Postsecondary Symposium Participant Experience and Registration Information

The Symposium will provide schools with the tools and strategies to expand postsecondary access by strategically aligning resources, people, time, funding, and programs to drive equitable and impactful outcomes. RISE has partnered with schools across Connecticut and beyond to implement data-driven approaches that strengthen educator collaboration, deliver targeted supports, and cultivate strong postsecondary cultures. Through engaging sessions, practical resources, and expert guidance from educators and coaches, the Symposium will empower school teams to refine and elevate their postsecondary strategies while exploring new and innovative approaches. Over the two days, participants will examine the critical role school teams play in shaping postsecondary success, assess their current practices and outcomes, and develop a forward-thinking vision to ensure all students gain the confidence and complete the key milestones needed to achieve their post–high school goals.

    Participants at the Postsecondary Symposium will:
    Explore Research & Best Practices – Engage with national and local research on postsecondary access to deepen understanding of key trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Learn from Peers – Gain insights from educators and school leaders who have successfully implemented impactful strategies to support students in their postsecondary journeys.
Strengthen Systems & Structures – Refine and enhance school-based systems, structures, and data-driven approaches to build stronger, more effective postsecondary teams.
Leverage Data for Student Success – Utilize data analysis to identify trends, monitor student progress, and drive targeted interventions that improve equitable access and outcomes.
Develop Actionable Strategies – Collaborate with peers to create a concrete plan for strengthening postsecondary programming, ensuring all students are supported in achieving their post-high school goals.

Registration Infomormation

Schools or districts registering groups of 4+ people will receive a discounted registration rate of $1,200 per person. Registration for individuals or groups of fewer than 4 people costs $1,500 per person. (Attendees from schools currently participating in the Grade 9 Focus Network are eligible for a 20% discount.) We encourage schools to register a team of 4 to 6 educators, including the school principal and/or postsecondary administrator, counseling lead, counselors, college and career coordinators, and other staff supporting postsecondary access. Districts may find value in registering teams from multiple schools and including a central office leader as a member of the group.

Your registration for the Postsecondary Symposium will include:

An engaging 2-day conference experience, including breakfast, lunch, and coffee/snacks on both days.
A planning call prior to the event with representatives from the RISE team, ensuring school teams have an opportunity to preview the agenda, ask questions, and prepare for the Symposium experience.
Print and electronic resources to support teams as they implement new strategies and replicate training with school staff. Resources will include: professional learning slides, data and team discussion protocols, strategy toolkits, and planning templates.
Up to two hours of coaching with the RISE team in the spring of 2026 to support teams in preparation for the 2026-27 school year.

In addition to the Symposium experience, school teams will have the opportunity to join a network of schools working together throughout the 2026-27 school year to pursue new postsecondary strategies and structures. Network participation will include a virtual community of practice sessions, in-person convenings, a facilitated school visit, monthly school-specific coaching sessions with RISE staff, and access to RISE resources and tools. Symposium registrants will receive more information about the Postsecondary Focus Network in the fall of 2025.