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Aspire counselors highlight FAFSA help, mentoring and job-fair plans
Summary
Counselors and volunteers described Aspire’s work at Colton High School: one-on-one mentoring for seniors, FAFSA workshops (Oct. 22), a job fair (Dec. 17), and efforts to expand trade and apprenticeship awareness. Presenters said three recent graduates completed FAFSA with program support.
Counselors and volunteers from the district’s Aspire program presented an overview of mentoring, college- and career-readiness services during the Oct. 13 board meeting.
Rebecca Barton, representing the program, said Aspire’s goal is that every senior graduate “walk across that podium in June” with a concrete plan for next steps and that volunteers and staff provide one-on-one support to make that happen. Barton described mentor involvement in financial-aid questions and follow-up support after graduation.
Presenters outlined several near-term events: a FAFSA workshop on Oct. 22 (media center, 6–7 p.m.) to provide confidential, one-on-one help for families starting the FAFSA; a job fair scheduled for Dec. 17 with dozens of vendor tables; and an in-school ‘Launch and Lunch’ program to hold mentorship activities during or near second period.
Program staff said early results show traction: presenters noted three 2025 graduates had already completed the FAFSA with Aspire help. Volunteers and staff listed partner resources (OSAC materials, college visits) and plans to expand trade/apprenticeship exposure through local community college outreach (Chemeketa and others) and apprenticeship informational sessions.
Board members asked whether participation is required for seniors and how records are tracked; presenters said Aspire is voluntary but outreach is broad and mentors keep notes in a tracker so staff can monitor mentor-student connections.
Program organizers asked for continued volunteer engagement and community support; the board praised the program’s apparent positive impact and wide volunteer roster.
