BY NUHA ISLAM
The handiness of Naviance may come as a surprise to many; ever since its introduction to the student body, most people haven’t opened the website since first contact.
Naviance is a program that helps students plan for college. Unlike other Broward County sponsored programs, this one will not be implemented in the classrooms. Rather it will serve as an online medium for students to explore their options.
“It’s all the most up to date information we can provide and resources to help you find your major,” B.R.A.C.E. advisor Christine Siewick said. “I highly encourage everyone to thoroughly look at the site.”
Last September every personalization class went down to the media center or guidance to learn about Naviance Family Counseling and create accounts. Mrs. Ramirez headed up the 9th and 10th grade presentations, while Mrs. Siewick spearheaded 11th and 12th grade.
“I don’t remember much about it to be honest,” CCHS Junior Ashton Bosse said. “It was just another long lecture for me during personalization. I’m sure it’s really helpful and I’ll use it during my senior year.”
This is a sentiment that is shared around school. Most people talk to guidance counselors directly when they need something related to college planning.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Seniors like Marissa Koplo utilize the program regularly.
“I used it to request transcripts once back in September. Now I apply for a scholarship every week off the scholarship page.”
The frequently updated scholarship list is tailor fit to every student. When you log in, Naviance gives you a list of scholarships that you are eligible for, a brief description, and how to apply.
But that’s not the only thing available on the site; the enrichment section gives a list of free or paid summer programs each student is able to take.
“There are so many cool features that get overlooked,” CCHS Junior Caleb Neale said. “I found a paid summer internship in a field I’m considering from the site, one that I wouldn’t have found otherwise.”
Enrichment is not just for upperclassmen, many younger high schoolers have also found it useful. Christine Kim, a rising CCHS Sophomore obtained a free class this summer at Princeton University’s school of journalism.
“I got an email one day from Mrs. Siewick saying their were summer programs available on the Naviance page.” Kim said. “For sure I’m paying more attention to Family Connection from now on.”
The career subheading helps students pick a major and discover their interests. The “Do What You Are” quiz defines your personality, and the cluster field quizzes will guide people to potential majors.
Under the profile builder, students can customize relevant information to tailor fit their Family Connection resources. There is even a resume builder application that that takes your profile information and inputs to create a high quality resume.
All these things are available to all students, and the best part is, it’s free.
“The resources are there, people just don’t know where to look,” Guidence Counselor Teresa Sullivan said. “It’s frustrating when we personally go to classes to promote it, and students still don’t utilize a tool like this.”
As more people see the value of this invaluable website, more and more jump onto the Naviance train. Now the only thing left to do is get more people boarding passes.
