates tend to have a healthier life,both physically and mentally.

More Opportunity Graduating from college increases your choices for future careers and provides you with specialized skills and training that are essential in today’s workforce.

College can be a valuable experience and asset to your future. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a college degree.

Doctoral Degree $84,396

$89,128

$69,108

$57,616

$40,404

$37,804

$33,852

$24,544

Professional Degree

Master’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate Degree

Some or No College

High School Diploma

Less than a High School Diploma

Average Salary Based on Educational Attainment

Data collected from people ages 25 and over: Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.

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Source: IACRAO “Higher Education in Idaho.” 2015-2016

CLICK LINK

Take Your Next Steps at NextSteps.Idaho.gov.



High School isJust the Beginning

SO, WHAT COMES AFTER GRADUATION?

NEXT STEPS IS HERE TO HELP

A quick look at Idaho collegesand universiti esEasily research and compare high-quality, aff ordable choices available in state.

A program directoryAccess informati on on programs that help fi rst-generati on college students or at-risk students succeed.

A calendar of deadlinesand learning opportuniti esTrack important dates and events for students, families, and educators.

ToolsDownload planning checklists and worksheets with questi ons for studentsto consider as they seek help from teachersand counselors.

Grade-by-grade ti melinesBrowse acti onable tasks and informati on designed to help students identi fy theirnext steps and plan for their future.

ResourcesFind resources that help students explore college opti ons, research scholarship opportuniti es, and stay organized when they’re applying to college.

When trying to decide what to do after high school, Idaho students have lots of options. And with so much to think about, planning is key. Next Steps provides students, educators, and families with the information they need to help kids get—and stay—on track. As you prepare for college or career, Next Steps has the tools, timelines, and resources to help youstay focused on your goals.

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Get a head start on next year’s reading.There’s no better time than summer break to dig into some awesome new books.

8th Grade Checklist8

Get ready for the big time. Next year you’ll start an exciting new chapter. It’s a good idea to start

thinking about what you want to get out of high school. What do you want to do when you graduate?

And what’s the plan to help you get there?

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

THIS SUMMER

Get the conversation started now.Talk to an adult about what you like to do, what you’re good at and what you want for your future. Ask questions. Ask for advice. Listen.

Do something new.If you haven’t yet, get involved in an extracurricular activity or hobby. Part of being a well rounded student (and person) is participating in activities that teach you new skills and challenge you to work hard, while doing something that you enjoy or have a passion for.

Make your high school plan.This year, you’ll make a plan for the courses you’ll take in high school. This plan gets approved by your parents and will help determine your path to graduation.

Pay attention to your GPA.Your grades between freshman and junior years will be one of the most important factors in college acceptance and scholarship money.

Now is the time to decide what type of high school student you want to be. Make an effort to practice good study habits and hone your test taking skills.

Explore career paths.Idaho’s Career Information System (CIS) allows you to track your educational goals, take assessment tests to help you figure out what kinds of jobs you might be good at, look further into career options and educational pathways, and help you plan for the financial needs that your choices may require. Check it out: www.idahocis.org

Read all the books!You’ve heard this your whole life. But it’s more important than ever to keep reading—everything you can get your hands on. Keep a list of the next three books you plan to read. Challenge yourself! Explore new topics and genres. Talk about what you’re reading with your teachers and friends. Get recommendations from a librarian or online.

Understand your options.Life after high school might mean going to a four-year college or enrolling in a technical training program. You’ve got plenty of choices and time to explore post-high school opportunities. But the more you understand now, the easier it will be to make decisions (or at least have options) as you progress toward graduation.

This checklist is sponsored by the College Access Challenge Grant Program, PR/Award Number P378A080033, as administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. The contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Office of Postsecondary Education or the U.S. Department of Education, nor are they necessarily endorsed by the Federal Government.



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THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Study a little. Read a lot.Next fall, you’ll have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) exam. You may want to set aside some time during the summer months to prepare, as the exam is offered in the fall semester.

Get a head start on next year’s reading by challenging yourself with different genres and authors.

THIS SUMMER

Talk about your goals for the future.Be sure to meet with your guidance counselor at least once this year so he or she knows what you’re planning and can provide you the best help possible. Talk to your friends about their goals and compare notes.

Keep your grades up.The GPA you’ll submit on college applications starts accumulating in 9th grade. To give yourself the best chance at being accepted to an Idaho institution, you’ll need at least a 2.25 GPA. If your GPA is low, you’ll need to score higher on entrance exams to get into college.

Take classes that will count toward college and career.Consider dual credit or advanced placement (AP) opportunities that may be available to you in high school. Even if you’re not planning to go to a traditional four-year college, there are career training programs you can begin in high school.

Get involved in extracurricular activities.Joining a club, playing a sport, participating in a school play or volunteering at church—these all count toward becoming a well-rounded student, which will help when it’s time to apply to school or for scholarships.

Seek out mentoring and support.If you think you might be falling behind or you just need some extra guidance or encouragement, go after the help you need.

Know the facts and explore your options.Whatever your career and salary goals are, chances are they will require some education and training after high school. People usually earn more based on how much education they’ve obtained beyond their high school diploma. Learn more using Idaho’s Career Information System (CIS): www.idahocis.org

Understand how to pay for college.If you’re planning on going to college, you can definitely find a way to pay for it. You just need to have a plan. And that plan starts now.

Get familiar with your choices—you’ve got more than one!Life after high school might mean going to a four-year college or enrolling in a technical training program. Now is the time to start exploring post-high school opportunities. The more you understand now, the easier it will be to make decisions as you get closer to graduating.

Here’s to new adventures. Focus on making the best grades you possibly can by studying hard and being

prepared. Get involved. Taking part in extracurricular activities increases your chances of getting into

college. If college isn’t for you, know what other options are out there. Training programs, community

college, and apprenticeships all open the door to exciting careers.

9th Grade Checklist




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WINTER

Think about what you want for your future.Part of deciding how much education or training you need after high school is thinking about the type of life you want. No matter what your goals are, you can start to figure out how much money you need to earn to support yourself and your desired lifestyle.

Think about what you want to study.Figure out which next steps are right for you. Start thinking about possible programs of study: a group of courses that leads to a diploma, certificate, or college degree.

FALL

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SUMMER

Get ready for junior year.Do a little planning and extra studying now so you can hit the ground running. Once you receive your PSAT scores, set a goal for what you’d like to achieve on the SAT or ACT next year, and start studying and taking practice tests.

Get a head start on next year’s reading.There’s no better time than summer break to dig into some awesome new books. Challenge yourself with different genres and authors.

Check in with your counselor. Talk with your friends.Ask about advanced placement opportunities and dual credit courses. And keep talking with your friends and family about your plans. You may have some new interests or ideas about life after graduation this year. Ask for input and advice.

Target a GPA for this year.The grades you’re earning right now will impact your options for college and scholarships. To give you the best chance at being accepted into an Idaho institution, you’ll need at least a 2.25 GPA.

Take the PSAT exam.Try to set aside some extra time to study and hone your test-taking skills. Familiarity with the PSAT/SAT’s structure and content will make you a better test-taker. Ask your counselor where to access practice tests and tools.

Join an extracurricular activity.In addition to activities offered at your school, consider volunteering with a nonprofit organization in your community. Pursuing activities outside of the classroom will help with college applications and may even help you win scholarship money.

Take classes that will help you get into and pay for college.Students attending public schools across Idaho have access to funding that helps cover the costs of taking college-level courses or professional-technical certification exams while still in high school.

Time to zero in. This is the year to check in with your counselor and make sure you’re on the right track.

Keep focusing on that GPA and make sure you take the Preliminary SAT, which goes a long way towards

prepping you for the SAT next year. Junior year is just around the corner.

10th Grade Checklist




WINTER

Kicking into high gear. Your junior year is where momentum really starts to build.

There’s a lot to do, but remember—the future looks bright.

Research schools and programs. Whether you’re headed to a four-year college or a professional/technical training school, start researching options now.

Plan for the SAT and/or ACT. Get a study guide for the SAT and/or ACT and start to prepare for the entrance exam you plan to take. Be sure to register for the exams in advance.

FALL SPRING

Get serious about your options. Make plans to visit the schools that are most appealing to you. Think about applying to three or four institutions or programs. Be sure you include at least one “dream” school and one “safety school,” so you have a reasonable expectation of getting accepted to at least one.

Time to test. You should be studying and taking practice tests, so that you are entirely comfortable with the format, types of questions, and content areas that you’ll be tested on.

Research scholarship options.Like millions of students before you, you can pay for school. You just need to understand the process and investigate options and opportunities that make sense for you.

Get organized for your final year.Develop a resume of high school activities and awards, if you haven’t done so, and update as needed. Think about what you can do this summer to build your skills and add to that resume.

Set up a meeting with your counselor. Plan to meet several times this year. Have specific questions prepared each time and walk away with usable information and tasks.

Make sure you’re taking the right classes. You may want to consider taking additional credits in specific subject areas if you have a career goal in mind or if you’re hoping to earn college credits prior to attending.

Keep your grades up.The grades you’re earning right now will impact your options next year. A solid GPA means you’ll be eligible to enroll in Idaho public universities. A really strong GPA could mean more scholarship money. So stay focused and ask for help if you need it.

Do more than school.Participating in extracurricular activities will help you get into college and can lead to scholarship opportunities. Whether it’s school-based or a community activity, find something you can be passionate about and do it!





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WINTER

Make sure your family is prepared for thefinancial aid process.Your parents will need to prepare their taxes long before the April 15 deadline, since you will need that information to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Tackle the FAFSA.The first step to getting grants or loans from the federalgovernment, state government, or institutions is to fill out theFAFSA. Be ready to spend a couple of hours gathering the documents you need and filling out the form completely. The time spent will be worth it.

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SPRING

Not heading to college next year?Consider a technical training or apprenticeship program or a career in the military, where you can acquire career skills.

Complete the financial aid process.Remember to think about the net cost of college: the difference between the “sticker” price (full cost) to attend a specific college, minus any grants and scholarships you’ve been awarded.

Decision time!After you receive letters of acceptance and financial aid awards, decide which school or program you’ll attend and then follow through on your post-acceptance tasks.

Reflect. Be proud. Celebrate!Go out feeling good about your senior year with good grades and great memories.

Organize your senior year calendar.Create a tracker to stay organized. Include deadlines for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Note when you submit each form and confirm with your counselor that transcripts, test scores and recommendations have all been properly submitted.

Visit schools this fall.Now is a great time to plan a campus visit because classes are in session and you are better able to meet and talk with students and professors. Call ahead to schedule tours, appointments, and even an overnight stay.

Finalize your college list.Use the information you’ve gathered from college visits, interviews, and your own research to decide which schools you will apply to.

Ask for letters of recommendation.Think about who knows you best: your accomplishments, the challenges you’ve faced, your unique strengths and personality traits. Decide whom you’re going to ask and give them plenty of notice.

Take the SAT or ACT again if you need to.You may need a higher score to meet admission requirements or to be eligible for certain scholarships. Or you may be taking the test for the first time if you did not take it last year.

Focus on financial aid opportunities.The downtime after applications have been sent is a great time to seek out extra money for school.

This is YOUR year. We know there’s still so much to do, but this is the year it all pays off. Soon enough,

you’ll have an exciting decision to make about what’s next.



650 West State Street, 3rd Floor | Boise, ID 83702(208) 334-2270


Paying for College

Scholarships are funds that you do NOT have to repay. To help pay for school,

we encourage you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA) and the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship application. These are both

accessed through NextSteps.Idaho.gov.

You may be eligible for more than you think! NextSteps.Idaho.gov has several

other scholarship and financial aid resources at your fingertips. Also, please

discuss with college admissions representatives additional scholarships

available for students attending their college or university. Start researching

financial aid options now, as there are deadlines for applying.

You may be eligible for free financial aid—up to $5,700 of federal aid and up to $3,000 of state scholarships for college per year.

NextSteps.Idaho.govNextSteps.Idaho.gov650 West State Street, 3rd Floor | Boise, ID 83702(208) 334-2270


Idaho Colleges & Universities Map

Documents

Next Steps Idaho: Idaho Press Club Awards Submission, Media Kit