Apply for RAMP

The first step to applying for RAMP^® is to use the program assessment tool to determine whether your program is ready to seek the RAMP^® designation. The assessment tool outlines the 10 components of RAMP^®. These 10 components are represented in the application templates schools will use to prepare materials to be submitted in the online RAMP^® Application Portal.

The RAMP^® application covers an entire school year. Use this suggested RAMP^® application timeline and use-of-time 5-day calculator timeline to help you plan for your data collection year.

Each application is judged by a review team. Team scoring is facilitated by a lead RAMP^® reviewer. Schools that earn scores of 54 or higher out of a possible 60 are awarded RAMP^® status. Some schools that fail to earn RAMP^® in the first scoring will be invited to resubmit based on the score and components that require improvement. Schools that resubmit and still don’t attain a 54 or higher score are eligible to become Programs of Promise and receive mentoring to potentially be eligible for RAMP^® the following year. 

Schools applying for RAMP^® in October 2025 should use the 2025 scoring rubric. Points are as follows:

• Section 1: Vision and Mission Statement (6 points) – video tips
• Section 2: Annual Student Outcome Goals (8 points) – video tips
• Section 3: Classroom and Group Mindsets & Behaviors (5 points) – video tips
• Section 4: Annual Administrative Conference (5 points) – video tips
• Section 5: Advisory Council (6 points) – video tips
• Section 6: Annual Calendar (3 points) – video tips
• Section 7: Lesson Plans (classroom or group) (4 points) – video tips
• Section 8: Classroom Instruction Results Report (7 points) – video tips
• Section 9: Small-Group Results Report (7 points) – video tips
• Section 10: Closing the Gap Action Plan/Results Report (9 points) – video tips

Interested in pursuing RAMP^® but need some help? Consider working with an ASCA coach or sign up for on-site training with an ASCA-Certified Trainer^®.

RAMP Eligibility Requirements

Elementary, middle, high, pre-K–8, pre-K–12, public, private and charter schools may seek the RAMP^® designation. Schools should be staffed with a school counseling program, have a designated school identification number in their state or region as well as a principal. Virtual (elementary, middle, high, pre-K–8, pre-K–12), alternative and career academy schools may also seek the RAMP designation as long as staffing requirements are met. While adult schools are typically not eligible, adult schools with a component that serves pre-K–12 and meets staffing requirements should contact Deirdra Williams and request a review for eligibility. Schools may be located within and outside the United States. Although a specific number of years implementing the ASCA National Model^® framework is not required, schools considering seeking the RAMP^® designation are encouraged to review the program assessment tool . This will assist schools to determine whether your school counseling program is aligned with the ASCA National Model^®, thus giving you confidence to readiness in applying. Not sure that your school meets criteria? Contact  Deirdra Williams.