Blueprint: College & Career

Building a Plan for What Comes Next

Each year, I Know I Can hosts Blueprint: College & Career events designed to help students and families confidently plan for life after high school. Whether a student is exploring college options, career pathways, or both, Blueprint provides clear guidance for what comes next.

Through interactive workshops, informative speakers, and hands-on career exploration activities, participants gain the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make informed decisions about their future.

Attending a 2026 Blueprint session?

Scroll down to find your student’s grade level and explore the topics and sessions that will be covered.

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2026 Blueprint: College & Career Session Breakdowns

Registration + Free Dinner | 5:00 – 5:40 PM

Welcome and Future Planning 

1st Breakout Session By Grade Level (8th Grade)

  • Imagine the Possibilities: Exploring Career Options 
    • Your student has been exploring dozens of career options—now it’s time to join the conversation! In this session, families and students will: review the wide range of careers students have been exploring in their weekly lessons, discuss favorite career choices, and work together to plan the next steps toward a successful future.

2nd Breakout Session: Choose From These Topics

  • Future Proof: Essential Skills for Every Career
    • Are you prepared for the real world? Attendance, communication, and thinking skills aren’t just school habits; they’re career game-changers. Discover how to build these skills now for lifelong success. 
  • Many Roads to Success: College, Careers, and Everything In Between 
    • Not sure what comes after high school? College, trade programs, certifications, entrepreneurship—there’s more than one way to reach your dreams. This session will help families uncover every option. 
  • Mapping Success: Build Your Family Career Plan 
    • How will your family turn career goals into reality? In this hands-on session, you’ll build a customized action plan that connects your student’s interests to real opportunities, ensuring every choice moves them closer to success.

Exit Survey + Event Concludes

Registration + Free Dinner | 5:00 – 5:40 PM

Welcome and Future Planning

1st Breakout Session by Grade Level (9th Grade)

  • Dream It, Plan It: Setting First Year High School Goals
    • You’re halfway through freshman year—now is the time to reflect and refocus. This session will help you finish strong and prepare for sophomore success by setting clear goals, improving habits, and exploring opportunities that fit your interests. Your next chapter starts now—let’s plan for it!

2nd Breakout Session: Choose From These Topics 

  • Career Simulations with Virtual Reality Headsets
    • Not sure what career is right for you? Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in dozens of careers? This hands-on session lets students and families dive into over 50 interactive simulations that bring careers to life. Discover what it feels like to work in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, construction, IT and more—all in a virtual world.
  • Future Proof: Essential Skills for Every Career
    • Are you prepared for the real world? Attendance, communication, and thinking skills aren’t just school habits; they’re career game-changers. Discover how to build these skills now for lifelong success. 
  • Many Roads to Success: College, Careers, and Everything In Between 
    • Not sure what comes after high school? College, trade programs, certifications, entrepreneurship—there’s more than one way to reach your dreams. This session will help families uncover every option. 
  • Mapping Success: Build Your Family Career Plan 
    • How will your family turn career goals into reality? In this hands-on session, you’ll build a customized action plan that connects your student’s interests to real opportunities, ensuring every choice moves them closer to success.

Exit Survey + Event Concludes | 8:55 PM 

Registration + Free Dinner | 5:00 – 5:40 PM

Welcome and Future Planning 

1st Breakout Session By Grade Level (10th Grade)

  • Level Up: Choosing What Fits You
    • As a sophomore, you’ve built a strong foundation—now it’s time to take the next step! This session will help you identify what it takes to thrive academically while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of junior year. You’ll learn how to make choices that align with your goals and set you up for success. Come ready to reflect, plan, and level up for what’s ahead!

2nd Breakout Session: Choose From These Topics

  • Career Simulations with Virtual Reality Headsets
    • Not sure what career is right for you? Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in dozens of careers? This hands-on session lets students and families dive into over 50 interactive simulations that bring careers to life. Discover what it feels like to work in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, construction, IT and more—all in a virtual world.
  • Future Proof: Essential Skills for Every Career
    • Are you prepared for the real world? Attendance, communication, and thinking skills aren’t just school habits; they’re career game-changers. Discover how to build these skills now for lifelong success. 
  • Many Roads to Success: College, Careers, and Everything In Between 
    • Not sure what comes after high school? College, trade programs, certifications, entrepreneurship—there’s more than one way to reach your dreams. This session will help families uncover every option. 
  • Mapping Success: Build Your Family Career Plan 
    • How will your family turn career goals into reality? In this hands-on session, you’ll build a customized action plan that connects your student’s interests to real opportunities, ensuring every choice moves them closer to success.

Exit Survey + Event Concludes | 8:55 PM 

Registration + Free Dinner | 5:00 – 5:40 PM

Welcome and Future Planning 

1st Breakout Session By Grade Level (11th Grade)

  • College Myth Busting
    • Reduce anxiety and make informed decisions. This interactive session tackles the most common myths and misconceptions about college admissions, financial aid, and campus life. Participants will separate facts from fiction on topics like “perfect” GPAs, test scores, majors, affordability, and admissions timelines. Through discussion and real-world examples, students will leave feeling more confident, informed, and empowered to navigate the college process with clarity, not fear.

2nd Breakout Session for Juniors

  • Career Speed Dating
    • Meet professionals. Ask real questions. Discover career possibilities fast. In this high-energy speed networking session, students will rotate through brief, one-on-one conversations with industry professionals to explore career paths, gain advice, and build confidence in professional conversations. No prior networking experience required.

Exit Survey + Event Concludes | 8:55 PM 

Registration + Free Dinner 

Welcome and Future Planning

Senior Work Room

  • Seniors—this is your space to get things done! Whether you need to finish college applications, apply for scholarships, complete your FAFSA, or plan your next steps, we’ll have resources and support ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Exit Survey + Event Concludes | 8:55 PM 

View Blueprint presentations from previous sessions:

Blueprint: College for 9th Grade Families

(Spring ’25)

Blueprint: College for 10th Grade Families

(Spring ’25)

Blueprint: College for 11th Grade Families

(Spring ’25)