Small District College & Career Readiness (CCR) Needs Assessment

This guide helps small districts reflect on the current state of their CCR programs—identifying strengths, gaps, and areas for growth. It encourages school leaders to evaluate how well they are preparing students for future college and career success across three main focus areas:

1. Career Exploration & Engagement

• Opportunities for Skill Building: Are job-related courses, industry certifications, and career-aligned activities available?
• Community Partnerships: Are local employers engaged, and do partnerships reflect diverse industries and student interests?
• Student Access & Participation: How are career pathways communicated, and how many students are involved in work-based or hands-on learning?

2. Program-Wide Support & Equity

• Integration Into School Goals: Is CCR embedded into the overall vision and practices of the school?
• Shared Responsibility: Do educators and administrators actively support CCR initiatives?
• Student Access & Inclusivity: Are there equitable systems and tools (e.g., CCR platforms) that support planning and exploration for all students?
• Tracking Success: What methods are used to measure CCR progress across the district?

3. College Preparation

• Student Exploration: Do students have opportunities to explore colleges, connect with reps, or speak with alumni?
• Family Engagement: Are families proactively supported with timely, clear communication throughout the college planning process?
• Awareness of Requirements: Are college admission requirements communicated early and clearly enough to guide students’ course selections?
• Grade-Level Support: Are tailored resources and guidance provided for students at each grade level?
• FAFSA & Application Support: Are FAFSA completion rates improving, and is there help with applications, essays, and financial planning?

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