Students Prepare for Life After Boys Ranch
At the forefront of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch’s commitment to guiding students through post-graduation planning is the physical hub of the Transitional Living Program (TLP). Every student at Boys Ranch has endless potential for their future, so this office must wear many hats. That’s why it may be referred to as the Life Skills or TLP office in one breath, and the College and Career Readiness Center in the next. Natalie Gouge and Cole Smith serve as mentors to guide students through TLP and scholarship programs.
“When a student visits the center, they receive support designed to guide them through various pathways, including college, vocational training, technical certifications and entry into the workforce,” Gouge said.
From college and career advising to financial planning and assistance with applications, the center ensures that students are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.
The TLP Program engages students during their junior year.
This provides a structured timeline for exploration and decision-making.
By doing so, the program ensures that students have ample time to explore diverse options and make informed choices about their post-graduation paths, setting the stage for a smooth transition to the next phase of their academic or professional journey.
“The College and Career Readiness Center has helped me plan for life after graduation by making me have a stable plan for my goals,” said Donte, a 2024 graduate of Boys Ranch High School.
“If it weren’t for the staff and center, I would probably still have a lot of holes in my plans for after graduation.”
Planning is a key skill for success, not just in one’s career or higher education, but in life. It’s also a skill that is difficult to learn without a teacher to model after.
The College and Career Readiness Center and its staff take on that role while fulfilling the needs of Boys Ranch seniors.
“The TLP empowers students by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The hands-on role in application processes, financial planning, and program selection equips students with the power to navigate the transition from high school to higher education or the workforce,” Gouge said.
“Daily life experiences become teachable moments, fostering personal responsibility and self-discipline. Students learn from failures, face frustrations, and learn to make wise decisions for their lives, empowering them to take control of their destinies and make informed choices in their educational and professional journeys.”
The College and Career Readiness Center goes beyond the technicalities of the application process and creates an atmosphere that spurs enthusiasm for higher education and future careers. Through personalized guidance, the center connects students with advisors and mentors who assist in exploring interests, setting goals and envisioning future paths.
“The College and Career Center has helped me first and foremost prepare for the responsibilities of becoming a collegiate athlete and helping me figure out how I am going to pay for college,” said Dylan another 2024 graduate of Boys Ranch High School.
“I do feel more prepared for college because of the center; they have really opened my eyes to the reality of college and how I need to go about preparing for the responsibilities of college.”
The College and Career Readiness Center at Boys Ranch stands as a vital resource, empowering students to make informed decisions aligned with their individual circumstances and aspirations.