Beyond 12 is a comprehensive program that exposes middle school students to college and career educational sessions. This approach inspires students to continue their education, create a plan beyond high school, and increase college access by providing post-secondary education options and knowledge. It develops college and career readiness skills, encourages students to explore careers and find careers they are passionate about, and builds essential life skills, including social skills, self-discipline, self-motivation, and responsibility.

Beyond 12 is committed to inclusivity. Elon University undergraduates will be recruited and trained to mentor participants, enhance program activities, and provide guidance and support. The activities accommodate various learning styles, ensuring every student can thrive in our program.

Beyond 12 sessions started in September 2024. Students attend two sessions per month during the academic year at their middle school campus. Currently, we serve 28 students. Graham Middle has 15 students, and Broadview Middle has 13 students. Each school is fortunate to have two dedicated teachers who actively engage with students and provide valuable support for program activities.

The principal of Broadview Middle School provided time during the academic day to implement Beyond 12 because she did not want transportation to be an obstacle. Participating students leave their afternoon elective classes to attend sessions. Students meet for an hour. To attend sessions, students from Graham Middle School are dismissed 15 minutes before the end of the day. The sessions are one hour long. Each school hosts its sessions in the school media center. Snacks are provided.

In the initial session, students completed the College Knowledge Survey. Despite 83% of students’ parents not having attended college, all the students expressed an unwavering desire to pursue higher education after high school. This data is a testament to the program’s ability to ignite a passion for learning and future success. The survey also revealed that one-third of the students were unsure about which jobs required a college degree, highlighting the importance of the program’s mission.

Each student will maintain a portfolio, a personal testament to their journey of growth and self-discovery. This portfolio will be kept with program teachers who support our students at each middle school, containing evidence of their personal growth, exploration, and next steps. At the end of the program, students will complete a portfolio presentation, sharing critical items from this portfolio to tell their story of growth, readiness, and next steps to their parents.

Portfolios will include plans, checklists, self-assessments, college searches, reflective statements, financial guides, and other items listed in the curriculum guide. The list of portfolio materials is located at the front of each student’s notebook. In addition, students will write a reflection titled “What stuck with you today?” to explain how their knowledge, abilities, or attitudes have changed.

In March 2025, students and their counselors will plan a week of college awareness events for the entire school. Beyond 12 students will lead in planning and presenting school-wide activities during the week. Family involvement is not required; however, each school will offer workshops for families during college week.

Parents will receive program newsletters three times a year. The newsletter will detail what students are doing at each school and provide parent information. The first newsletter will be sent home to parents in November 2024.

Students will spend two full days on Elon University’s campus in the summer of 2025. They will be exposed to a residential experience that includes professional panels, topical expertise, presentations, and campus tours.

Day one will consist of students assembling a display of the college chosen during the program sessions. Information will include the name of the college, degree of interest, major of interest, tuition (per credit), scholarships, enrollment process, cost of housing, book cost, dorm life, dining, student organizations, recreation and wellness, athletics, technology, library, online options, and study abroad. Each Student will give a 3–4-minute presentation of their college board to their peers and adult volunteers.

On the second day, students chosen from each school will give parents and other guests an overview of the Beyond 12 college awareness program. The students will host a college fair and share their knowledge with parents, teachers, and guests. Attendees at the college fair will participate in a “scavenger hunt” to learn about the various colleges and the students’ career options.

A comprehensive survey will be administered to student participants to evaluate program objectives. The survey will collect career and college readiness measures and program effectiveness. These surveys will be administered in a pre-post fashion. The initial data collection occurred in September 2024, and the second data collection will happen at the end of the program. Data collected from students at both points will be assigned an identification number so scores from each point can be linked. Teachers and administrators will give feedback on the program’s effectiveness in November 2024 and April 2025. Parents will complete a survey at the end of the summer program in June 2025.