Workshops
Workshops designed to help students and families figure out what to focus on, one step at a time, with clear guidance, practical tools, and steady support.
DC2 College Workshop Series
Who These Workshops Are For
High School Students
You’ll build a realistic plan, learn how admissions works, and stay on top of deadlines without panic.
Parents and Caregivers
You’ll learn what matters each year and how to support your student with confidence — without turning every conversation into stress.
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Audience: Students (Grades 8–12) and Parents/Families
Format: 12 sessions • 60 minutes each
What you’ll get from the series
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A clear roadmap for what matters each year of high school
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Stronger organization, confidence, and follow-through
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Better family alignment (without pressure)
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A takeaway tool at every session you can actually use
Takeaway tools and dial-in details will be sent to registered participants on the day of the workshop.
Workshop 1
Charting Your College Journey (Orientation & Goal Setting)
Focus: Introduce the DC2 framework and establish a personalized roadmap.
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Overview of DC2’s Four-Year Plan
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Self-assessment: strengths, interests, and values
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Setting academic and personal goals
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Parent/Student activity: “Our Vision for College”
Takeaway Tools: Personal Goal Planner + Year-by-Year Milestone Chart
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Upcoming Session: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 2
Building a Strong Foundation (Academic Planning)
Focus: Course selection, GPA strategy, and balancing academics with extracurriculars.
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Understanding transcripts and GPA impact
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Honors/AP courses and prerequisites
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Building a strong academic story
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Parent role: supporting structure and balance
Takeaway Tools: Academic Planner + Study Habits Checklist
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Upcoming Session: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 3
Discovering Yourself (Interests, Careers, and Majors)
Focus: Connecting interests to potential majors and career paths.
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Using career interest inventories and online tools
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How to research college majors
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Parent/student dialogue: aligning passion and practicality
Takeaway Tool: Career Exploration Worksheet
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Upcoming Session: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 4
Getting Involved (Extracurriculars & Leadership)
Focus: Course selection, GPA strategy, and balancing academics with extracurriculars.
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Quality vs. quantity in extracurriculars
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Leadership, service, and summer programs
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Building resumes and digital portfolios
Takeaway Tools: Activity Log + Leadership Tracker
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Upcoming Session: Monday, February 23, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 5
​Testing Made Simple (SAT, ACT, and Alternatives)
Focus: Understanding standardized testing and test-optional admissions.
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Ideal testing timelines
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Free and affordable prep resources
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How parents can reduce test anxiety
Takeaway Tool: Test Timeline Tracker
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Upcoming Session: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 6
Show Me the Money (Scholarships, Financial Aid & FAFSA)
Focus: Demystifying the financial process.
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Scholarships, grants, and work-study
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FAFSA, CSS Profile, and budgeting basics
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Family discussion: “How much can we afford?”
Takeaway Tools: College Budget Worksheet + Scholarship Tracker
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Upcoming Session: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 7
The College Fit (Research, Campus Visits & Building Your List)
Focus: How to find and evaluate best-fit colleges.
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Types of institutions (public, private, trade, community)
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Campus visits and virtual tours
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Parent/student collaboration: evaluating options
Takeaway Tools: College Comparison Chart + Campus Visit Checklist + Fit Rating Matrix
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Upcoming Session: Monday, April 20, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 8
Crafting Your Story (Essays, Resumes & Recommendations)
Focus: Standing out through storytelling.
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Personal statement structure and tone
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Choosing recommenders wisely
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Resume formatting for college applications
Takeaway Tools: Essay Brainstorm Worksheet + Resume Template
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Upcoming Session: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 9
Applications & Deadlines (From Strategy to Submission)
Focus: Staying organized during application season.
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Common App and Coalition overview
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Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
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Managing deadlines and follow-ups
Takeaway Tools: Application Checklist + Timeline Tracker
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Upcoming Session: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 10
Beyond the Application (Interviews, Portfolios & Professionalism)
Focus: Exploring nontraditional and hands-on paths to success.
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College interviews: preparation, etiquette, and follow-up
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Portfolio and audition tips for creative and performing arts students
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Professional communication: thank-you emails and interview reflections
Takeaway Tools: Interview Prep Guide + Follow-Up Templates
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Upcoming Session: Monday, July 13, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 11
Pathways Beyond College (Trade Schools, Gap Years & Entrepreneurship)
Focus: Exploring nontraditional and hands-on paths to success.
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Career and technical education (CTE) programs and certifications
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Gap year opportunities for service, travel, and personal growth
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Entrepreneurship and building real-world skills while in high school
Takeaway Tool: Pathways Planning Guide
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Upcoming Session: Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7pm
Workshop 12
The Transition Ahead (Decisions, Deposits & Life Skills)
Focus: Preparing for independence and success after high school.
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Comparing admission and financial aid offers
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Making final decisions and completing deposits
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Essential life skills: budgeting, time management, and self-advocacy
Takeaway Tools: College Transition Checklist + Reflection Journal
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Upcoming Session: Monday, August 24, 2026 at 7pm
For Libraries Interested in Hosting
DC2 workshops are designed to be easy for libraries to host and accessible for a wide range of families.
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The series supports high school students (Grades 9–12) and parents/caregivers in understanding the college journey early, calmly, and without pressure. Sessions can be offered as a full series or as standalone workshops and are suitable for mixed-grade audiences.
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Libraries interested in learning more about hosting logistics, session structure, and what’s included can download the overview flyer below.