Look2College Handbook

Early college planning information and activities for 6th-grade students.

Look 2 College for 6th Graders

What difference do you want to make?

How will you get there?

How will you pay for it?

Every job helps others and fits into one of six career fields. Discover them by checking the statements that best reflect your interests, skills, and talents. WHAT DIFFERENCE DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?

Think about...

Protect the environment. Care for animals or plants. Ensure food safety and nutritional value. Agriculture, Food & Natural Sciences Potential Careers: • Farm Equipment Mechanic • Environmental Engineer

2 YEARS

4 YEARS

Solve a computer issue. Entertain others in music, Communication and Information Systems

Manage money responsibly. Lead a group of people. Influence how people live and what they buy. Business, Marketing & Management

art, dance, or drama. Build a helpful app.

Potential Careers: • Software Developer • Graphic Designer

4 YEARS

Potential Careers: • Manager • Financial Advisor 4 YEARS

4 YEARS

Legend:

4-year college Community college

4 YEARS

2 YEARS

Use Reality Check to imagine your future lifestyle and careers that can help you pay for it.

eqf.org/RltyChk

To get the career you want, you will need education after high school.

This might be:

• 2-year Community College • 4-year College & University • Career & Trade School • Apprenticeship & Military

Health Sciences

Teach or train others. Help people overcome their challenges. Serve those in need. Human Sciences and Education

Help sick people. Respond quickly and calmly in emergencies. Make decisions based on logic and information.

Potential Careers: • Paramedic • Registered Nurse 2 YEARS

Potential Careers: • Preschool Teacher • Social Worker

4 YEARS

2 YEARS

4 YEARS

Build with your hands. Fix something broken. Experiment to find the best way to do things. Skilled and Technical Services

Potential Careers: • Electrician • Truck Driver 2 YEARS

2 YEARS

What careers have you considered?

Think about...

HOW WILL YOU GET THERE?

There are choices you can make now that will prepare you for college later.

Be your best self!

We’re talking about character, which includes being respectful, kind, responsible, and trustworthy.

How could you show character in these scenarios? makes a difference. Good character

I’ve got this covered!

You’re last to leave the lunch table and it’s a mess.

You’re assigned to work in a group with someone you don’t get along with.

Being your best self matters, both as a student and future employee!

Let’s see how much you know about study skills!

Separate the Truths from the Lies.

Truth or Lie Truth or Lie Truth or Lie Truth or Lie

1. It’s better to study right after school instead of late at night. 2. Do your easiest homework first. 3. Find a different place to study each day. 4. Unless needed for school work, remove your phone or laptop from the room where you’re studying.

Make a plan now for who you can ask for help.

Study Tip

Take big assignments, like a project, and break them into smaller tasks. Then it’s not so overwhelming.

eqf.org/336950

Building good study skills now = success in high school later!

Check the study and organization habits you currently have:

I get to school and class on time.

I use a planner to write down assignments for each class.

I ask the teacher questions if I don’t understand.

I turn off distractions, like texts or videos, when studying.

I use color folders or binders to organize papers for each subject, like a green binder for math.

What’s something else you do? _____________________________

Any boxes unchecked? Choose one habit to try this week.

As a sixth grader, consider ways you can earn and save money NOW for things you want in the future. HOW WILL YOU PAY FOR IT?

Think about...

Let’s earn some cash for the stuff you want!

Short-term purchase:

If you make $20 a week mowing your neighbor’s lawn and want to buy $160 sneakers, how many weeks will it take you to earn that money? 160

= _______ weeks or _______ months 20

That won’t take so long, right? A little bit of patience can pay off!

Long-term purchase: You want to buy a $3,000 used car when you turn 16. If you make $40 a month babysitting, will you have enough?

$40 per month

= $ _______ x 4 years (That’s when you’ll turn 16!) = $ _______ x 12 months

You may need to babysit more to earn money for the car!

But don’t spend all the money you earn. Save some for college! If your family puts money into a 529 college savings plan, it would typically earn more than it would in a bank savings account. Visit NEST529.com to learn more.

Let’s see how $100 invested in a savings account compares to a 529 college savings plan. How will the money grow in one year?

Bank Savings Account

10¢

$100

529 College Savings Plan

$100

FINANCIAL AID: Another way to pay for college. Scholarships and Grants Sometimes called “gift aid” because you don’t have to pay them back. Work-Study Money you earn from a job on campus. Student Loans Money you will have to pay back.

Apply for your first scholarship! eqf.org/197166

6 6

What action step will you take to prepare for your future?

YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY STARTS WITH EDUCATIONQUEST

EducationQuest is here to guide Nebraska students and families every step of the way. Our FREE services make college planning easier, more accessible, and less stressful.

WHAT WE OFFER:

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT: Get personalized guidance at our offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Scottsbluff.

FREE COLLEGE PLANNING TOOLS: From scholarship searches to reality checks, find everything you need at EducationQuest.org .

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: We partner with local agencies to bring resources directly to you.

STATEWIDE EVENTS: Join us at college fairs, financial aid programs, and Apply2College events.

PROGRAMS FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS: Inspire future college-goers through Look2College, KnowHow2GO, and Exploring College.

SCOTTSBLUFF 1601 E 27th St. 308.708.7199

OMAHA Rockbrook Village, 11031 Elm St. 402.391.4033

LINCOLN 1300 O St. 402.475.5222

KEARNEY 2706 Second Ave. 308.234.6310

Materials and resources are available in Spanish. Materiales y recursos disponibles en español.

EducationQuest.org

Written approval is required for any use of EducationQuest’s trademarked name and logo. Visit educationquest.org/legal for details.

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8