Future Planning at FTCHS
Welcome! Liz Kaisinger serves as the Post-Secondary Counselor here at FTCHS. Our counseling team works with students beginning in 9th grade, and as they move into their junior and senior years, we partner with them more closely to guide their college, career, and life planning.
Future planning is a journey that starts early and builds each year. Our goal is to help every student discover their strengths, explore pathways, and graduate with a clear plan for their future—whether that’s college, career training, the military, or the workforce.
RESOURCES FROM THE FTCHS FALL FAIR
Coming soon on the Counselor's Corner
FAFSA Step-by-Step Webinar for Senior Parents/Guardians
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Format: Virtual (via Zoom)
Join us for a step-by-step walkthrough of the FAFSA. Learn the difference between the student and parent sections, understand who is considered a “contributor,” and get tips to maximize financial aid. We encourage all seniors to submit their FAFSA before 11/30/25!!!
Register here: Click here to register NOW!
Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for FAFSA opening on October 1. Parents and guardians of seniors are strongly encouraged to attend.
Support for seniors on all things FAFSA during Senior Programming, encourage your senior to attend often!
Future Planning:
What to Expect by Grade Level
9th Grade – Foundations
Students begin with self-discovery and goal setting, learning how their strengths connect to future opportunities. They get to know Naviance, set academic goals, and start building a resume.
10th Grade – Exploration
Sophomores deepen their self-discovery, link coursework to career paths, and explore college options. They also begin developing practical skills like resume writing and job search strategies.
11th Grade – Pathways & Planning
Juniors dive into career exploration, college research, and application preparation. They learn about apprenticeships, military pathways, and trade programs while also beginning to build balanced college lists, resumes, and application materials.
12th Grade – Implementation
Seniors put their plans into action. They receive hands-on support with college applications, essays, financial aid, and scholarships. For students pursuing alternatives to college, we provide direct connections to apprenticeships, technical programs, military options, and employment resources.
Resources for Families
We encourage parents and guardians to explore our Future Planning pages for more in-depth guidance:
You can also watch replays of past webinars on a variety of future-planning topics on our Counselor’s Corner page.
Parent & Guardian Information Sessions
At least once per quarter, we host evening information sessions on topics ranging from college admissions to financial aid, career training, and more. These sessions are a great way to stay informed and support your student’s journey.
Several organizations offer virtual information sessions for parents/guardians regarding future planning.
The College Board/Big Future, and PHEAA are two of the best. If you’re interested in more information, and/or have some time and want to join a discussion, check out these websites. You might find something that works better in your schedule.