Whether your school has a thriving college and career program or is working to get one off the ground, a well-formed newsletter is essential. It’s a great way to stay in communication with students and their families, keeping them up to date on everything they need to prepare for post-graduation. It’s important to remember that most teenagers, even well-organized ones, still need help staying on track with their goals for the future. A routine newsletter can serve as an important reminder and a much-needed resource for students and their parents. When building one for your school, make sure you keep these components in mind so you can cater to more students with varying needs and plans.

1. Always Discuss Financial Aid Deadlines

It’s never too early to start the financial aid process. While applications and admissions deadlines can vary by state and by school, most tend to follow a similar schedule. FAFSA applications should be completed as early as possible to give students the best chances of receiving scholarships and planning ahead for their student loans. Make sure students are aware of approaching deadlines so they don’t miss their shot at free money towards tuition, books, or room and board.

2. Educate Students About Job Fairs

For those planning to move straight into the job market, posting about upcoming job fairs can be very beneficial for students. In addition to letting them know the when and where, it can also be helpful to prepare students for these events with links to websites, training sessions, or tips and tricks. This enables students to interact with potential employers with more confidence.

3. Discuss Upcoming Tours and Events at Local Colleges

Make sure your students know about all the opportunities they have to visit nearby schools, from community colleges to big-name universities. Any reputable institutions that don’t require an overnight stay to visit should be on your list. Don’t limit this list to events geared solely towards prospective students; anything that helps students get a feel for campus life can be worth checking out.

4. Post Opportunities for Internships and Externships

These work experiences can be what sets a person apart from the competition, so make students aware of local internships and externships that are open to high school students and graduates. Let students know that while some are paid and some are not, all can be valuable in building a strong path to a fulfilling and stable career.

5. Direct Students to Local Job Opportunities

Many teens looking for a summer or after-school job just don’t know where to start. Work experience is important when preparing for college, career, and beyond. Point students to options that would work well for their current school schedules. You can also offer training sessions for resume-building and interview skills.

6. List Scholarships Unique to Your Students

The opportunities for scholarships are vast and varied. While it never hurts to apply, your students likely have the best shot at earning free college money from scholarships that are unique to your student body. These can be private ones specifically from your school or local scholarships from nearby institutions or businesses. Be sure to highlight the options that apply best to your school situation.

7. Provide Pertinent Contact Information

Many students might not know where to start when searching for a job or college. Others may not have much support at home when it comes to completing applications or writing college essays. List every school guidance counselor or designated support staff member, along with a photo and their contact information, on every newsletter you send out. By making these faces familiar, students are more likely to reach out or open up when they’re planning and prepping for the future.

Put your entire student body on the path to success with a routine college and career newsletter full of helpful reminders, tips, and inspiration. By connecting routinely with students in this way, you can help them find the resources and help they need to prepare for a successful transition from high school to the real world.