Helping High School Students Navigate Their Next Chapter with Purpose, Confidence, and Possibility. WAVE, an outreach program provided by Mid Michigan College, is focused on helping high school students navigate their next steps. Through career and academic exploration, self-assessment, goal setting, and step-by-step support to begin their journey after high school, WAVE helps students succeed.

WAVE Logo

According to MISchoolData, only 53% of Michigan high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary education within six months of graduating. This figure is significantly lower in many districts served by Mid Michigan College.

WAVE aims to holistically guide and support students in making informed and confident decisions about their future, whether that involves entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or other post-secondary opportunities.

  • Workforce | Preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the job market, including career exploration, vocational training, and educational mapping.
  • Academic | Ensuring students are academically prepared for higher education by providing knowledge, resources, support, and guidance on college application processes.
  • Vision | Helping students develop a clear vision for their future through goal-setting, mentoring, and exposure to various career and academic pathways.
  • Empowerment | Building confidence and providing students with the tools and the mindset needed to make informed decisions and achieve their goals, emphasizing purpose, confidence, and possibilities. 

While Evart High School is the location of the initial pilot, the program will soon expand into neighboring service areas including Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Gratiot, Clinton, Mecosta, and Osceola counties.

Embrace the Wave Graphic v2

Key Objectives for the WAVE Program

  • Improve Student Confidence
  • Enhance College Application Skills
  • Increase Financial Literacy
  • Boost College Access and Equity
  • Enhance Study and Time Management Skills
  • Provide Career Guidance
  • Develop Soft Skills
  • Promote Persistence and Goal Achievement

Program Specific Objectives for High School Students

  • Complete Needs Assessment. Perform a comprehensive assessment of student needs to tailor support and resources that will enhance their educational and career planning.
  • Understand the Benefits of Career Exploration. Educate students on the benefits of career exploration, emphasizing the importance of understanding various career paths and the steps required to pursue them.
  • Establish Relationships. Foster strong relationships with peers, teachers, and mentors to create a supportive network that encourages academic and personal growth.
  • Set Goals and Track Accomplishments. Teach students the importance of setting realistic goals and tracking their accomplishments, helping them develop a sense of direction and motivation throughout their high school journey.

 

  • Explore CTE and Dual Enrollment. Introduce students to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and dual enrollment opportunities, helping them understand the benefits and pathways these options provide.
  • Align Personal & Career Goals. Strengthen decision-making skills and align personal goals with future careers by exploring the connection between lifestyle choices, budgeting, and career pathways.
  • Engage in Detailed Career Exploration. Facilitate detailed exploration of various career fields, encouraging students to research and understand the skills, education, and experiences required for their areas of interest.
  • Conduct Self-Assessments. Guide students through self-assessments to identify their strengths, interests, values, and skills, aiding them in making informed decisions about their future educational and career paths.

  • Understand College Admissions. Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the college admissions process, including requirements, timelines, and application strategies.
  • Develop Financial Literacy Skills. Build financial literacy by developing money management skills that support responsible budgeting, smart spending, and long-term planning for life after high school.
  • Evaluate College ROI. Teach students to analyze the return on investment (ROI) of different colleges and programs, considering factors such as tuition costs, potential earnings, and career opportunities.
  • Map College Majors to Careers. Help students map various college majors to potential career paths, enabling them to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

  • Clarify Personal Goals and Aspirations. Reflect on their interests, strengths, and values to articulate clear personal and academic goals for the future.
  • Develop Decision-Making Skills. Acquire strategies to evaluate options, make informed decisions, and manage uncertainties associated with post-high school choices.
  • Prioritize Self-Discovery. Foster self-awareness and empower students to define their own success.
  • Explore Career Pathways and Opportunities. Investigate various post-secondary education options (college, vocational training, armed forces) and career pathways aligned with their interests and goals.

Questions? Contact us today.

Mid team members are ready to help you get your questions answered.

CONTACT

Beth Binder

Director of Admissions

Phone (989) 773-6622 x159

Text (989) 444-5967

bmbinder@midmich.edu 

Schedule an Appointment

CONTACT

Lindsay Golden

Director of K-12 Operations

Phone (989) 317-9217

Text (989) 264-1998

 

lgolden@midmich.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Last Reviewed: March 2024