|
Committing to a challenging State Scholars Core Course of Study in high school means…
Big Rewards - Students who take strong academic courses in high school are more likely to enroll in a two or four year college and go on to earn a college degree. This is important because the investment you make in college now will pay in the long run.
According to Clifford Adelman, “The Toolbox Revisited” (Washington, D.C.: U. S. Department of Education, 2006)
On average, college graduates earn more than a million dollars more over their lifetime than those with only a high school education. High school graduates earn 42 percent more than high school dropouts.
College Success - It’s not just about getting in — it’s about finishing. The State Scholars Core Course of Study in high school will help you succeed in college level work. Taking a solid college preparatory curriculum makes it less likely that you will need to take remedial (high school level) coursework in college that will not only require you to stay in school longer – but cost more. Students who are not prepared for the demands of a college education have a greater chance of dropping out before they get their degree.
More Career Options - What if you’re not planning to head right to college? Good and rewarding jobs that lead to great careers still require education beyond high school. If you want a job that will support yourself and your future family, provide health benefits and offer a chance for advancement, you will need to complete a two or four year degree, apprenticeship program, military training, or workforce certification. Even if you are a student planning to go directly to work after high school graduation, you will still need to be prepared for further training throughout your lifetime.
Having What Employers and Training Programs are Looking For - Employers, apprenticeship programs and the military all agree – they expect students to arrive with the essential skills to succeed in any job. Speaking and writing clearly, analyzing information, conducting research and solving complex problems are all skills that must be applied and improved on well after high school graduation. Even if you aren’t sure what you want to do after graduation, taking a rigorous State Scholars Core Course of Study is the best way to prepare for any option you might choose. Expectations are high – plan ahead.
A Step on the Road to Life Long Learning - Embarking on a rigorous and diverse curriculum path sets the stage for a lifetime of contributing to society as an educated and informed citizen. It will help to set a foundation for attitudes toward learning, reading, writing, speaking and listening, independent learning, study skills and critical thinking skills. There is a need to become a life long learner in order to succeed in the modern workplace, make sense of the "information explosion," and become a competent citizen in a fast moving world.
Scholarships and Incentives - Massachusetts State Scholars are eligible for scholarships, internships and other opportunities being offered by the federal government and a growing list of Massachusetts employers. Click here for a complete list of what you might be eligible to receive.
How Do I Become a State Scholar?
Review the requirements of the State Scholars Core Course of Study and work with your guidance counselor to make sure you enroll in the courses you need in order to meet all of your school’s requirements.
Tell your parents, teachers, and school counselors that you want to graduate as a Massachusetts State Scholar so that they can help you achieve your goal!
For more information on the Massachusetts State Scholars Initiative, please contact your guidance counselor or state_scholars@mbae.org
|
