A six-week program to help Blackhawk County students prepare for a future beyond their wildest dreams.
Future Prep Academy
2024 Applications are now closed
Life skills
for all students
Regionally based instructors
Prerequisite for The HBCU Tour
The years following high school are packed with possibility, and as you approach the next chapter of your life, it’s important to act with intention. Your high school experience may be covering the academics, but there’s more that goes into decisions that will impact the rest of your life. You might be wondering…
- Is college the best option for me? If so, where should I go?
- How will I pay for trade school or earn an apprenticeship?
- Whatever I choose, will I be okay? Will my family be okay?
That’s exactly why we created Future Prep Academy.
No matter what your post-high school plans are, we’ll bridge the gap between unanswered questions and unwavering confidence. Academy students learn the basics of financial education, strategies for maintaining mental health, how to thrive within a community, and more. And our graduation present to you?
You are eligible to attend the sought-after HBCU Tour in November!
Join us for a life-launching experience.
Larya P.
Those moments are some of the best moments in my high school career. If I hadn't gone on that trip, I don't think I would be the same person. It kind of changes you in the sense that it matures you and makes you think about your future more.
Reagan C.
I think that it's really important for us to get these kinds of experiences. . . I didn't know if I wanted to go to an HBCU or if I just wanted to stay here and get it over with. But going on this trip, it was really eye opening to see the community and see how everybody can come together.
Here's exactly what you'll learn.
Most sessions are held Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to dive into the following topics:
Week 1: Mental Health
This class focuses on understanding mental health, recognizing signs of stress and anxiety, and developing strategies for maintaining mental well-being. Students will explore self-care techniques, coping mechanisms, and the importance of seeking support when needed.
Week 2: Money Matters
This class will teach students essential financial skills, including budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. It will also cover practical tips for managing money, setting financial goals, and making informed decisions to ensure financial stability in the future.
Week 3: Community Building
Students will learn the importance of community and how to contribute positively to it. They will also learn about leadership, collaboration, and the value of building strong networks. The session will also explore creating inclusive environments that foster mutual support and growth.
Week 4: Social & Leadership Skills
We'll explore the ins and outs of effective communication for pending adulthood. From thank-you notes and handshakes to social media posting, emails, and proper attire, students will learn the essentials they need to succeed in the real world.
Week 5: Table Etiquette
This class introduces students to proper table manners and etiquette for various social settings. Students will learn how to navigate formal dining, practice good manners, and understand the cultural significance of etiquette. The course prepares students to feel confident and respectful in dining or social scenarios.
Week 6: Financial Aid for College
This session is intended for students who plan to attend college. We'll explore the ends and outs of paying for college, the FASFA process, and applying for scholarships and student loans.
The next cohort begins on September 22, 2024.
Please apply as soon as possible. Availability is limited!
Future Prep Academy graduates are invited to apply for The HBCU Tour.
As an exciting incentive, college-bound graduates of the Future Prep Academy may apply to join us by bus or plane on a most-expenses-paid visit to select Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
Beyond campus tours, we visit historical sites linked to our heritage and get loud and proud at an HBCU football game!
HEY PARENTS!
Can we talk parent to parent?
Hi there, we’re Shaffer and Madelyn!
This process may feel bittersweet for you. We have three children, and we understand the balance between wanting to hold our children close and simultaneously teaching them, step-by-step, to fly!
We work with students here in Blackhawk County who have never considered leaving the security of their hometowns, and we grieve the way they limit their dreams when they are capable of so much more. It’s hard to become what you’ve never seen.
The difference between settling and success may just be the skills your student learns at Future Prep Academy. Together, let’s be the support your child needs to thrive in this new, exciting stage of life!
Shaffer & Madelyn