Avondale Academy students "Reach Higher"

Avondale Academy Students Reach Higher
Students declare post-graduation plans at College Decision Day event

Students in the Avondale Academy Class of 2015 declared their intentions for attending colleges, vocational schools and training programs at the school’s College Decision Day last week. As part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national initiative Reach Higher, College Decision Day asks students to sign a Statement of Intent to attend an educational institution after high school. Avondale Academy students also signed a pledge stating that they will take full responsibility for completing the final admissions requirements of the institution they plan to attend. Those requirements include calling the institution to verify receipt of all required documents; attending orientations; completing entrance exams; meeting with counselors; and registering for classes.

Amanda Gohl, counselor at Avondale Academy knows that the admissions process for post-graduation programs can be daunting but she is confident that students in the alternative high school will follow through and meet all of the requirements. “We work with the students and their families throughout the year to prepare them for the rigors of the process. We offer guidance and information about FAFSA, financial aid, programming choices and enrollment. Our students that signed on College Decision Day are serious about moving forward with their plans for the future – they’re committed to their plan and they’re motivated to take care of the details.”

Avondale Academy’s efforts to encourage and assist students with their post-graduation plans mirror the goals of the Reach Higher initiative including exposing students to college and career opportunities; helping students understand financial aid eligibility that can make college affordability a reality; and encouraging academic planning. “The Reach Higher goals apply to any kind of post high school education. That’s an important piece of the initiative. A four year college may not be the best match for a student and it may not even be necessary for a student’s career plans. Reach Higher is really about continued education to reach higher.”

Some of the institutions Avondale Academy students committed to include Western Michigan University, Baker College, Ohio Technical Institute, The Art Institute, Oakland Community College, Jackson College, National Guard, and Macomb Community College.

To watch a video about Reach Higher and to learn more about Avondale Academy, visit http://avondaleacademycounseling.weebly.com/.