New Resource for Workforce Readiness
- Integrate career exploration into daily programming
- Build employability and life skills in youth
- Support postsecondary success — from skilled trades to college pathways
- Engage families in college and career conversations
- Build internal capacity and funding potential
Our team is offering individualized technical assistance to help you implement this toolkit in a way that works for your program. Click on a link below to book a 1-on-1 call with a member of our team today:
This resource and the supporting technical assistance are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Florida Lottery, funding brighter futures for Florida’s youth.
Explore the Toolkit
Afterschool programs are a powerful way to spark future-ready thinking in youth—starting as early as elementary school. Module 1 of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit explores how these programs raise college and career aspirations, build essential skills like teamwork and confidence, and connect students to real-world experiences. For many, afterschool may be the first place they’re encouraged to imagine life after graduation.
Research shows that early exposure to career paths boosts long-term success. This module highlights the importance of starting future-focused conversations young—especially for students who may not have them at home. Keep reading to learn how your program can help students discover their strengths and chart a path forward.
Read more to learn how OST can be a powerful driver of future-ready youth.
Students spend over 1,000 hours a year in afterschool and summer programs — that’s powerful time to build the skills they won’t learn in a classroom. This module explores how to turn those hours into real growth by developing communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork.
These skills—often called soft, durable, or employability skills—are what set students apart in an evolving workforce. As technology and career paths change, qualities like critical thinking and collaboration remain essential. Afterschool programs can give students the space to practice these skills in meaningful, real-world ways that build confidence and prepare them for whatever comes next.
Learn how OST programs can give students a head start in careers they haven’t even imagined yet.
Students can’t dream of careers they’ve never seen. Module 3 of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit highlights the importance of early and ongoing career exposure, helping students explore interests, imagine possibilities, and recognize their strengths. Afterschool programs can guide this growth through hands-on activities, career role models, and reflection.
As youth progress, their career awareness should deepen—from identifying what they enjoy to understanding real-world barriers. This module also addresses financial and systemic challenges that can limit access to college and career paths, especially for first-gen, immigrant, and undocumented students. Keep reading to learn how your program can help youth navigate these challenges and build a future they’re excited about.
Read more to discover how early career exposure can open doors and break down barriers for youth.
College remains a valuable investment, offering higher earning potential, better job opportunities, and essential skills for career advancement. Module 4 of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit explores the many benefits of college education—from personal growth and networking to developing critical thinking and leadership abilities. It also highlights the importance of early awareness around course selection, helping students understand how middle and high school choices shape their postsecondary options.
But college isn’t the only path to success. This module also introduces career and technical education (CTE), trade schools, and alternative credentials like certifications and apprenticeships.
Talking about financial aid can make a huge difference for families planning for college or training after high school. Module 5 of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit breaks down the financial aid process into clear, manageable steps, starting with choosing a program, then applying for aid, and finally registering for classes. Afterschool staff do not need to be experts to encourage families to explore their options and prepare early for costs.
This module outlines key types of financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, and introduces Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, funded by the Florida Lottery. With options for both college and career education pathways, Bright Futures offers several scholarship tracks, each with its own GPA, service hour, and test score requirements.
Read on to learn how your program can help families navigate these important steps with confidence.
Engaging families is a key part of preparing students for life after high school. Module 6 of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit offers practical ways families can support college and career readiness at home, like having early conversations about education, exploring financial planning options, and making casual visits to college campuses to spark interest and familiarity.
The module also highlights everyday actions that make a big difference, such as building executive functioning skills, encouraging regular reading, and discussing future goals openly. These simple steps help families feel empowered and included in their child’s journey.
This final section of the Future Ready Youth Toolkit is your go-to guide for turning inspiration into action. It brings together high-quality, free tools and activities that support college and career readiness for students of all ages, from elementary through high school.
Whether you need quick ideas or full lesson plans, this module connects you with trusted sources like Mizzen Education, Florida College Access Network, and Federal Student Aid.
If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Greer, Deputy Director for Florida After School, at tgreer@flafterschool.com.