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HS & Beyond Plan

The Mead School District’s Future Ready program is designed to lead each student toward meaningful careers by asking three questions:

  • Who are you?
  • How do you fit in this world?
  • How much money do you need?

A large part of our Future Ready curriculum is completion of the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP), a WA state graduation requirement.  The HSBP consists of 5 tasks and starts in the 8th grade:

  • Task #1: Completion of a Career Interest Inventory
  • Task #2: Creating a four year plan
  • Task #3: Selecting a post-high school pathway (College / Military / Apprenticeship / Working / etc.)
  • Task #4: Completing a resume
  • Task #5: Learning about FAFSA and the financial aid process

In addition to tracking the five required HSBP tasks, our Future Ready counselors work with students in a variety of other ways to help prepare them for what’s next.  Here is a snapshot of what each student can expect to experience as part of getting Future Ready.

Grade 8: Self Exploration
*Students begin the self-exploration stage by completing the "Find my Path" inventory on SchooLinks. Students explore and save potential career clusters of interest. (8th Grade Counselor - Spring)


Grade 9: Self Exploration

*Students examine what it takes to be a successful high school student. They will examine their learning style by completing the SchooLinks “Learning Style Inventory” and be introduced to credits, the high school transcript, graduation requirements, and resources for academic support.(Grade Level Counselor - fall)

*Students continue the self-exploration stage by completing the SchooLinks “Would You Rather Inventory.” Students deepen knowledge of career options and save potential careers through additional research on SchooLinks. (College/Career Counselor - Winter/Early Spring)

*Students review graduation and college admission requirements to identify their progress. Students register and select course work that is aligned with their future goals and post-secondary pathway. (Grade Level Counselor - Registration)

*Students will be introduced to extracurricular activities, enrichment opportunities, and ways to get involved in their school and community. Students will develop a personal log of activities on SchooLinks that will be updated annually. (English 9 teachers)


Grade 10: Career Exploration 

*Students will continue their career research by completing the Top Skills SchooLinks inventory and relating to potential careers. Students will favor careers of interest and explore education and training needed. Students will learn how to download a copy of their transcript on SchooLinks. (10th Grade Counselor-Fall)

*Students gain a thorough understanding of the different post-secondary pathways and requirements for pursuing (military, apprenticeship, vocational/trades, two year or four year college). Students will create a post secondary goal and plan on SchooLinks to help them prepare for a pathway of their choice. (College/Career Counselor-Spring)

*Students review graduation and college admission requirements to identify their progress. Students register and select course work that is aligned with their future goals and post-secondary pathway. Students are introduced to MHS programs and outside resources (Running Start/New Tech Skills Center) to best meet their goals.(Grade Level Counselor - Registration)

*Students will be introduced to extracurricular activities, enrichment opportunities, and ways to get involved in their school and community. Students will update their personal log of activities/resume on SchooLinks. (English 10 teachers)


Grade 11: Post-Secondary Planning 

*Students are introduced to school and community activities and resources to help them in their post-secondary planning. Students are invited to attend the T-2-4 fair, National College Fair, Trades Night, PSAT and ASVAB testing opportunities to prepare and learn about potential post secondary training and education opportunities.(College/Career Counselor - Fall)

*Students will identify careers of interest and what post-secondary pathway will best align. Students will begin researching the steps involved in reaching that pathway or goal. Students will explore steps towards apprenticeship, trades, community college, four year university, and the workforce.(Grade Level Counselor - Winter)

*Students review academic progress, perform transcript review,  and assess graduation requirements. Students will set academic goals and plans based on their future pathway. *Students will review admission requirements and register for courses that direct them towards their high school and beyond plan (Grade Level  Counselor - Registration Meeting)

*Students receive an overview of the college admissions process, information on college prep testing requirements, scholarship and financial aid information, vocational and technical training options, apprenticeship opportunities, and military options. Students will meet individually with the College and Career Counselor to support their planning and progress and be invited to the College Planning Night. (College Career Counselor - Spring) 

*Students will review their academic progress, admission requirements and register for courses that direct them towards their high school and beyond plan. (Grade Level  Counselor -  Registration Visit)

*Students will be introduced to extracurricular activities, enrichment opportunities, and ways to get involved in their school and community. Students will update a personal log of activities/resume on SchooLinks. (English 11 teachers)

Grade 12: Decision Making & Postsecondary Transition

*Students update their post secondary plan and are introduced to school and community activities and resources to help them in their post-secondary planning. Students are invited to attend the T-2-4 fair, National College Fair, Trades Night, and ASVAB testing opportunities to prepare and learn about potential post secondary training and education opportunities. Students start the post-secondary admissions process, complete any necessary testing requirements and follow a senior timeline to reach their goals(College/Career Counselor - Fall)

*Students learn about the financial aid process and how to complete the FAFSA. Students know how to identify and apply for scholarships. (College/Career Counselor - Fall) 

*Students receive financial education through a partnership with STCU. Students will receive information on budgeting, loans, establishing credit, and financial planning. (STCU - Spring)

*Students are working with their grade level counselor to assess academic progress towards graduation requirements and completing their graduation pathway. (Senior Grade Level Counselor- Continual)