NDE1065: The School Counselor Pathway: The Economic Impacts of Post-Secondary Education Microcredential (Counselors)

Postsecondary learning takes many forms—traditional universities, community colleges, trade/technical schools, trade union courses, and other postsecondary options that lead to a certification or degree. Myriad research studies show that students who participate in postsecondary education that leads them to fulfilling careers generally have higher lifetime incomes and overall work/life satisfaction than students who solely earn a high school diploma. Schools can contribute to the future success of their students in a meaningful way by 1) integrating beliefs and practices that instill in students the concept of learning beyond the high school diploma in order to achieve success in their chosen career paths, 2) providing students the necessary information and skills to succeed at the postsecondary and career levels, and 3) ensuring that postsecondary and career readiness preparation includes all stakeholders: administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the community. This microcredential focuses on a counselor/participant's ability to create a culture for postsecondary success at their school.