How are our high schoolers faring when it comes to academics, mental health, and postsecondary pathways? To learn more, dive into this Education Week article, which features insights from our very own Julie Lammers on the importance of having career conversations with students earlier so that they can make informed decisions.
American Student Assistance
Primary and Secondary Education
Boston, Massachusetts 10,412 followers
American Student Assistance® (ASA) helps students discover their education and career opportunities.
About us
American Student Assistance™ (ASA) is changing the way kids learn about careers and navigate postsecondary pathways through exploration, work-based learning, and free digital experiences. ASA meets students both in and beyond the classroom with digital tools, resources, and information to empower their career planning journeys. We believe that exploring career possibilities, as early as middle school, and having equitable access to education-to-career pathways aligned with one’s passions and goals will result in greater confidence and long-term success for all students.
- Website
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http://www.asa.org
External link for American Student Assistance
- Industry
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1956
- Specialties
- K-12 Education, Career Readiness, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Alternative Education Pathways, Workforce Development, Work-based Learning, Gen Z, and Education Policy
Locations
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Primary
33 Arch St
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, US
Employees at American Student Assistance
Updates
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It's crucial for us to realize that students need and crave career-connected learning (CCL) opportunities to help them make informed decisions about their futures. Check out this Inside Higher Ed article about how CCL can positively affect how learners approach their postsecondary options:
Career learning improves high schoolers' hope, postsecondary ambitions
insidehighered.com
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In our final installment of our "Metrics Matter" blog series, we share recommendations for state leaders to consider as they design the next generation of measurement and accountability systems for K-12 and higher education using our findings from our report with Education Strategy Group, "Measurement for Mobility." Read it here:
Metrics Matter: Recommendations for Improving Long-Term Student Success - ASA.org
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How can we best help young people achieve their dreams? Tune in to this latest episode of the One Question Podcast to hear hosts author Michael Horn and our very own President & CEO, Jean Eddy, discuss this with Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist and creator of the nonprofit organization, FREE TO DREAM™, Common. https://bit.ly/4gEbDIo
Common: Connecting Dreams to Purpose
michaelbhorn.substack.com
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Nondegree pathway programs, like apprenticeships, provide learners with hands-on work-based learning experiences. The question is: Are participants benefitting from these programs, and how have they prepared learners for successful careers? Learn more by reading this summary of a survey issued by ASA and Jobs for the Future (JFF):
Are Nondegree Pathway Programs Preparing Participants for Career Success? - ASA.org
asa.org
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In 2023, U.S. states invested over $120 billion in higher education. ASA and Education Strategy Group's recently published study, "Measurement for Mobility," digs into how states are measuring ROIS, what they are doing with this information, and what best practices can be shared to enhance and scale access. Learn more in the second installment of our "Metrics Matter" blog series:
Metrics Matter: How Higher Education is Leveraging Data to Influence Postsecondary and Workforce Success - ASA.org
asa.org
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American Student Assistance reposted this
Thank you to everyone who made Apprentice Learning's annual Future of Work: Nurturing the Talent Pipeline event a success! Special thanks to our incredible panelists, Dr. Carlene L. from National Grid, Jean Eddy from American Student Assistance, and Brenda Kirouac, PHR, SHRM from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, for their invaluable insights and commitment to intentionally nurturing young people's growth as they become deft orchestrators of their own trajectories. Jean Eddy, author of "Crisis-Proofing Today's Learners" reminded us why engaging middle school youth is crucial: "Research shows that middle school is primetime." This is the time to equip young people with durable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, self-awareness, and the ability to see their purpose and place in the world. As Jean put it, "You can't aspire to be something if you don't know what's out there," highlighting the need for early career exposure. Our panelists emphasized authentic engagement and the importance of instigating joy and curiosity in youth. Giving students a glimpse into a variety of opportunities helps them discover not only their passions but also what they want to avoid—what we affectionately call their "nope list." Brenda Kirouac inspired us all with her strong bias toward action. As she said, "We can't just sit back and worry about it, we need to do something about it," which reflects Federal Home Loan Bank's commitment to hosting 8th graders and high schoolers. Dr. Carlene Lacey shared her insights on the power of authentic connection and the importance of integrity when working with young people. One thing that resonated was the importance of "exploring your career journey every minute of every day." When creating exploratory career program models for young people, opportunities that keep them primed and eager are essential. Young people need space to both showcase their talents, skills, and knowledge and to be vulnerable and curious enough to attempt new things. We were shown how National Grid's Clean Energy Tech Academy (high school), and Clean Energy STEM Academy (middle school) welcome and celebrate youth choice, curiosity, agency and joy. We’re so grateful for the partnerships, like the one we’re growing with National Grid, that help light the path for our youth. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Federal Home Loan Bank for hosting this year’s event! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 when we hope to see you at the next Future of Work gathering! Together, we are creating opportunities and shaping a brighter today in preparation for marvelous tomorrows! Are you a business ready to share your career passion to help us teach skills, nurture dreams and ignite passion? If so, reach out @ www.apprenticelearning.org. We're eager to meet you! #CommunalWealthForBostonsMiddleGradeYouth #NurturingTalent #YouthEngagement #ApprenticeLearning #Partnerships #CareerExposure
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In 2023, U.S. states invested over $120 billion in higher education. ASA and Education Strategy Group's recently published study, "Measurement for Mobility," digs into how states are measuring ROIS, what they are doing with this information, and what best practices can be shared to enhance and scale access. Learn more in the second installment of our "Metrics Matter" blog series:
Metrics Matter: How Higher Education is Leveraging Data to Influence Postsecondary and Workforce Success - ASA.org
asa.org
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American Student Assistance reposted this
💡 How do you spark innovation in 8th graders, especially those with an immigrant or refugee background? This is the question that I'll be tackling over the next year! I am the proud inaugural recipient of the Peter Segall Innovation Fellowship, launched by American Student Assistance (https://lnkd.in/duAX-Aet) I received funding from ASA to build out my idea: a social innovation lab for middle school students, piloted in the Boston area, with mentorship from professors at my Alma Mater, Harvard Graduate School of Education Over the next 9 months, I will be: ✍ Researching & designing a project-based curriculum centered on best practices for sparking innovative and creative thinking in middle school students 🧪 Piloting a Lab for 25 students who will embark on a 6 week entrepreneurial journey to build a workable prototype. 🧱 Building a series of toolkits for practitioners! I would love my community's support! 📞 Are you connected with middle school students/educators who would benefit from this? 🤝 Are you an after-school program who would want to partner with us? 💡 Do you have other ideas on the curriculum/Lab design? All our participants will receive a 100% scholarship & we will keep the program free for partners and students! P.s., a photo from one of the events I hosted at Harvard GSE last Spring for the algorithm!
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American Student Assistance reposted this
Did you know? Only 2% of students under 18 have done an internship, and not even half of businesses offer these opportunities. So, what’s stopping them? Things like liability, transportation, and scheduling challenges. Join us at the 25th Annual NAWDP Youth Symposium in Phoenix, AZ on November 18-20 to hear the session "Overcoming Barriers to Youth & Employer Participation in Work-Based Learning". Presenter Kevin Fudge of American Student Assistance will explore these challenges and highlight innovative solutions helping more students and employers get involved in work-based learning. Register at https://lnkd.in/gYc2jgED #YS2024 #AdvancingYouth #WorkBasedLearning #YouthEmployment #WorkforceDevelopment