Because education and the workplace have forever changed in the last 30 months, there is a need for schools to adapt and offer NEW BEGINNINGS as they ready their students for college and career. Consider the fact that higher ed enrollment has dropped steadily, admissions criteria have shifted, and strategies to pay for college are misunderstood. At the same time, today’s workplace is unrecognizable to many with millions of new, high-paying jobs becoming available for the first time, industries are desperate for workers and home is the most popular place to work. New Beginnings will provide your students, families, and educators with the skills, information and support they need to succeed in this new readiness paradigm.

Over the last 30 years, CFES Brilliant Pathways has helped 100,000 underserved students attain postsecondary degrees and succeed in the workplace. We invite your school to join us and your students to become part of the next 100,000 youth who succeed in postsecondary study, work and life. While details on the program follow, we invite you to contact us if you have questions.

Timeline

June 30

Applications due

July 20

Schools Notified of Decisions

Mid-August

Schools begin Participation in CFES

Mid-September

Four Members of Your Team Participate in Planning/Training Planning/Training Workshop

November 7-8

Two members of Your Team Participate in CFES Professional Conference

Guidelines

Schools are asked to complete the New Beginnings application and meet the following requirements:

  • Located in the United States
  • Level: Elementary, Middle, and/or High School
  • Agree to participate in the CFES program for three years
  • First-time CFES school

Scholarships to Schools:

Two schools will receive full scholarships to participate in CFES for three years. Twenty additional schools will receive half scholarships: CFES will cover half the cost of participation ($15,000 annually for three years), while schools will be asked to pay the difference ($15,000 annually for three years).

What CFES Provides New Beginnings Schools

Planning/Training Workshop

School teams, partners, and CFES professionals gather to share CFES-based best practices and design strategies to implement the 10-Point Plan™ for all CFES students within your school. CFES will cover meals, lodging, travel, and materials for four team members to attend.

CFES National Conference

Gathers K-12 educators, college partners, and business leaders to network, gain professional development and share best practices. CFES will cover registration, meals, lodging, travel, and materials for two team members to attend.

College & Career Readiness Advisor ™ Trainings

CFES professionals train CCR advisors (parents, educators, corporate leaders, high school and college students and others) on college and career pathways (financial aid, identifying majors, college applications, careers of the future, and Essential Skills™). CFES provides CCR advisors with ongoing support on how to engage and mentor students.

A Dedicated Professional Program Director

Is assigned to your school:

  • Make in-person and virtual school visits throughout the year to support college and career readiness plans
  • Deliver programming to students and staff that facilitates pathways to college and career

Mentoring, Leadership Development, Essential Skills™, College Knowledge, and Other Workshops

Will be facilitated by CFES professionals on-site and virtually to help Scholars become college and career ready.

Virtual Opportunities

Offered throughout the year for educators to network and build programming that promotes college and career readiness for Scholars.

Networking and Recognition

  • Partnerships and networking opportunities with 200 colleges/universities and 230 businesses and corporations
  • The opportunity to become a nationally recognized School of Distinction

Resources

  • Digital curriculum to build college and career readiness
  • Access to the CFES career exploration website
  • Alumni network to provide role models, mentors and classroom speakers

What We Ask of New Beginnings Schools

Expectations of CFES New Beginnings Schools:

  • Develop a CFES team that works with CFES professionals to reach students, families, and educators.
  • Identify a minimum of 100 CFES students and ensure they complete the 10-Point Plan™ annually.
  • Provide CFES program directors access (in-person or virtually) to CFES students.
  • Participate in regional meetings, workshops, and events (in-person or virtually).
  • Submit a CFES plan, mid-year assessment, and year-end assessment.
  • Promote and brand CFES within your school/community.