From preparation to performance: assessing the college and career development program's role in goal setting and ACT success

The transition from high school to post-secondary paths represents a critical juncture in students’ lives, often influencing their future academic and career success. Despite its impact, many students struggle to make informed and confident decisions about their futures, especially those from rural and low socioeconomic backgrounds. The College and Career Development Program (CCDP) at York Institute in Jamestown, Tennessee, was established to address this gap by providing students with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to navigate this complex transition. Findings from this study determined the effectiveness of the CCDP in supporting students’ academic and career aspirations, focusing on student outcomes such as college enrollment, ACT scores, career preparedness, and overall satisfaction with the program. By analyzing program participation, engagement, and long-term impact, the researcher aimed to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Additionally, the findings will contribute to the growing body of research on college and career readiness, offering insights that can inform the development and refinement of similar programs nationwide. The evaluation underscored the importance of such programs in equipping students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s evolving academic and professional landscapes.