Resources for Students and Families


Health Care Resources 





High School & Beyond Plan







Mental Health Resources 


Teen Health Hub

The Hub features a curated online directory of youth-friendly information and resources on behavioral health, primary care, navigating the health care system, sexual and reproductive health, and teen dating and violence prevention. Teens and young adults, parents and caregivers, and youth-serving professionals can use the new webpage to find easy links to health-related resources that have been vetted by experts at DOH and approved by the YAC.

High School & Beyond Plan

Using the Plan as a guide to make decisions, students, counselors, teachers, families, and community organizations can work together to help students better understand the range of post-high school education opportunities available and how they connect with students’ interests, classes, activities, and potential future career paths.

How can you make the Plan work for you? We have information and resources to answer your questions, whether you are a student, a parent or guardian, or a teacher.

Helping Survivors

Understand the signs, prevention strategies, and how to seek help if you or a loved one was a victim of child sexual abuse.

Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens

We connect families with mental health providers in your community who accept new patients, work with your insurance and fit your child’s treatment needs. The Referral Service is accessible to children and teens 17 and under living in Washington state. Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 can also call the Referral Service to find providers for themselves.

College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Conditions 

Enrolling in college as a student with a mental health condition doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Students who know their rights and learn how to ask for assistance can go on to complete their degree and have a positive educational experience in the process.

To help students find the assistance they need, we created this guide to explain the resources and accommodations most schools provide, and offer tips on how to access these mental health services.

Courage First Athlete Helpline 

Courage First's team of athlete-centered counselors offer confidential support and resources to athletes, parents, coaches, and sports communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse through calls, text, and online chat. Live chat can be accessed on the website https://www.athletehelpline.org/ or call or text (888) 279-1026. Counselors are available Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm PST. Calls outside business hours are routed to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline available 24/7.

Student Athlete Mental Health Resources

Student athletes have to balance a lot, from their academics to their competitive nature to pressure from coaches and parents. As a result of these stresses, the mental health of many student athletes suffers. Whether it is a youth athlete with aspirations of playing at a higher level or an athlete already playing at the collegiate level, mental health concerns longevity in the sport and overall health and well-being. 1 in 5 people report mental health concerns in the general public, and research from the NCAA shows that the athlete population follows the same trend as the general public. Still, only 43% of student athletes report they feel comfortable going to a coach with their mental health concerns.

This resource looks at the science behind student athlete mental health, some solutions, and suggestions for the students, their coaches, and their parents. Here, you'll find a comprehensive collection of podcasts, books, articles, organizations, videos, and more to help students excel in their athletic pursuits and mental health.

Immigration Resources 


Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Resource Finder

The WAISN Resource Finder is a database of resources vetted for accessibility to immigrant community members in Washington State. It contains detailed information about ID requirements, language accessibility, and how immigration status might impact access to the resource. The Resource Finder is also intended to be used by community organizations in Washington State that assist our immigrant and refugee siblings across the state in gaining access to necessary resources.

WAISN Resource Finder

Transitioning to Post-Secondary Resources 


WSCA Post Secondary Resources Page

Unsure of what resources are available for preparing for Career & College opportunities? This one pager has information related to Financial Aid, Dual Credit, and Washington Guaranteed Admissions Programs. 

Graduation Requirements 

All public high school students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements to earn a diploma. The goal is for more students to be better prepared to meet 21st-century demands in their working and personal lives.

High School & Beyond Plan FAQ

High School and Beyond Plan Template - Class of 2023 and Beyond

Get a head start on applications for college and financial aid

Big changes are coming to financial aid applications for the 2024-25 academic year.  Because of improvements, financial aid applications likely won’t be available until December 31, 2023.

But just because you are waiting for financial aid applications to open, doesn’t mean you should wait on other important steps. Here are some things to take care of in the meantime:

Create your FAFSA or WASFA account:

  • Create a FAFSA account on the Federal Student Aid website. Most people should complete the FAFSA to maximize financial aid.
  • Create a WASFA account on the Washington Student Achievement Council website if you’re ineligible to use FAFSA.
  • Remember your login info or store it somewhere secure. Do not share this info with anyone.

Consider options for your plan after high school:

  • Explore potential careers and the educational pathways to get you there. Financial aid can be used for college, technical schools, trade schools, and apprenticeships. State aid, such as WA Grant, can be used at more than 65 institutions in Washington. 

Don’t forget to apply for admission:

  • Confirm application deadlines for any colleges or training programs you’re interested in. It’s typically a good idea to apply for admission as soon as possible.
  • Check out the Common app. This shared application is accepted at over 1,000 colleges and universities.
  • Don’t stress! You do not need to apply to financial aid before applying for admission. And you do not need to know where you are going to college or training before you apply for financial aid.

Get help with applications:

Talk to your school counselor college and career specialist about how to get support. Many schools host a financial aid night to provide info and resources to students and families about types of financial aid, and about the financial aid process. Or check out a virtual event.

Ready WA

Tips for First Generation College Students: Exploring Majors

Ways to gain skills through opportunities in High School

Family Conversations About the Future

This tool provides guidance for families to have conversations about students’ plans after high school. It was co-created with a small group of parents and students representing various ethnicities and languages.

Career Connect Directory

This searchable directory helps students and families find hands-on, work-based learning experiences to enable young people to explore and pursue education and career pathways that fit their interests. Click into the directory and see what you can find!

Get Schooled

This platform provides resources and personalized support to help you on your path to college. Get personalized feedback about college application essays, text directly with advisors, get continued support with financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarships, and receive guidance to land your first job – all in one place!

Family Engagement Resources 


EQUITABLE PARENT-SCHOOL COLLABORATION

The work of the University of Washington’s Equitable Parent–School Collaboration research project is driven by a desire to expand how schools and districts recognize and tap parental expertise and leadership in improving student learning. For the past three years, UW researchers have partnered with schools, families and community organizations in the Road Map Project region of South Seattle and South King County to develop pathways and tools that will foster authentic parent and family engagement.

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