Postsecondary Symposium FAQs

A: Postsecondary access refers to the availability of opportunities, resources, and support that enable students to pursue education, training, or careers beyond high school. This includes access to four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, the military, and the workforce. Strong postsecondary access ensures that all students, regardless of background, have the information, financial resources, and support needed to navigate and succeed in their chosen pathways.

A: Yes! We highly recommend that high schools establish an Improvement Team to analyze data, identify priorities, and implement strategies that support student success. This team should include an administrator, school counselors, college and career coordinators, counseling leads, and other key members of the school community who support postsecondary access. By working collaboratively, the team can strengthen communication, enhance support systems, and cultivate a strong sense of community among students, caregivers, and educators, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all.

A: We are excited to support school teams as they move into the implementation phase and bring Symposium training back to their local staff. As part of your Symposium registration, your team will receive two hours of follow-up virtual coaching in the Spring of 2026, allowing you to schedule personalized sessions with RISE staff as you work to enhance your postsecondary programming.

In addition, we encourage school teams to consider joining RISE’s Postsecondary Focus Network, a collaborative community of schools working together throughout the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years to explore and implement new postsecondary strategies. Network participation includes:

• Virtual community of practice sessions
• In-person Annual Convening for up to 5 team members
• A facilitated in-person school visit
• Monthly school-specific coaching sessions with RISE staff
• Access to exclusive RISE resources

More details about the Postsecondary Focus Network will be shared with Symposium registrants. We look forward to supporting your team on this journey!

A: Yes, but please note that registrations are non-refundable. We fully recognize that staffing changes occur in the spring and summer months. We ask that you provide final attendee information no later than three weeks prior to the Symposium. That way, we can provide participants with the information they need going into the event.

A: No. We encourage participants seeking to stay in the Hartford/Farmington area overnight to explore one of the more than a dozen hotels within a 10-15 minute drive of The Delamar and to make reservations as soon as possible. A list of hotels to be provided upon registration.

A: RISE, along with their school partners, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring strong postsecondary outcomes for all students. In addition, by keeping updated with national data and trends, the RISE team develops resources to equip educators with the tools, strategies and systems to guide students toward their next steps. This includes providing professional development, streamlining resources, and fostering collaboration between schools, families, and community partners. By creating a culture where every student sees a clear and attainable pathway, we ensure equitable access to opportunities beyond high school.

A: The RISE Postsecondary Success Team collaborates with school partners to identify opportunities for growth through data analysis and program reviews. Through personalized coaching, we help schools recognize key trends and implement targeted interventions to enhance postsecondary access and success. Using the Schools on the RISE framework, we support school teams in establishing effective systems and structures that empower educators to guide all students toward their postsecondary goals.

A: RISE encourages educators to track key milestones, including plan identification, FAFSA completion, milestone completion for all pathways, and students’ confidence levels. By monitoring these indicators, schools can identify necessary interventions and supports to enhance postsecondary outcomes. Additionally, incorporating student voices into the work is central to our work. RISE assists schools in gathering valuable insights through student surveys, enabling them to develop targeted programs and address critical areas of support effectively.

A: We provide Strategy Strands, cross-district collaboratives, annual convenings, and personalized coaching sessions to help educators strengthen their systems and practices, ensuring improved postsecondary access for all students.