May 31, 2022

Fellows:
Tina Diggs, Columbus State Community College
Monica Durham, North Central State College
Terry Finefrock, Cuyahoga Community College
Mario Petitti, Lakeland Community College

Project Advisor:
Marisa Vernon White, Lorain County Community College

Executive Summary:
Research shows up to 40% of community college students struggle to find their footing in the first year and 50% leave by the second year (Lahr and Klempin, 2021). To significantly improve student outcomes, colleges must rethink its approach to helping students explore their career options and arrive at a Best-Fit major.

Deciding on a program of study and line of work is a major decision and can be very overwhelming. Although this is the case, most colleges require students to choose their major during the application process, and more often without assistance. The CCRC (Community College Research Center) have created the “Ask-Connect-Inspire-Plan” framework to connect with students. This seamless onboarding process helps to ensure students have the tools and resources needed to establish a solid foundation in their first year.

We believe the “Ask-Connect-Inspire-Plan” is a move in the right direction. Shifting from conventional practices, leaving it up to the student in most cases to visit websites and manage their own search regarding their program of study and career direction, to a more inclusive onboarding process that fosters stronger engagement and helping students to align their interests and strengths with their program of study. With that said, this framework only addresses the first year with students, does not identify a point of contact at the college, or outline a process to monitor and evaluate outcomes.

Based on the results from our survey and other literature, this project outlines a Career Coaching Program to help students with self and career-exploration, and engagement activities to maximize their job search skills. In addition, lays out expectations regarding student participation, proposed modality to address student learning styles and schedule availability, and topics covered over the 2-year Career Passport program. Lastly, recommendations for department implementation and tools to track student success.