Before we dove into the school year, advising specialists engaged in robust, hands-on training designed to strengthen their coaching skills and equip them with the tools they need to guide students through their academic journeys. Preparation for the program year was comprehensive, and built on their own experiences along with College Possible’s 25 years of expertise.
Training for Impact
To begin their training, advising specialists attended a coaching academy designed to deepen their skills in student support. Each session emphasized practical skill-building through scenario-based learning, collaborative discussions, and the analysis of real coaching conversations. They practiced the kinds of interactions they would have with students, ensuring they entered the school year confident and ready.
Alongside the coaching academy, they were also trained in caseload management, recruitment basics, lesson planning, classroom engagement techniques, tabling and outreach, facilitating group sessions, hosting recruitment information sessions, and effective student communication. Each training session was designed to prepare them for the wide variety of responsibilities they took on during the year.
Practicing Real-World Skills
A major component of the training experience was practicums, where advising specialists had the opportunity to practice their group session presentations, engage in mock student conversations, and receive constructive feedback from peers and team members. These opportunities allowed staff to refine their skills in a supportive environment before stepping into classrooms and one-on-one sessions with students.
Advising specialists were provided with an array of resources to guide their work, including curriculum materials and program model resources. A comprehensive playbook and “day in the life” guides gave team members clear expectations, while continuous leadership support ensured they always had a network to turn to.
Preparing for What’s Ahead
While the training format changed from previous years, the goal remained the same: to prepare staff to support students with excellence and care. Through immersive training, hands-on practice, and continuous guidance, advising specialists stepped into the year ahead well-equipped to help students navigate college access and success.
