For families, this period can feel overwhelming, especially if they aren’t fully aware of what’s required or haven’t been staying ahead of the game. Let’s face it: managing the numerous deadlines, juggling work, and making smart financial decisions all at once is no easy task. But missing these deadlines can have serious consequences for a student’s future, and unfortunately, many families find out too late.

To make things easier, we’ve broken down the critical college deadlines and time-sensitive tasks for each high school grade in Q4. We’ll also explore how parents can manage these deadlines while balancing work, mental health, and financial planning – and how college counseling services like Empowerly can be a game-changer.

Key Deadlines and Tasks by Grade Level

Freshmen and Sophomores: Laying the Groundwork

Time Commitment: 4-8 hours/month

Although it might feel like freshmen and sophomores have plenty of time before college applications, that’s not entirely true. Building a strong academic record, exploring extracurricular activities, and researching potential colleges should start early. These years set the foundation for success, but they’re often neglected until it’s too late.

Key Tasks for Freshmen and Sophomores:

• Academic Performance: Encourage your student to focus on their GPA – it’s much harder to raise a low GPA in junior or senior years.
• Extracurricular Exploration: By now, students should be exploring clubs, sports, or volunteer work that aligns with their passions. Colleges love depth, not just breadth.
• Preliminary College Research: Families should start casually discussing college options. Understanding what’s out there can prevent hasty decisions later.

How Parents Can Help:

Parents, your role here is to encourage and support your child’s exploration without adding pressure. A few hours each month spent reviewing options and setting goals together can lay a solid foundation. If time is tight, outsourcing college planning to experts, like Empowerly, can help parents focus on their own work without the added stress of steering their child’s path.

Juniors: Crunch Time Begins

Time Commitment: 20+ hours/month

For juniors, the fall months are packed with critical tasks that have far-reaching consequences. Junior year is when the seriousness of college really begins to hit. Deadlines for SAT/ACT exams, college visits, and scholarship opportunities require focused attention.

Key Deadlines for Juniors in Q4:

• PSAT/NMSQT (October): Students should register for and take the PSAT. Scoring well here can lead to National Merit Scholarships, which offer significant financial aid opportunities.
• SAT/ACT Prep and Exams (October-December): If students haven’t already taken standardized tests, now is the time to start preparing and booking those final test dates.
• College Visits: This is an ideal time to start visiting campuses, especially if your student has a long holiday break.
• Building a College List: By December, juniors should have a preliminary list of schools to start narrowing down in their senior year.

How Parents Can Help:

This is when it starts to get real. Juggling multiple priorities, especially with parents managing their own workloads, can lead to missed deadlines or poorly made decisions. Establish a timeline with your student and make sure to check off tasks together each month. If your schedule is hectic, Empowerly offers personalized college counseling to help your family stay on track and avoid burnout. It’s important to invest time now to avoid stressful, last-minute rushing in senior year.

Seniors: The Final Countdown

Time Commitment: 30+ hours/month

By the time October hits, seniors are in full swing with college applications. Missing a key deadline can mean losing out on your dream school, scholarships, or even delaying your college start. The stakes are high, and the timeline is tight.

Key Deadlines for Seniors in Q4:

• Early Decision/Early Action (November 1st/November 30th): If applying for Early Decision or Early Action, the window closes quickly in November. Early applications increase a student’s chances of acceptance but require careful preparation. Application deadline for UC schools is November 30th, 
• Regular Decision Applications (December/January Deadlines): These are the final calls for most college applications. Students need to complete all essays, get letters of recommendation, and submit their applications before the holiday rush.
• FAFSA and CSS Profile (October 1st-December): Financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile are crucial for securing scholarships and loans. The earlier you file, the better your chances of receiving aid. Procrastination here can cost you thousands.
• Scholarships: Many scholarships have deadlines in December or January. Missing these means passing up free money for college.

How Parents Can Help:

Here’s where time management really matters. Between work, holiday planning, and your child’s application deadlines, things can slip through the cracks. Try to carve out specific times to review application materials and ensure everything is submitted correctly. Empowerly’s one-on-one counseling services can alleviate this burden, guiding both students and parents through every step of the process.

If your child is applying for financial aid, remember that missing the FAFSA or CSS Profile deadlines can result in less aid and more debt. Empowerly’s financial experts can assist in filling out these forms, ensuring that your family makes informed decisions about loans, scholarships, and grants.

The Consequences of Missing Q4 Deadlines

What happens if you miss these deadlines? Simply put, a missed deadline can derail your child’s college plans. Colleges have strict submission windows, and late applications are often automatically rejected. Likewise, missing financial aid deadlines can result in reduced scholarship opportunities, leaving students and parents with a much higher financial burden – or worse, student debt that could’ve been avoided.

Parents working full-time may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks and deadlines, but this is where college counseling can truly make a difference. Empowerly provides the structure, expertise, and reminders families need to meet every deadline without scrambling at the last minute. Moreover, Empowerly counselors can offer insights into how to prioritize tasks and allocate time wisely, preventing stress and last-minute chaos.

Why College Counseling Is a Lifesaver

Managing the Q4 college deadlines without professional guidance can feel like an impossible feat, especially for busy parents. This is why college counseling is becoming an increasingly popular employee benefit. Companies that offer Empowerly as a benefit enable their employees to receive personalized college counseling support for their teens. 

Here’s how Empowerly helps:

• One-on-One Counseling: Your family gets a dedicated counselor who walks you through every step, ensuring that no deadlines are missed.
• Financial Aid Planning: Get expert help with FAFSA, scholarships, and grants to avoid student debt.
• Time Management: Empowerly can save parents hours of stress and worry, allowing them to focus on work while knowing their child’s applications are in expert hands.
• Mental Health and Well-Being: Knowing that a professional is guiding your child through the process can significantly reduce stress for both parents and students.
• Proven Results: Empowerly has helped thousands of families successfully navigate the college application process, ensuring that students are accepted to the schools of their choice.

FAQs

Q: When should my student start working on college applications?  

A: Ideally, students should begin their applications in the summer before senior year. By October, they should be finalizing essays and collecting recommendation letters.

Q: What if we miss a financial aid deadline?  

A: Missing financial aid deadlines could result in less aid or none at all. It’s crucial to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st.

Q: How does Empowerly counseling work?  

A: Empowerly pairs students and parents with dedicated counselors who provide personalized advice on everything from college essays to financial aid.

Conclusion

Q4 college deadlines are serious business, and missing them can set back a student’s college plans significantly. With the clock ticking, it’s essential for parents and students to stay organized and make informed decisions. Whether you’re managing applications, financial aid, or just trying to keep up with deadlines, Empowerly is here to help you make the best choices for your family’s future. 

By offering Empowerly as an employee benefit, companies help their workers navigate this stressful period, saving time, reducing financial burdens, and improving mental health for the entire family. Don’t leave it all to the last minute – take control of the college process now with Empowerly.

The post Q4 College Deadlines Every Parent, Student (and Employer) Should Know appeared first on Empowerly.

Meet Maria, a determined employee who transformed her career with the support of Empowerly and a company education benefit she might have otherwise overlooked. Her story is an inspiring example of how an organization’s investment in Empowerly can build a culture of growth and opportunity.

Maria’s Journey: From Shop Floor to Certified Professional

Maria started on the shop floor of her company, working hard and earning a solid reputation among her peers. But like many, she knew she wanted more. She dreamed of moving up, gaining new skills, and making an even bigger impact on her team and her company. But without clear guidance on how to make this leap, her dreams seemed a bit out of reach.

Then she found out about her employer’s partnership with Empowerly. While she’d known about the company’s tuition benefits, she hadn’t fully understood how they could apply to her role or her career path. For her, the benefits felt like they were meant for people going back to college or pursuing degrees—not for certifications or specialized training. But when Empowerly became available through her workplace, Maria’s outlook changed entirely.

The Gap Between Opportunity and Action: Why So Few Use Tuition Benefits

It’s a common story. Many companies offer tuition assistance programs or education benefits, yet utilization rates remain remarkably low. In fact, while over 70% of employers provide these benefits, under 2% of employees take advantage of them. The reasons for this are complex. Some employees may not feel these programs apply to them, while others may find the process intimidating or confusing. There’s also the fear of balancing studies with a full-time job and the uncertainty of how to apply new skills within their current organization.

Empowerly aims to bridge this gap, ensuring employees understand their options and have a clear, manageable path to educational success—just like Maria did.

Finding Empowerly: Maria Takes the First Step

When Maria heard about Empowerly’s availability through her company, she decided to give it a shot. She scheduled her first meeting with an Empowerly counselor, unsure of what to expect but ready to explore her options. During that session, she shared her dream of gaining new skills and moving beyond the shop floor.

Her counselor helped her map out a plan to utilize her employer’s tuition benefits to pursue a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification, a qualification that could open doors to a more advanced role. For Maria, this was eye-opening—she’d had no idea the education benefit could support a certification that matched her career goals so well.

Creating a Clear Path: Empowerly’s Step-by-Step Support

Once Maria knew that earning her CMRP certification was possible, her Empowerly counselor worked with her to plan the entire process, making sure that each step aligned with her work and personal life. This wasn’t just about coursework; it was about creating a realistic plan that set her up for success without overwhelming her.

Here’s how Empowerly helped Maria make it happen:

1. Building a Customized Education Plan: Together, they designed a program tailored to Maria’s schedule, ensuring she could continue working while studying for her certification.
2. Connecting with HR and Management: Empowerly guided Maria in working with her HR department to clarify the steps she needed to access tuition benefits, submit the required paperwork, and plan for the financial aspect of her certification.
3. Mapping Out Career Goals: The Empowerly counselor worked with Maria to outline how she could apply her certification within the company, helping her envision the potential career growth this certification could bring.
4. Creating a Support System: Empowerly provided Maria with tools, resources, and ongoing guidance to keep her motivated throughout her certification journey.

With each step, Maria felt increasingly confident. She wasn’t just studying for a certification; she was creating a pathway to new opportunities within her company. This wasn’t about starting from scratch or leaving her company to pursue something new. It was about building on what she already knew and growing within an organization she cared about.

A Successful Transition: New Opportunities for Maria

After months of dedication, Maria earned her CMRP certification, marking a significant personal achievement. But her journey didn’t end there. With the support of Empowerly and her HR team, Maria began transitioning into a new role that allowed her to put her certification to use. She moved from the shop floor to collaborating with the management team on key projects, troubleshooting equipment, and finding ways to enhance reliability across operations.

This new role brought Maria more than just a change in position; it gave her a newfound sense of accomplishment, opening her eyes to what she could achieve with the right support and resources. And with her confidence growing, Maria’s dreams are growing, too—she’s now setting her sights on further opportunities for advancement.

Why Empowerly for Employers Works: Building a Culture of Opportunity and Growth

Maria’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential unlocked when employees can fully utilize their education benefits. Empowerly for Employers offers companies more than a tuition assistance program—it provides a comprehensive support system that ensures employees know how to leverage those benefits and pursue meaningful growth within their roles.

Here’s why Empowerly for Employers makes a difference:

• Boosting Retention and Engagement: When employees see a clear path for growth, they’re more likely to stay with the company, engaged and motivated.
• Building a Talent Pipeline: Empowerly helps companies identify and cultivate talent from within, reducing the need for external hiring.
• Creating a Culture of Opportunity: Employees like Maria feel valued and supported, fostering a positive culture where everyone has a chance to grow and succeed.
• Advancing Equity and Access: By guiding employees through tuition benefits, Empowerly provides equitable opportunities for career advancement, regardless of educational background or role.

Imagine the Impact: Empowerly for Employers as a Game-Changer

For companies offering tuition benefits, Empowerly is a game-changer, ensuring that these valuable resources don’t go unused. Employers who partner with Empowerly send a clear message: “We believe in your growth, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.” This commitment to employee development doesn’t just benefit individuals; it creates a ripple effect that enhances company culture, strengthens loyalty, and builds a workforce of skilled, motivated professionals.

Maria’s story is just one example of the positive change that Empowerly brings to workplaces. For benefits and Learning & Development leaders, adding Empowerly to an existing benefits program means more than just a perk; it means offering employees a real chance at advancement and career fulfillment.

In a world where employees are eager to learn but may not know where to start, Empowerly offers a guiding hand, making educational and career goals attainable and relevant. Empowerly for Employers is more than a benefit; it’s an opportunity to shape a future where employees can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Maria’s journey is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible with the right guidance. Empowerly helped her move from a job she knew well to a career she’s excited about, making the most of her company’s benefits along the way. Imagine how many more employees could reach their potential if they had the same support.

The post From Shop Floor to Maintenance & Reliability Professional appeared first on Empowerly.

This was exactly the experience of Elsha, a receptionist at a financial services firm, and her daughter, Sophia, as they navigated the path to college with the help of Empowerly for Employers. Their story highlights how one company’s investment in college counseling made a lasting difference for both an employee and her child.

Elsha’s Dream: A Brighter Future for Her Daughter

Elsha had always imagined a bright future for Sophia. She’d once had dreams of going to college herself, but when she became pregnant with Sophia, she put those plans on hold to focus on raising her daughter. Working as a receptionist, Elsha enjoyed her job but hoped her daughter would have the opportunity for higher education. However, the college application process was unfamiliar territory, and it quickly became clear that understanding how to approach it would be a challenge.

The Stress of the Unknown: A Daunting College Application Process

As Sophia entered high school, it was clear she was a strong student, determined to reach college. But navigating the college admissions process without prior experience was overwhelming. Many families share similar challenges, but for families like Elsha’s, the difficulties were compounded by a lack of what’s sometimes called “dinner table knowledge.” Without the college experience in her own background, Elsha had unanswered questions about finding the right schools, the cost of tuition, financial aid, and how to prevent student debt from burdening Sophia’s future.

Sophia attended an under-resourced public high school, where the student-to-counselor ratio made it difficult for her to access one-on-one guidance. With only one counselor for every 400+ students, finding answers to complex college questions wasn’t easy. Combined, these barriers often meant Sophia’s only chance at navigating college planning successfully would come through an outside source.

Empowerly Enters: Transforming Stress into a Step-by-Step Plan

Elsha’s company had recently introduced Empowerly for Employers, a college counseling benefit that offered employees with children like Sophia dedicated support through the college admissions process. Hearing about this benefit was a turning point for Elsha and Sophia. For them, this wasn’t just about receiving advice; it was a path to realizing Sophia’s college dream and reducing the stress that had become part of their daily lives.

Starting in ninth grade, Sophia began working with an Empowerly counselor to create a personalized plan for her college journey. Her counselor guided her through each phase of high school, helping her prioritize activities, build her college application, and map out steps that would work with her family’s financial situation.

Building a Financially Smart Path to College

With limited resources, it was crucial for Elsha and Sophia to find a path to college that wouldn’t result in unmanageable debt. Empowerly helped them create a financial strategy that went beyond basic advice, addressing Elsha’s concerns about affordability and student debt.

Empowerly’s guidance included:

1. Selecting the Right Colleges: Sophia’s counselor helped her choose a list of colleges that would not only support her academic goals but also offer strong financial aid programs.
2. Balancing the College List: They built a balanced list of schools, including target and safety options that aligned with their budget.
3. Mapping Out Finances: Empowerly provided practical steps for understanding college costs and helped Elsha see how each financial decision could affect their future.
4. Guiding Them Through FAFSA: Decoding the FAFSA can be daunting, but Empowerly’s team provided a thorough explanation, ensuring Elsha and Sophia understood each part of the process.
5. Scholarship and Grant Searches: Empowerly taught Sophia how to research and apply for scholarships that matched her background and goals, from national awards to smaller local scholarships.

Altogether, these steps helped alleviate some of Elsha’s biggest concerns and turned college from a vague possibility into a structured plan.

A Comprehensive Support System for College Success

With Empowerly’s support, Sophia gained not only information but also confidence. She could focus on the activities and experiences that mattered most for her applications, strengthening her profile and honing in on her future goals. By her senior year, Sophia was prepared to apply to a range of colleges, each chosen with her academic and financial needs in mind.

Sophia’s applications resulted in admission offers from her top three schools, and she eventually decided on Duke University, where she received a significant scholarship and financial aid package. This success wasn’t just an achievement for Sophia—it was a relief for Elsha, who saw a brighter future for her daughter, unburdened by the fear of overwhelming debt.

The Ripple Effect: How Empowerly for Employers Benefits Families and Companies Alike

For Elsha, the Empowerly benefit was much more than a service; it was an invaluable resource that empowered her family. When companies offer benefits like Empowerly, they show their commitment to the well-being of employees and their families, creating a sense of loyalty and belonging that strengthens the entire workplace.

Here’s why a college counseling benefit like Empowerly makes a lasting difference:

• Equitable Access to Opportunity: Empowerly offers resources to students from all backgrounds, creating a level playing field for families who might lack access to college planning guidance.
• Supporting Families’ Financial Well-being: The financial planning support offered by Empowerly helps families avoid overwhelming student debt, reducing long-term stress.
• Demonstrating Values Through Action: By providing Empowerly, companies signal that they value family well-being, education, and a path to a promising future for every employee’s child.

The Employer’s Role in Making a Difference

Elsha’s employer didn’t just offer a benefit; they provided a path to higher education for a dedicated student. Through Empowerly, Elsha’s company supported a parent’s dream and a student’s potential, building a legacy of support that goes beyond the workplace. This type of benefit is powerful for companies looking to build a positive culture, rooted in values like equity, support for families, and commitment to employees’ overall well-being.

When benefits leaders consider adding programs like Empowerly, they’re not just investing in a service—they’re investing in lives, opportunities, and futures.

Why Empowerly for Employers Matters

In a world where the college admissions process can be complex and overwhelming, a benefit like Empowerly provides families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to guide their children toward success. This isn’t just about helping students get into college; it’s about helping them access opportunities that can change their lives.

When employers provide this type of benefit, they’re not only supporting their workforce but also shaping a future where all employees feel valued, knowing their families are cared for and their children’s dreams are within reach.

The post Supporting First-Generation College Families appeared first on Empowerly.

This is the kind of story that came to life through Empowerly, a benefit offered to employees with children dreaming of higher education but facing significant challenges. Let’s dive into the real-life experience of Ryan, a young man whose story exemplifies the transformative power of Empowerly.

Meet Ryan: A Dedicated Son, Brother, and Student

Ryan’s family emigrated from Jordan when he was just a child. Like many immigrant families, they came with dreams of a better life and new opportunities. Ryan was a promising student, excelling through middle school with dreams of college—a dream his parents encouraged, even though it was an unfamiliar path for them. But high school threw Ryan a curveball.

In his sophomore year, Ryan became the primary caretaker for his elderly grandparents and his younger siblings. His parents, both juggling multiple jobs to keep the family afloat, had little choice but to lean on Ryan, who stepped up without a second thought. Overnight, he found himself balancing schoolwork with the responsibility of caring for his family, managing meals, assisting his siblings with homework, and supporting his grandparents’ needs.

When the Pressure Builds, Empowerly Provides Support

It’s no surprise that Ryan’s grades started slipping. Despite his best efforts, he simply couldn’t keep up with the workload. Stress, both academic and personal, became his constant companion, and his dream of attending college started to feel out of reach. His high school, an under-resourced public school, struggled to provide individual support; after all, his counselor was responsible for over 600 students—giving each student just 15 minutes of dedicated time every year.

Enter Empowerly. Through his father’s employer, Ryan was matched to his dedicated Empowerly counselor Theresa, who became his guide, mentor, and advocate. For Ryan and his family, starting Empowerly wasn’t just a benefit—it was the first step towards a new future.

The Power of Connection: Ryan and Theresa’s Partnership

As an expert counselor who specialized in working with first-generation college families, Theresa knew that college admissions was about more than grades. She recognized Ryan’s remarkable resilience and the unique challenges he faced, and she wanted to help him turn his story into his strength. Together, they crafted a college application plan that would not only highlight his academic abilities but also tell his powerful story of balancing family and education.

To tackle his application hurdles, Theresa and Ryan dove into some lesser-known but powerful application tools. They used supplemental essays to communicate the real impact of his caregiving responsibilities, which provided admissions officers with a full picture of his commitment, perseverance, and leadership. Ryan’s dedication to his family and community became central to his application, allowing him to stand out.

A Path to College: Customizing Ryan’s Plan for Success

With Theresa’s guidance, Ryan took a path that was both practical and strategic: he would attend community college to complete his core coursework while continuing to support his family. This would allow him to stay close to home and help his parents, all while building a strong academic foundation. After that, the goal was to transfer to UC Berkeley, his dream school, to pursue engineering.

Empowerly was there for every step, coaching Ryan through the application process, helping him find resources for financial aid, and providing a roadmap for his journey. By the time he was ready to apply to UC Berkeley, Ryan’s plan was clear, his narrative compelling, and his confidence in his future unshakable.

How Empowerly for Employers Benefits More Than Just the Student

For Ryan’s father, this benefit meant peace of mind. Empowerly didn’t just help his son with college guidance; it provided a sense of security and hope for their family’s future. Empowerly for Employers isn’t just about education; it’s about equity, opportunity, and creating a culture that supports families at every level. Employers who offer Empowerly demonstrate a commitment to values that resonate deeply with employees, especially those in underserved communities.

When companies invest in a benefit like Empowerly, they are doing more than checking a box. They’re showing their employees that they believe in providing:

• Equitable Access to Opportunity: Empowerly’s services help bridge the gap for students from low-income families or under-resourced schools, ensuring they have a chance to pursue their dreams.
• Support for Family Well-being: The ripple effect of educational support benefits entire families, reducing stress and opening doors.
• A Commitment to Success for All: Empowerly shows that every student, regardless of economic background, deserves guidance and mentorship to reach their goals.

The Employer’s Perspective: Why Empowerly is More Than Just a Perk

Providing Empowerly as a benefit is a powerful way for an employer to reinforce their commitment to employee families. For Ryan’s father’s employer, this benefit served as a meaningful way to connect with employees’ lives outside of work. It wasn’t just about a college counseling service; it was about offering a lifeline and a supportive network for the people who matter most to their employees.

The results? Empowerly benefits both the employee and the employer:

1. Increased Employee Loyalty: Employees feel more loyal to a company that actively supports their family’s well-being and future.
2. Enhanced Company Culture: Offering college guidance as a benefit signals to all employees that their company values equity and educational access.
3. Long-Term Positive Outcomes: Empowerly helps create a generation of educated, motivated young adults, which benefits communities and, in turn, the workplaces they eventually join.

Ryan’s Journey: A Real-Life Success Story

Today, Ryan attends UC Berkeley, studying engineering. With the guidance of Empowerly, the backing of his family, and the support provided by his father’s employer, Ryan was able to achieve his college dream.

Ryan’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that a benefit like Empowerly can have—not just for the student, but for their entire family and their future. It’s a testament to the power of human connection, guidance, and an employer’s commitment to the lives and dreams of their employees’ families.

For employers, the question is simple: How many families like Ryan’s could you help by offering a benefit like Empowerly?

When employers invest in benefits that make a difference, they invest in the people who show up every day, ready to contribute to the company’s success. Empowerly for Employers is more than a perk—it’s a lifeline, a support system, and a pathway to a brighter future for students and families alike. And isn’t that what true employee support is all about?

The post From High School Caretaker to UC Berkeley appeared first on Empowerly.

It’s hard to let them go.

Parents have worried about their child’s college admissions process for decades now. Even education groups at Stanford and Harvard researched the emotional transition. To navigate this stressful time as a family, here’s what we can tell you: what your students wish you knew about their future. Here are a few insights via Empowerly counselor Denard from real student conversations: 

“I wish my parents knew I was very grateful for their help. However, sometimes they should trust me a little more because this is my future, and I want to make sure that I do my best to make everything work out the way I want it to.”

– Lia, student

“I wish my parents knew that college is an important process, and I know this, but it does not need to take over all of our conversations.”

– Matt, student

“I wish my parents knew we were just as stressed as they were, and as much as they wanted to help us, badgering us with everything and trying to make it perfectly made us less likely to make a good product.”

– Anush, student

It’s always been hard to let them go. Sending your child out to pursue a future in the big wide world is a bittersweet milestone in the parenting journey; like a bird watching chicks take flight, the thought of an empty nest may evoke a mixture of pride, sorrow, fear, or excitement. But in today’s rapidly-shifting technological world, parents have a harder time ensuring that their fledglings land safely. While securing a college degree used to be a fast track to career security, competition for coveted spots at these universities has skyrocketed in recent years.

Despite their independence, it’s hard for compassionate parents to stay impartial when students are feeling the crunch, too: 

“The most common source of stress for high school students, according to the APA Stress survey, is school itself, with 75% identifying it as a major stressor followed by getting into a good college or deciding what to do after high school (69%).”

“What I went through or what my kids had gone through, I can speak about that. And it’s real—it’s not something that I’m making up. So that’s why when people come and ask me questions, I guide them on what I went through.”

– Sonia, parent

Feeling anxious about your child’s college admissions process? 

While these doubts and fears may feel isolating, you’re not alone. Other working parents report they are anxious about their child’s college admissions future and beyond. 

“Recent LendingTree data shows that 91% of employees consider helping their children plan for college or career to be a source of significant ongoing stress, to the point where they would do nearly anything to ensure their child’s future. This stress causes up to 10 hours per week of lost productivity because of focus on college-related tasks.”

Want more proof of how this stress is affecting parents everywhere? 

“According to medical research, 53% of parents reported being interrupted at work for children’s mental health. In addition to that, 56% of working parent readers said the stresses of their job were much harder to handle because of their child’s emotional health and development or behavior status.”

Overwhelmed? We felt the same. This is how it went for me… 

Whether you are a single working mom with no time or simply struggling with the forms required, there are plenty of reasons to need advice from a trusted source. Read the unfiltered advice for parents of teenagers, from other real working parents who have been in your shoes. These parents describe how they handled their emerging anxiety, and what they wish they could have known before starting the college search process with their teen. 

“I was suffering.”

Dr. Claudia Boles thought she was prepared for her eldest son’s high school graduation: “As a parent of three teenagers and a counselor—I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker—you might think that I would have coped better with college application stress when my son applied to college.” Nonetheless, once “spring was upon us, college decision announcements continued to trickle in… my nerves were through the roof.”

Claudia explained, “As my son’s second semester of junior year came upon us, my sense of control withered. The college bug finally bit me. I began to intensively research the college admissions process and get sucked into the craze that can come along with it. News articles highlighting the soaring number of applicants to popular universities fueled my worry.” 

Claudia described her bleak state of mind during the admission process: “I was clearly getting on my son’s nerves as well as on the nerves of all those around me. I began to lose sleep as I became more consumed. This had all gone way too far: I was suffering and contributing to the suffering of others.”

All in all, the stress nearly “broke” her composure and significantly compromised her mental health and family relationships during this time. She concluded with the following advice for parents of teenagers: “To those who may also be struggling with the stress of college admissions right now, know this: You’re not alone, and you deserve support.” 

“I didn’t know the answers.”

Parents face all kinds of pressure to influence their child’s future. However, with the proper research, resources are out there. Empowerly parent Sonia shares her journey. 

“[My eldest son and daughter] had a lot of questions regarding college applications, you know. So they were very nervous. Tons of questions they had, which I didn’t know the answers for, because I didn’t know how college admission works here [in the U.S.],” she explained. “And so to ease all those questions, I just told them [my kids] to talk to a counselor.”

“My kids had really good questions, and they also interviewed the counselors to see which one would fit the best for them,” Sonia said. After making a final decision to work with Empowerly and connecting with their respective counselors, “they were no longer lost. They had the answers; their questions were answered now. So the process didn’t seem as challenging.”

“The whole process, if I had to do it myself…” Sonia paused. “I don’t think I would have done it by myself, just looking for what’s out on the internet. So it’s an investment, investing in education. College counselors really help make your application stand out. I definitely give them credit for helping out my kids.”

Here’s what you can do to get started on the right foot. 

What would you tell your younger self?

Most of all, these poignant stories highlight that the best advice on teenage relationships for parents is to start planning for a great future as soon as you can. In addition, Empowerly counselor Denard reminds us that “not every student gets into every college, and that is okay.” Let’s all take a deep breath and review these actionable steps.

1. Confront the problem proactively with qualified experts, like a plan with Empowerly. 

2. Release worries about controlling the outcome. Trust that experts who are trained to help your student thrive can take the stress off your plate. 

3. Take care of yourself as a parent, too. In a rapidly changing college process, parents shouldn’t be expected to do this alone.

4. Ease into your next steps (anticipate a transition period).

5. Have faith that the process will work out. Look forward. You can do this!

6. Start early to help reduce anxiety. With time on your side, your student can make incredible strides toward their dreams.

There’s no more reason to delay.

Students need help, now more than ever. “The launch of our Employer initiative comes at a critical time when uncertainty about the future has reached epidemic proportions for teens and parents,” said Changxiao Xie, co-founder of Empowerly. “Players in the market today address specific segments but are not holistically solving the problem for all. At Empowerly we are  able to address the needs of every high school student, regardless of their current situation or goals for the future.” What’s more, working parents may be able to better articulate their needs with a comprehensive solution like Empowerly and its portfolio of solutions.

Curious to discover your high schooler’s best future? The solution for companies is here. For a full suite of support options, reach out to your employer to ask whether Empowerly could be the next move for your benefits team. With access to these invaluable resources, your student will have the tools to build their dreams. 

The post Feeling Anxious About Your Child’s College Admissions? You’re Not Alone. appeared first on Empowerly.

Here, we share the key insights and strategies discussed during the panel, which are essential for any organization aiming to create a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Recognizing and Addressing Changing Needs

Emphasizing a Culture of Support

Mindy Fitzgerald, Head of HR at Air Products, started the panel by emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of support and understanding for women at all life stages. “We need to create a culture where women feel supported and understood regardless of their stage,” Fitzgerald stated. This highlights the necessity of addressing a wide range of issues, from fertility and child-rearing to emotional well-being and menopause.

Inclusive Policies for Diverse Needs

Dionne Adams, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Pacific Gas and Electric Co., highlighted the need for inclusive policies that consider women’s unique challenges. She passionately noted, “A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. We must tailor our programs to meet diverse needs.” This sentiment set the stage for a deeper discussion on the necessity of personalization in well-being programs.

The Power of Personalization

Personalized Well-being Programs

Lesli Stasiek, Senior Director of HR at Cencora, shared insights on the impact of personalized well-being programs. “Employers should invest in resources that allow women to thrive personally and professionally. This means offering flexible schedules, mental health support, and more,” Stasiek explained. Her comments underscored the significance of tailoring well-being initiatives to meet the specific needs of female employees.

Comprehensive Health Resources

Corrinne Hobbs, General Manager and VP of Employer Market at Ovia Health, discussed strategies for supporting women’s health. “Employers should provide access to comprehensive health resources, including those that address reproductive health, mental wellness, and family support,” Hobbs emphasized. Her perspective highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to support women in the workplace truly.

The Role of Technology

Leveraging Data and Digital Tools

Dr. Martin Payne, Chief Commercial Officer at Empowerly, brought a unique perspective by focusing on the role of technology in enhancing well-being programs. “By leveraging data and digital tools, we can create customized solutions that address the specific needs of each employee, improving overall satisfaction and retention,” Payne noted. His insights underscored the potential of technology to revolutionize employee support.

Addressing College Admissions Stress

Dr. Payne also highlighted the unique challenges of college admissions for women and its impact on mental health for students and employees. He stated, “The college admissions process can be incredibly stressful, especially for young women facing unprecedented competition due to the increase in female applicants. This stress doesn’t just affect students; it carries over into the workplace as employees juggle supporting their children through this process while managing their professional responsibilities.” Payne further emphasized the need for a holistic approach, including mental health support and flexible work arrangements, to help employees balance their personal and professional lives.

Comprehensive and Targeted Solutions

Combining Overall Well-being with Targeted Point Solutions

One of the key takeaways from the panel was the consensus on combining overall well-being plans with targeted point solutions. The panelists agreed that offering a broad range of resources while addressing specific needs creates the most effective support system.

Continuous Improvement and Ongoing Dialogue

Lydia Dishman, Senior Editor at Fast Company and the panel’s moderator concluded the discussion by emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and continuous improvement. “We must keep the conversation going and remain committed to evolving our strategies to support women at every stage of their lives,” Dishman stated. She left the audience with a call to action to remain proactive and innovative in their approaches.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

Creating a Culture of Support

The panel highlighted employers’ critical role in supporting their female employees’ health and well-being. By implementing personalized and comprehensive well-being programs, companies can create an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Personalized Well-being Programs

Employers should tailor their well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of their employees. This includes offering flexible schedules, mental health support, and comprehensive health resources that address reproductive health, mental wellness, and family support.

Leveraging Technology

Utilizing data and digital tools can help create customized solutions that address each employee’s specific needs, leading to improved overall satisfaction and retention.

Combining Comprehensive and Targeted Solutions

Offering a broad range of resources while addressing specific needs can create the most effective support system for employees.

Continuous Improvement and Ongoing Dialogue

Employers must remain committed to evolving their strategies to support women at every stage of their lives. Ongoing dialogue and continuous improvement are essential to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.

At Empowerly, we are proud to be part of this critical conversation and are committed to continuously improving our support for women in the workplace. Together, we can create a culture where women thrive at every stage of their lives. By adopting these strategies, businesses can foster an inclusive and supportive environment that attracts and retains top talent. Empowerly remains dedicated to leading the charge in creating workplaces where every woman can thrive.

The post Creating a Culture of Support: Key Takeaways from the Women’s Well-Being Panel appeared first on Empowerly.

Empowerly’s college counseling team is working to expand access to education through partnerships with employers. To serve this goal, Empowerly is committed to keeping up with the latest trends and up-to-the-minute conversations with industry leaders. That’s why the Empowerly team attended the From Day One Conference in Miami, Florida this year to learn more about how we can serve families through the workplace developments of 2023 and beyond.

For those curious about what the future of work looks like, read on for the five key takeaways our team discussed at this insightful collaboration of HR professionals!

About the Conference: A Key Question

The last few years brought radical change to our understanding of employee engagement. This conference was created to ask the critical question: 

“In an environment of constant workplace change, how can employers create a consistent community that builds enduring bonds of trust with workers?” 

The live conference brought together a collective of leading thinkers and top executives in HR, hybrid work, diversity, benefits, social impact, and beyond to collaborate on this noble cause. 

It’s no surprise that burnout and wellness made the talking list. Topics of these discussions ranged widely, including creating equity in a hybrid workplace, balancing productivity with well-being, offering better career paths, developing diversity in leadership, and supporting working parents. Let’s dig in.

Five Key Takeaways You Should Know

Dynamic discussions highlighted several messages throughout the day’s conversations. For many, it’s agreed the ideal community trust is possible when employees feel seen and supported. Comprehensive support reaches the most important priorities of all—heart, home, and happiness. So what does this look like in corporate practice? We know meaningful work matters. Connect your business with the things that employees care about, and you will be able to benefit from their full potential. Here’s how to crack the code.

1. Embracing Generational Leadership

In presentations, leading practitioners and researchers shared insights on how different generations expect different qualities in leaders. Embracing these generational differences looks like focusing on motivational versus inspirational leadership. In other words, be an inspirational leader, not just a motivational one. The bright minds in Gen Z especially—the younger generations—want someone to look up to in the workplace.

2. DEI as a Collective Responsibility

A panel discussion emphasized the role of all managers in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the necessity of inclusive practices in every aspect of work. In particular, Maribel Diz of Visa shared her insights on fostering diversity and inclusion in leadership. Her approach, rooted in her extensive experience, highlights the importance of diverse voices in decision-making. Jonathan Yeo, founder of The Potential Space, explained that fear shouldn’t prevent strong teams from addressing topical issues. Instead, focus on creating the expectation that everyone is mutually responsible for contributing to a positive and healthy work environment.

3. Redefining Employee Recruitment

David Bator, managing director of Achievers Workforce Institute, led a workshop on innovative strategies for retaining and re-engaging existing employees through connection, celebration, compensation, and choice. What do you as an employer or mentor need to know? Keep pushing for conversations about growth, learning, and development opportunities. Increasingly, workers say they want to grow in their jobs. Further, Ashaki Rucker of NBCUniversal offered compelling strategies for developing clear career paths for employees. Her session provided practical tips for both employers and employees to navigate career progression effectively.

4. A New Generation of Well-being Benefits

The From Day One conference also addressed the unique challenges faced by working parents, emphasizing the need for innovative benefit offerings and comprehensively supportive policies that stand out.

Jonathan Murray, Head of Empowerly for Employers, presented new research on the impact of College and Career Planning on employee well-being and productivity. Empowerly’s solution is a new benefit that blends technology and personalized one-on-one guidance to help families navigate their journey. These days, burnout and mental health are not just buzzwords. Alexandra Powell, Director of Client Cultural Insights at Reward Gateway, led a comprehensive session on building sustainable well-being strategies that focused on the roles of managers in modeling a culture that values employee health and happiness. Building on this, Ana Maria Sencovici from Royal Caribbean Group emphasized the critical balance between productivity and employee well-being in hybrid workplaces. Her strategies for maintaining this balance are invaluable for modern organizations. Choosing to emphasize the importance of well-being contributes to overall workplace wellness and resilience. 

5. Cultivating a Feedback Culture

Willie Jackson, Partner and Head of Growth at ReadySet, delivered a keynote on the importance and challenges of feedback in teamwork that offered practical tools and skills for effective communication and feedback within teams. Continuing to learn and grow will also help leaders prepare for the impacts of AI on HR. New technology will change and revamp outdated processes from TA to upskilling, and adaptation is necessary. Staying in touch with your team’s responses will help you stay in front of changes.

Final Thoughts From Day One

At the heart of the From Day One conference is a mission to rediscover the essence of community in today’s evolving corporate landscape. Amidst constant changes in workplace dynamics, the conference serves as a beacon, guiding leaders and professionals in redefining values, strengthening trust, and forging enduring bonds within the workforce. This gathering of thinkers and executives in HR, diversity, and employee engagement is not just a meeting of minds but a vibrant collaboration to shape a more connected and equitable future in the business world.

Each takeaway represents a core theme addressed at the “From Day One” conference, providing a glimpse into the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics and management strategies. For a more comprehensive understanding of these topics, visit the full conference details at the From Day One Miami Conference website.

To learn more about Empowerly and the solutions we offer working families, visit http://www.empowerly.com/employers or reach out to one of our team members to talk directly.

The post Five Key Takeaways: From Day One Conference Highlights appeared first on Empowerly.

College admissions present a vital stepping stone

For most families, navigating the teenage years for their children is difficult for both parents and children alike. College admissions, career preparation, and more all make this time a vital (and stressful) stepping stone for a family – especially in the uncertainty of a post-covid world. Working parents are faced with a multitude of challenges each and every day, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether they’re a single or two-parent household with one or more children at home, the pandemic illustrated the extent to which family and work overlap, creating an environment where working parents in the United States have been more stressed than they’ve ever been before.

As innovative companies adapt to this new reality for their employees, one trend that has emerged is that success lies in the ability to see and support employees and their families as a unit. With this, it has become important for companies to build personalized benefit programs around the unique needs of employees and their families. This ultimately has the ability to impact family well-being, and employee productivity, and drives companies’ ability to recruit, retain, and inspire the best talent in the market.

We learned that little had been studied or written on the direct impact that college & career planning decisions have on a teen, family, and community, so we are excited to help find the answers to better understand these important issues at Empowerly.

This study explores college & career planning today, what it means for working families, and how it impacts organizations as a whole.

Let’s work together towards success.

Curious to discover your high schooler’s best future? The solution for companies is here. For a full suite of support options, reach out to your employer to ask whether Empowerly could be the next move for your benefits team. With access to these invaluable resources, your student will have the tools to build their dreams. 

The post Empowering Working Parents: Navigating College Admissions with Confidence appeared first on Empowerly.