For Westwood seniors seeking higher education, this fall entails finalizing applications and test scores to be considered CCR and solidifying college and career success. Westwood’s College and Career Readiness permits seniors to enjoy specific privileges and success after graduation.

While being CCR is rewarding, acquiring CCR status and applying to college can be mentally taxing. According to CollegeData’s 2023 survey that evaluated the catalyst of high school senior stress levels: “The highest percentage of students… rated “applying to college” at level 10, with another 28 percent rating “competition to get into college” at the same level.”

Although obtaining CCR status and college acceptance are highly significant, they may come with mental distress for the majority. While seniors may face mental strain, Westwood staff offers a program to aid them in navigating this process: the College and Career Readiness Program and Work-Based Learning.

WBL coordinator at Westwood, Ms. Tara Smtih explains that “aiding students with apprenticeships and internships” is something that WBL entails for seniors directly going into the workplace post-graduation.

In regards to CCR, Ms. Smith states that CCR is not Westwood-targeted but, “is based on the Education Oversight Committee and state department”, additionally, The Department of Education in South Carolina states that their vision is that “all students graduate prepared for success in college, careers, and citizenship.”

Ms. Smith advises students to reach out to staff all over Westwood including “school counselors, test coordinators” and other specialists on college readiness.

For seniors at Westwood, the approach for college versus career readiness may differ. Career readiness is a process that suggests working with Ms. Smith solely whereas college readiness calls for searching for other staff members at Westwood.