Exploring College and Career Decision-making
Instructional models that impact the way students make decisions about life after graduation.
About the Incubator
The decisions high school students make about their post-graduation plans significantly influence their futures. Students need to consider potential career paths, vocational programs, college options, such as pursuing two and four year degrees, and other opportunities.
Learn how schools implemented Decision Education to help their students navigate these big choices.

Model 1: Enhancing College Visits with Decision Education
Location: Kansas City, MO
Student Reach: 170+ 11th and 12th Grade Students
Key Stats:
- After participating in this model:
- 100% of students agreed their current efforts can impact their future positively
- 88% of students agreed they are aware of their thinking processes when making a decision
- 88% of students agreed they are optimistic about their future
- 72% of participating students agreed that the reflection tool helped them to clarify what they value in a college education
- 72% of participating students would recommend the tool to a family member or friend going on a college visit
- Nearly three out of every four students said the reflection tool helped clarify their college values.
- Two out of every three students updated their likelihood of applying to colleges based on visit reflections.
Model 2: Enhancing College Counseling with Decision Education
Location: Exton, PA
Student Reach: 50+ 11th and 12th Grade Students
Key Stats:
After participating in this model, 100% of students agreed with the following statements:
- I am prepared to make decisions for my future
- I have a clear vision for my future
- I am optimistic about my future
- My current efforts can impact my future positively
Model 3: Enhancing High School Advisory with Decision Education
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Student Reach: 270+ 9th and 10th Grade Students
Key Stats:
- After participating in this model, students’ decision-making practices and processes improved, as measured by the Brief Life Skills (EHV-A), with items such as I think about the possible consequences before making a decision and I look for as much information as possible to make a decision.
- After participating in this model:
- 92% of students agreed they are aware of their thinking process when making a decision.
- 91% of students agreed they know how to achieve their goals for the future.
- 92% of students agreed their current efforts can impact their future positively.
Model 4: Developing a Decision Education Course
Location: Concord, NC
Student Reach: 170+ 9th and 10th Grade Students
Key Stats:
- After participating in this model, students’ decision-making practices and processes improved, as measured by the Brief Life Skills (EHV-A), with items such as I think about the possible consequences before making a decision and I look for as much information as possible to make a decision.
- After participating in this model:
- 92% of CKECHS students agreed their current efforts can impact their future positively.
- 92% of CKECHS students agreed they can make complex decisions about their future.