Post-Secondary College and Career Readiness

Don't Wish for it, Work For It Bay City Academy's new initiative to graduate 100% of our students with a plan for college, a skilled trade, or a branch of the armed services  Program Overview: Bay City Academy's "Don't Wish For It, Work For It" program ensures that 100% of our graduates have concrete plans for life after high school Progressive Path: Students from K-12 are involved in the initiative, with more of an emphasis on secondary students Freshmen select 4 post-secondary interests, which will be narrowed down  with a plan of action their senior year Guidance and Leadership: Personalized one-on-one meetings for students Assistance in exploring interests and setting post-secondary goals Real-world Connections: Offers practical insights through field trips and guest speakers Connects students with career paths, colleges, and military branches Provides job shadowing opportunities Mrs. Heather Rick College and Career Counselor  Email: rickh@baycityacademy.com  School Phone: 989.284.8513

Student Records and Curriculum


Request a Transcript 
To securely and confidentially send transcripts, Bay City Academy uses Parchment.com. Current and former students can easily request transcripts for personal use, employment purposes, or to be sent directly to colleges and universities.

Xello
Xello is a comprehensive college and career planning tool used by our 6th-12th grade students. Through Xello, students can take personality surveys, career aptitude tests, build resumes, and set college and career goals. The platform also offers interactive lessons and career exploration activities to help students prepare for life after high school. Students work with staff throughout the year to update their Educational Development Plan (EDP) and can also access Xello independently to further explore and plan for their future.

Your Future Matters
At Bay City Academy, we’re transforming the way we prepare students for life beyond high school through the Your Future Matters college and career planning course. Created by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) with support from Michigan State University’s College of Education, this curriculum engages students in hands-on, project-based learning that encourages them to explore their unique talents, goals, and future aspirations. The course covers key topics such as career exploration, finding the right post-secondary educational fit, financial aid, and the college admissions process, ensuring students are well-prepared for their next steps.


Financial Aid


FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for securing financial aid for college or career training. Any student planning to pursue a degree or certificate should create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and complete the FAFSA as early as December before starting college. This application determines eligibility for most federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Bay City Academy offers FAFSA assistance during scheduled events throughout the year, and individual appointments can be arranged by contacting our College and Career Counselor, Heather Rick, at 989.284.8513 or [email protected].

Scholarships
The Bay Area Community Foundation is our region's largest source of scholarships, offering hundreds of opportunities for students to apply for between October and February. Students are strongly encouraged to apply, and many of the details are covered in class to help them navigate the process.


Post Graduation Opportunities


O*NET OnLine
ONET (Occupational Information Network) is a free online database that provides detailed information on hundreds of occupations. It offers insights into job duties, required skills, education levels, and potential career growth. ONET is a valuable resource for students, job seekers, and professionals looking to explore career options, assess job market trends, or find job requirements in various industries.

Pathfinder
Pathfinder is a free online career exploration tool brought to you by the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This website  helps you navigate various career and education pathways. It allows you to create a personalized roadmap by exploring careers, schools, and programs throughout Michigan, making it easier to find the path that’s right for you.