KnowHow2GO Handbook

College and career planning activities for 7th & 8th-grade students.

KnowHow2GO TO COLLEGE FOR 7 TH AND 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS

PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME CASH

FIND THE RIGHT FIT Explore career and college options.

PUSH YOURSELF Give your best effort at school.

Learn how to save and pay for college.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Nearly 70% of jobs require education beyond high school. These education options include:

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (4-year)

OTHER EDUCATION OPTIONS

COMMUNITY COLLEGES (2-year)

Career/Trade Schools offer certificates & diplomas. Examples: cosmetology and massage therapy. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with an employer. Examples: electrician, coder, and mechanic. Military Service

Earn associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. List examples of these colleges:

Earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. List examples of these colleges:

GET A REALITY CHECK See which careers can support your future desired lifestyle.

Visit eqf.org/RltyChk

EVERY JOB CAN BE CATEGORIZED INTO ONE OF SIX CAREER FIELDS.

Check the careers that interest you.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Communication & Information Systems

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree Food scientist Soil and plant scientist

Farm equipment mechanic Farmer/rancher

Business, Marketing & Management

Associate degree

Audio and video technician Fashion designer

Associate degree Chef or baker

R E

A L

Human resources assistant

Bachelor’s degree

Software developer Graphic designer

Bachelor’s degree Operations manager Accountant

Skilled & Technical Sciences

Human Sciences & Education

Certification Electrician

Certification

Truck driver

Police officer Hair stylist

Bachelor’s degree Engineer Construction manager

Health Sciences

Bachelor’s degree Teacher Social worker

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree Lab Tech

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) Emergency medical technician (EMT)

Registered nurse (RN)

TAKE A NEXT STEP TO EXPLORE CAREERS

Complete a career interest inventory: MyNextMove.org

Dive into your interests: Learn everything you can.

Job shadow: Go to work with someone in a career that interests you.

To prepare for college, give your best effort at school. PUSH YOURSELF

GPA Matters! Your academic performance determines your GPA. Each grade you get has a point value: A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 Many scholarships require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Would you qualify? If yes, keep doing what you’re doing to prepare to earn scholarships! If no, it’s time to improve your GPA.

REPORT CARD

Grade Points

Math

B A

3.0

English Science

Social Studies

Spanish

C Total

Calculate this student’s GPA.

Total points

Number of classes

GPA

Colleges and employers are also looking for students with strong character.

Improve Your GPA

Read the scenario and identify the character trait on display.

Check your current study and organizational habits.

Friendly, Helpful, Honest, Resilient, Responsible,

I use a planner to write down assignments for each class. I turn off distractions like texts or videos when doing homework. I turn my work in on time.

You found a wallet outside of school and turn it into the office. You get to school on time. You share notes with a student who missed a class. You get along with any partner you’re assigned to. Your homework is hard, but you keep trying.

I ask my teacher for help when needed.

Visit EducationQuest online!

Find a caring adult to guide you. Identify who you can “Ask for Help.” Visit eqf.org/336950

Time to create SMART goals to help you succeed! Visit eqf.org/514060

PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME CASH

Now that you know how to prepare for college, it’s time to learn how to save and pay for it.

Start with SAVING .

Find ways to earn money! Walk dogs, babysit, mow lawns, and get a part-time job in high school. How could you earn some cash?

When you earn or get gift money, save some for college!

Bank Savings Account

NEST 529 college savings plans can earn more than a typical savings account. This example shows how the money can grow in one year. Visit NEST529.com

10¢

$100

529 College Savings Plan

$100

Tuition & Fees Cost for classes and to use campus resources:

2-Year Community College $4,000

4-Year Public College $11,000

4-Year Private College $40,000

Books & Supplies: $1,400

Housing & Food: $13,000

Learn about financial aid. Financial aid is money to help you pay for college.

Draw arrows to match the type of financial aid to the scenario described.

Scholarship Grant Work-study Student loan

You get a job at the college cafeteria. You apply for and earn money because of your good grades. You complete the FAFSA and receive gift money to attend college. You borrow money for college that you will have to pay back.

You can apply for grants, work study, and student loans by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in 12th grade.

Prepare for scholarships by earning good grades, getting involved, and volunteering.

What are some activities you might pursue in high school?

What are some options to volunteer in your community?

Visit EducationQuest online!

Unlock the keys to find ways to pay for college. Visit eqf.org/489565

Apply for your first scholarship! Visit eqf.org/197166

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.

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