Addison Trail provides programs, services and supports to help build positive futures for students

Addison Trail seniors Emily Rivera Perea and Marcos Garnica participate in the school’s Blazers Edge. Through that program, participants hear guest speakers, attend college visits, receive assistance with college applications and requesting financial aid and more. The purpose is to make sure students reach their future goals – whether in college, the trades, the military, etc. Blazers Edge is one of the initiatives Addison Trail provides to help build positive futures for students.

By Addison Trail senior Alexander Martinez

The main goal for high schools is to help prepare students for a successful future. And a great example of a school that builds futures for its students is none other than Addison Trail.

Addison Trail is committed to offering flexible pathways to make sure students have ample opportunities, including earning college credits and gaining workplace certifications/experiences. The school provides a variety of programs and supports for all students such as field trips to college campuses and worksites. Pupils also can contact their counselor for assistance and advice. Addison Trail senior Analise D'Alessandro said she relies on her guidance counselor for information about post-secondary-education options.

“My counselor was always helping me,” D'Alessandro said. “I would go meet with her nearly every day with questions on college applications, and she helped me call a college about financial aid and made sure I was on the right track for my goals.”

Addison Trail Guidance Counselor Shane Cole said a common aspect that can make students feel anxious is not knowing what they are going to do after high school. He said Addison Trail uses a program called Naviance to help with this process. The program begins with questions to assess each student’s personality to gauge which careers might be a good fit. Naviance also is able to search colleges throughout the U.S. and recommend campuses that best meet each student’s needs.

Another program Addison Trail offers is Blazers Edge, which is available by invitation to juniors and seniors who meet certain criteria such as being the first in their family to attend college. Through Blazers Edge, participants hear guest speakers, attend college visits, receive assistance with college applications and requesting financial aid and more. The purpose is to make sure students reach their future goals – whether in college, the trades, the military, etc.

“I saved a lot of money because of the help I got to fill out my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),” said Julissa Cobos, a senior at Addison Trail and a member of Blazers Edge.

For questions or more information about services available to Addison Trail students, contact the Addison Trail Guidance Department at https://dupage88.libguides.com/Guidance.