Michael Avaltroni’s Post

💫 Empowerment starts with education — let’s redefine what that means. At Youthhood 2 Adulthood, we believe education should be more than just academic achievement 🎓 — it’s about preparing young people for life. Empowerment to us means equipping students with the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to take control of their futures. Soon, we'll be launching a new program focusing on bridging the gap between school and the real world, providing essential life skills like financial literacy, community and civic engagement, and personal growth. It’s about giving young people the tools 🛠 to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in their careers. But we can’t do this alone. It’s time to redefine what education means by collaborating with schools, corporate partners, and community organisations to ensure every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can create a future where empowerment is part of every student’s journey 💪

It's never too early to start thinking about orientation when you or someone in your family is headed to college in the fall - or if you work on a college campus and facilitate orientation events. So, in this week's post, I want to highlight two critical notes: using inclusive language when planning orientation events and a significant reason why one part of the college-eligible population will appreciate it. Think about this for a moment: Five million children in the US have parents who are incarcerated. One-third of incarcerated parents have children who will be eligible for college before their parents are released. Many either wind up with a relative, in the foster care system, or worse, living on their own. These incoming students might not have a parent to attend "Parent Orientation." Our word choices matter. When we talk to prospects about how our products can support their orientation efforts, we use a more inclusive "Parent-Family-Caregiver Orientation," or PFC. Many colleges and universities use some form of this more inclusive language, but many still need to. So head on over to read more about what the literature says about the importance of connecting to more than just your students and why it helps with student persistence.

Embracing Educational Equity: THE Pathway to Greater Access & Opportunity   Summer will officially be here later this week, and I am going to share my ‘summer learning’ around educational equity and creating greater access and opportunity to advanced courses for high school students.   One fundamental principle stands tall as we strive for progress in public education: equity. Ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has access and opportunities that foster their potential is a moral imperative. A commitment to closing the access/opportunity gap in education is not just admirable; it’s essential. School improvement efforts that fall short of intentional efforts by educators to identify and support students from historically marginalized backgrounds only perpetuate the inequities that widen the gaps.   Educators, let’s eliminate the term “leveling the playing field.” Rather, let’s intentionally confront adult biases and systemic barriers that limit student potential. Let’s amplify our efforts to learn and collaborate, to spark conversations and share knowledge, and to take meaningful action that assures every student can thrive in their post-secondary pursuits.

The Power of a High School Education 🎓 High School: The Foundation for a Brighter Future 🎓 At MENAC, Inc., we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed—and it all starts with completing high school. A high school education is more than just a diploma; it’s a key to future possibilities. Why High School Matters 1️⃣ Opens Doors: High school graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes compared to those without a diploma. 2️⃣ Builds Confidence: Completing high school teaches perseverance and problem-solving—skills for life. 3️⃣ Creates Opportunities: From college to careers, high school is the launchpad for dreams. 💡 At MENAC, our mentors work tirelessly to ensure students stay on track, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential. A Special Thanks to Parents 💙 Parents, your guidance shapes the path for future generations. By encouraging education, setting boundaries, and supporting your children’s dreams, you’re building leaders of tomorrow. 📢 Here’s How to Make a Difference at Home: ✔️ Celebrate progress—big or small! ✔️ Encourage open communication. ✔️ Stay involved in your child’s academic journey. Applauding Our Teachers and Staff 👏 Behind every student’s success are dedicated teachers and school staff who work tirelessly to create nurturing environments. To the counselors, janitors, cafeteria staff, and administrators—thank you for your service. You are the unsung heroes of our communities. Your work changes lives daily, and MENAC, Inc. is proud to stand beside you in shaping brighter futures. 🌟 Together, We Can Build Brighter Futures 🌟 Support MENAC, Inc. in mentoring students, empowering parents, and applauding educators. 📢 Visit https://lnkd.in/eNzsJAmr to join the mission! 💙 Every effort counts—because when students succeed, communities thrive.

The Power of a High School Education 🎓 High School: The Foundation for a Brighter Future 🎓 At MENAC, Inc., we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed—and it all starts with completing high school. A high school education is more than just a diploma; it’s a key to future possibilities. Why High School Matters 1️⃣ Opens Doors: High school graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes compared to those without a diploma. 2️⃣ Builds Confidence: Completing high school teaches perseverance and problem-solving—skills for life. 3️⃣ Creates Opportunities: From college to careers, high school is the launchpad for dreams. 💡 At MENAC, our mentors work tirelessly to ensure students stay on track, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential. A Special Thanks to Parents 💙 Parents, your guidance shapes the path for future generations. By encouraging education, setting boundaries, and supporting your children’s dreams, you’re building leaders of tomorrow. 📢 Here’s How to Make a Difference at Home: ✔️ Celebrate progress—big or small! ✔️ Encourage open communication. ✔️ Stay involved in your child’s academic journey. Applauding Our Teachers and Staff 👏 Behind every student’s success are dedicated teachers and school staff who work tirelessly to create nurturing environments. To the counselors, janitors, cafeteria staff, and administrators—thank you for your service. You are the unsung heroes of our communities. Your work changes lives daily, and MENAC, Inc. is proud to stand beside you in shaping brighter futures. 🌟 Together, We Can Build Brighter Futures 🌟 Support MENAC, Inc. in mentoring students, empowering parents, and applauding educators. 📢 Visit https://lnkd.in/e2tM9JPS to join the mission! 💙 Every effort counts—because when students succeed, communities thrive.

Adult learners (those over the age of 24) are one of the fastest-growing populations in higher education. Many in their 30s or 40s are starting or returning to college programs to advance their careers, adapt to the rapidly changing job market, pursue deferred dreams, or explore new passions. While the growing enrollment of adult learners is great for higher education institutions grappling with the demographic cliff, catering to these students requires considering their distinct needs. These individuals need flexible programs, career-relevant credentials, clear pathways, credit for prior experience, and robust support services. “As the pace of technological and economic change accelerates, the notion of a ‘one and done’ educational experience that ends in early adulthood is rapidly fading. Lifelong learning is becoming the norm, and older adult students are at the vanguard of this movement.” Via Milwaukee Independent https://lnkd.in/gUfZfn6y

There are simply no longer enough 20-year-olds to staff our schools - and the implications for our schools are pretty scary if we don’t move quickly. Since COVID, the number of teachers leaving the system, because of retirement or attrition, is outpacing the number of people entering the profession. The problem? Our higher education system isn’t structured to tap other potential talent pools: - it’s designed for the traditional college-going population, not for people mid-career - the time and cost burdens block marginalized communities that have second jobs and/or families at home We need to reimagine who could be a teacher and how they become one. And we should start by looking at people already working in our districts. Many existing employees, like paraprofessionals and administrative staff, yearn to be teachers but can’t access the degree needed to enter the profession. We should be working to create more pathways for them to earn their bachelor’s degree and credentials on the job. It's time to broaden our vision and create innovative, accessible pathways that empower the very people who already know and love our schools to lead our classrooms.

80% of high school grads are unprepared for college (scary stat courtesy ACT). Your teen is very likely to struggle, get low grades, and/or feel stupid when they start college. I hate even writing that - it feels mean and harsh - but shying away from reality won’t get us anywhere. ACT’s CEO Janet Godwin says as much - “The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career.” I’ve seen this literally over 1,000 times with students all over North America. What starts out as an exciting milestone for the whole family quickly turns into a nightmare. Teens who got straight A’s in high school start - failing assignments and tests - thinking they’re not actually that smart - doubting they even belong in college after all The stress and upset this creates for parents is palpable. Why is this happening? What can they do? Toss in a minimum GPA to stay eligible for scholarships to really up the ante. The truth is it’s not about intelligence. And they DO belong in college. But they - never learned how to learn - don’t have the skills to manage their work - have no idea how to navigate material they find challenging And the family pays the emotional and literal cost. The best way to avoid this is to start building your kid’s skills early, in middle school or high school. Two ways to get started that make a HUGE difference - ensuring your teen has their own calendar and understands how to self-motivate 🗓 💪

🌟 Excitement in the Air: Welcoming Our New Staff for the Start of an Amazing School Year! 🌟 Tomorrow marks a special day as we open our doors to welcome the newest members of our school community. The beginning of a new school year always brings a sense of renewal, but this year, the excitement is even greater as we bring together a diverse and talented group of educators who are ready to make a difference. Why is this moment so important? Because the first steps we take together set the tone for the entire year. It’s not just about settling into routines—it’s about building relationships, sharing our vision, and fostering a collaborative environment where every member of our team feels valued and inspired. As we start this new chapter, I’m reminded of the incredible potential we have when we combine our strengths. Each new staff member brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a passion for education that will undoubtedly enrich our school community. Together, we will create an environment where learning thrives, where students are empowered, and where our collective efforts - our collective teacher efficacy - lead to outstanding outcomes. To our new team members: Welcome! You’re joining a community that’s not just about teaching—it’s about making a lasting impact. We’re here to support you, learn from you, and grow with you. Here’s to a year filled with growth, collaboration, and success. Let’s make it a memorable one! 🚀 #WelcomeBack #NewSchoolYear #Education #Teamwork #SchoolCommunity #ExcitedForTheFuture

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