Across the RISE Network, educators are working toward the same goal: ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive in high school and beyond. This fall, that shared mission will take center stage at the RISE Network’s first-ever Postsecondary Symposium, held October 29-30 at the Delamar Hotel in West Hartford, CT.
At RISE, we are committed to continuous improvement, or the practice of getting better at getting better. That’s why our Postsecondary Symposium is about grounding our work in research and proven practices, while also creating space to share innovative ideas, reflect together, and collaborate across schools and districts. By working within school teams and learning from one another, we can remove barriers and design equitable postsecondary programs that prepare all students for their postsecondary journeys.
The Symposium will highlight how schools can expand postsecondary access and opportunity for all students. We will explore effective strategies that empower students to identify their goals, navigate critical milestones, and confidently pursue their next steps.
Over the Symposium’s two days, educators will:
- Examine key research highlighting the importance of intentional, data-driven postsecondary access efforts;
- Explore effective strategies to support students across multiple pathways: higher education, the military, trade/technical/certificate programs, and the workforce;
- Learn from a vibrant community of administrators, counselors, and college and career coordinators; and
- Develop actionable plans to strengthen their school- and district-level postsecondary systems.
And because learning is most powerful when it’s grounded in lived experiences and meaningful collaboration, the agenda is packed with opportunities to hear from students, educators, and colleagues across the state:
Journeys and Insights: Hear directly from current high school seniors as they share their postsecondary journeys—what has supported them, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they wish had been different. Their perspectives will spark new ways to strengthen communication and planning with students and families.
The Key to Collaboration: Making Time for Data-Driven Improvement Teams: In this interactive session, participants will dive into how schools can use data collaboratively to drive student success. Through analysis, a fishbowl discussion, and expert insights, teams will reflect on how these practices can be adapted to their own schools.
Problem of Practice: Finding the Key to Postsecondary Barriers: Cross-school teams will take a deep dive into the root causes of common barriers. Together, we’ll surface trends and work toward potential solutions grounded in the five postsecondary drivers introduced on Day 1.
Voices from the Field: Administrators, school counselors, and college and career coordinators from across the RISE Network will share real-world examples of how they’ve broken down barriers and expanded postsecondary access.
“We are thrilled to bring together postsecondary champions from across four different states for this unique opportunity to learn from one another, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions to the challenges we all face,” said Sherry McLaughlin, RISE’s Director of Postsecondary Success. “By working together, we can strengthen our efforts to support every student in achieving their postsecondary goals.”
This Symposium isn’t just another professional learning event. It is a chance to be part of a community of educators committed to continuous improvement and cross-school collaboration. By coming together in this way, we can share what works, learn from challenges, and co-create actionable solutions that open new doors of opportunity for every student.
Learn more and register at ctrise.org/postsecondary-symposium/