Next Step Carbon for Students

To be ready for life beyond school, focus on three core areas:

1. Build Positive Relationships – Understand yourself, listen well, resolve conflicts respectfully, and use technology and social media responsibly.

2. Care for Your Social & Emotional Well-Being – Manage stress, communicate appropriately (online and in person), stand up for yourself, and seek help when needed.

3. Practice Healthy Habits & Decision-Making – Set and stick to goals, find trustworthy information on health and relationships, make thoughtful choices, and use healthy coping skills in tough situations.

Being an active member of your community means:

1. Stay Informed – Understand how government works, know your rights, follow reliable news, and be aware of local, state, and national issues.

2. Vote – Know how to register, understand the voting process, and take part in elections.

3. Give Back – Volunteer, respect laws, and contribute in ways that make your community stronger.

Preparing for your future starts with knowing yourself and planning ahead:

1. Know Your Strengths – Understand your skills, talents, and personality type, and recognize the difference between what you enjoy and what you’re good at.

2. Explore Your Options – Learn about careers and the education or training they require, compare college and certification paths, and connect with people in your field of interest.

3. Make a Plan – Choose your top career options, gain real-world experience, visit schools or training programs, complete applications and financial aid, and take the steps needed to start your chosen path after graduation.

Whether you’re headed to a job or more schooling, you’ll need these three core skills:

1. Communication Skills – Use technology and social media responsibly, listen well, speak and write clearly, present ideas effectively, use positive body language, and know when to ask for help.

2. Professional Skills – Show up on time, work hard, act with integrity, respond well to feedback, handle conflicts respectfully, work well with others, and keep learning and improving.

3. Technology Skills – Use common software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, video conferencing), manage digital files professionally, and navigate the internet and social media with professionalism.

You can achieve financial success at any income level by managing your money wisely:

1. Set Financial Goals – Know your short- and long-term goals, and focus on needs before wants.

2. Live Within a Budget – Create a budget that covers income, bills, savings, and emergencies, and pay bills on time to build good credit.

3. Manage Money Wisely – Understand credit cards, loans, and their costs; complete financial aid forms if needed; and know how debt and repayment affect your credit score.

Click here to download our Readiness Guide & Checklist!