Lesson Plan
Next-Step Launch Guide
Guide 12th graders through self-assessment of strengths and interests, exploration of college, trade, military, and workforce pathways, and creation of a concrete next-step action plan using a structured worksheet.
Helps students make informed post-graduation decisions by reflecting on personal assets, understanding varied opportunities, and committing to immediate steps—boosting confidence and readiness for life after high school.
Audience
12th Grade Class
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Personal reflection, pathway overview, collaborative planning.
Materials
- Pathways Panorama Slide Deck, - Post-Secondary Path Finder Worksheet, - Projector and Screen, and - Pens or Pencils
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Pathways Panorama Slide Deck to familiarize with all four pathways and embedded prompts.
- Print one copy of the Post-Secondary Path Finder Worksheet per student.
- Test the projector and load the slide deck on classroom computer.
- Gather pens or pencils for students.
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome students and display the lesson objective: reflecting on strengths, exploring pathways, and planning next steps.
- Briefly review the agenda: individual work, presentation, planning, discussion, exit ticket.
- Activate prior knowledge by asking: “Have you started thinking about life after graduation? What excites or worries you?”
Step 2
Individual Reflection
10 minutes
- Distribute the Post-Secondary Path Finder Worksheet.
- Instruct students to complete Section 1: list top 3 strengths and interests.
- Provide prompts for struggling students: “What activities make you lose track of time?” or “Which skills do peers ask for your help with?”
- Circulate and support, ensuring all students make meaningful entries.
Step 3
Pathway Overview Presentation
10 minutes
- Project the Pathways Panorama Slide Deck.
- Present four post-secondary options: College, Trade Schools, Military, Workforce.
- For each, highlight key facts: typical costs, duration, entry requirements, and career outcomes.
- Pause after each section for quick student questions.
Step 4
Guided Planning
10 minutes
- Direct students to Section 2 of the worksheet: match strengths/interests to each pathway and note pros and cons.
- Encourage critical thinking: “Which pathway aligns best with your personal and financial goals?”
- Offer differentiated support: advanced students can research specific programs online; others can use provided notes in slide deck.
- Continue circulating to coach individual thinking.
Step 5
Peer Discussion
5 minutes
- Ask students to pair up and share their top-choice pathway and one pro/con from their worksheet.
- Encourage pairs to give constructive feedback and suggest one resource (e.g., school counselor, website) for further research.
Step 6
Exit Ticket & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- On the back of the worksheet, have students write one specific action they will take this week (e.g., schedule a campus tour, set up a resume draft).
- Collect exit tickets to assess understanding and next-step commitment.
- Conclude by reminding students of available counseling resources and upcoming deadline reminders.
Slide Deck
Pathways Panorama
Today we’ll explore four post-graduation pathways:
- College
- Trade Schools
- Military
- Workforce
Use your worksheet to capture notes and personal reflections.
Welcome students and introduce today’s focus: exploring four post-secondary pathways. Explain that they’ll learn key facts about each option and use their worksheet to evaluate which aligns with their strengths and interests.
Pathway #1: College
Key Facts:
- Cost: $10,000–$40,000 per year (before aid)
- Duration: 2–4 years
- Entry: Application, transcripts, test scores (varies)
- Outcomes: Bachelor’s degree, professional careers
Worksheet Tip: In Section 2, list pros/cons and how college fits your strengths/interests.
Present the College pathway. Highlight that college often requires an application process, tuition costs, and offers a variety of academic programs. Encourage students to think about financial aid and timeline.
Pathway #2: Trade Schools
Key Facts:
- Cost: $5,000–$20,000 total
- Duration: 6 months–2 years
- Entry: Program-specific requirements, often no test
- Outcomes: Certificates or diplomas for skilled trades
Worksheet Tip: In Section 2, note which trades match your interests and list pros/cons.
Explain trade schools as focused, shorter programs that teach specific skills. Note the affordability and direct link to careers. Prompt questions about hands-on learning.
Pathway #3: Military
Key Facts:
- Cost: None; service includes training and pay
- Duration: Initial contract ~4 years (varies)
- Entry: Physical and aptitude tests, background check
- Outcomes: Technical skills, leadership experience, GI Bill benefits
Worksheet Tip: In Section 2, consider how military service aligns with your goals and list pros/cons.
Describe the military pathway. Cover service branches, enlistment requirements, and training. Emphasize benefits: structured environment, education benefits, paid training.
Pathway #4: Workforce
Key Facts:
- Cost: None; you earn while you learn
- Duration: Immediate employment
- Entry: Varies by job—resumes, interviews
- Outcomes: Work experience, income, potential for promotions
Worksheet Tip: In Section 2, match your strengths to career options and list pros/cons.
Outline entering the workforce directly. Talk about entry-level jobs, on-the-job training, and career ladders. Highlight opportunities in retail, hospitality, administration, and more.
Compare & Reflect
Use Section 2 of your worksheet to:
- Match your top 3 strengths/interests to each pathway
- List 2 pros and 2 cons for each option
- Circle the pathway that feels most aligned with your goals
Guide students to reflect on all four pathways. Encourage them to compare each option against their top strengths and interests. Remind them where to record thoughts on the worksheet.
Next Steps & Resources
- Choose your top pathway and write it on your worksheet.
- Identify one action to take this week (e.g., research programs, talk to a counselor).
- Explore these resources:
- School counseling office
- College/trade school websites
- Military recruiter offices
Be ready to share your action in the exit ticket.
Wrap up the presentation. Prompt students to commit to one immediate next step and point them to school resources (counselor, websites).
Worksheet
Post-Secondary Path Finder Worksheet
Use this worksheet to reflect on your strengths, interests, and explore post-secondary pathways. Complete each section and use the back for your exit ticket.
Section 1: Self-Assessment of Strengths & Interests
- List your Top 3 Strengths (skills, qualities, talents):
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- List your Top 3 Interests (activities, subjects, hobbies):
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
- ________________________________
Section 2: Pathway Pros & Cons Comparison
For each pathway below, do the following:
- Identify which of your strengths/interests aligns with this pathway.
- List 2 Pros and 2 Cons.
Pathway #1: College
a. Alignment with my strengths/interests:
b. Pros:
- ________________________________
2. ________________________________
c. Cons: - ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Pathway #2: Trade Schools
a. Alignment with my strengths/interests:
b. Pros:
- ________________________________
2. ________________________________
c. Cons: - ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Pathway #3: Military
a. Alignment with my strengths/interests:
b. Pros:
- ________________________________
2. ________________________________
c. Cons: - ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Pathway #4: Workforce
a. Alignment with my strengths/interests:
b. Pros:
- ________________________________
2. ________________________________
c. Cons: - ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Which pathway feels most aligned with your strengths & interests?
_____________________________________________________
Section 3: Exit Ticket (On the back)
Write one specific action you will take this week to explore or advance toward your chosen pathway (e.g., schedule a campus tour, contact a recruiter, apply for an apprenticeship):
Use these resources if you need support:
- School counseling office
- College/trade school websites
- Military recruiter offices
Good luck planning your next step!