Take Action

Every Idaho citizen can make a difference by taking action.

Parents

Set the expectation that your teen CAN and WILL go on.
Make sure your teen’s school has a ‘go on’ culture—if not, help them develop one.
Help develop their plan to go on, including tough courses to take in high school.
Don’t lose your student to “senioritis”. Work closely with the school counselor to ensure a challenging class schedule, and hold your student accountable all the way through.
Help your student think through important questions: What are my strengths/weaknesses? Dreams? What do I love to do? How can I help others and make an impact in my community?
Start the college fund early – learn about and take advantage of tax-free 529 plans.

Find a caring adult to help chart your course to go on (start early: 8 or 9th grade).
Push yourself! Take the hard classes: colleges value lower grades in tougher classes than high grades in easy classes.
Find the right fit—find a school that best matches your talents, interests and personality.
Get your hands on some cash: grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.

Adopt & implement common core standards so students are better prepared to go on.
Expand advanced opportunities on campus (dual credit, AP, tech-prep) so students start racking up college credits. The Idaho Digital Learning Academy & Idaho Education Network have many options.
Encourage counselor professional development, resource them so they can resource students & parents.
K-6 educators can focus time on teaching organization skills, goal-setting, study skills, and self-advocacy.
Help local high school students who are at a crossroads RIGHT NOW. Please see Get Involved.

Improve productivity, meaning: 1) lower costs per degree 2) reduce unit costs AND 3) increase student completion.
Partner with schools to offer or enhance advanced opportunities like dual credit, AP, and tech-prep.
Develop near-to-peer opportunities to promote postsecondary options for high schools in your area.
Sponsor and host FAFSA Day events to teach parents and students about the financial aid process and affordable options.
Work with K-12 to align standards and curriculum to reduce remediation and improve retention.

Sponsor events to help students & parents navigate the application and financial aid process.
Provide scholarships to pay for college entrance exams (ACT, SAT), and encourage other business leaders to do the same.
Sponsor college or technical school visits so students can picture themselves going on.
Include the “Go On” message in publications, outreach, and on your corporate website.

By taking up this issue, policymakers can make a huge impact on Idaho’s future. Please see the Policymakers page on this site to become better informed and to make your actions count.