The School Counselor and Student Postsecondary Recruitment

ASCA Position

School counselors encourage and promote positive and equitable reception of career and postsecondary educational institution recruiters into the school setting. These recruiters may include individuals from organizations such as, but not limited to:

• apprenticeship programs
• athletic programs
• career and technical education institutions
• colleges and universities
• financial aid and scholarship programs
• military branches

The Rationale

The K–12 educational system is an important component of the national structure that prepares students for the world of work (Cushing et al., 2019) and is essential for students as they explore postsecondary career and educational options. Every student has the right to access instruction, appraisal and advisement, and counseling for postsecondary preparation, access and success (ASCA, 2019). 
 
Through implementation of a school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model (2019), school counselors deliver information on postsecondary career and college options and collaborate with school staff, families and youth programs to maximize success (Bailey & Bradbury-Bailey, 2010; Bryan, et al., 2017; Holcomb-McCoy, 2010). School counselors help all students understand the benefits of completing their K–12 education including (a) exposure to and preparation for college and career opportunities, (b) support for navigating the financial aid process to ensure college is an affordable reality and (c) access to enrichment and extracurricular activities including summer learning opportunities.

The School Counselor's Role

School counselors are advocates for students in the recruitment process and ensure students and their families are informed of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and in accordance with the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors (2016). School counselors provide and advocate for postsecondary awareness, exploration and planning for each student, thereby supporting students’ rights to choose from a wide array of options when they leave secondary education. School counselors also examine data to ensure students from underrepresented groups, such as students of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities and students who are LGBTQ+ are provided equitable access to college and career programs and information. 
 
Through instruction, appraisal and advisement, and counseling, school counselors guide all students through the postsecondary planning and recruitment process, helping them learn critical strategies and skills for success including: 

• setting long- and short-term goals
• making informed decisions 
• managing transitions (ASCA, 2019)

Through consultation and collaboration, school counselors play a critical role in bridging communication gaps between families and recruitment entities. School counselors consult and collaborate with stakeholders (ASCA, 2019), including:

• college access partners and recruiters to prepare information for students and families about the differences among public, independent and for-profit colleges and universities in relationship to the costs and outcomes 
• recruiters to encourage them to create informational sessions and activities for families
• school administrators to develop and disseminate written information about the policies and procedures for obtaining student information as well as the rights of students and parents/guardians to withhold their information
• families to understand waivers for release of information
• families and students to encourage open conversation and communication about interests and goals
• recruiters and families to encourage them to work directly with students 

Summary

School counselors assist students and their families as they make informed decisions about postsecondary options. School counselors collaborate with individuals involved in the student recruitment process to ensure the delivery of comprehensive, accurate information while protecting student rights as specified by state/federal law, school district policies and procedures, and the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.