At Gilbert Public Schools, preparing students for life after high school is a daily effort involving academic counseling and tools such as GradTracker. The district uses GradTracker, an interactive tool within Infinite Campus, to help students monitor their progress toward graduation. This tool provides real-time updates on required courses, tracks GPAs and class ranks, and assists counselors in supporting students’ college or career plans.
The district also organizes events like the annual College & Career Fair, which brings together colleges, universities, and employers to help students explore post-graduation options. FAFSA nights are held regularly to assist families with financial aid applications. Students can participate in field trips and classroom visits from professionals in various industries and have opportunities for dual enrollment to earn college credits while still in high school.
“We want every student to be prepared for what comes after graduation – no matter what they choose to do,” said Renita Miller, the GPS Program & Workforce Development Coordinator. “At the end of the day, it’s about how we can best serve our students so they can succeed both while they’re in school and when they graduate.”
Staff work closely with students through classroom visits, counseling sessions, and career assessments to identify pathways that match their interests. Barb Dwyer, College & Career Liaison at Highland High, said: “We have a database that tracks students’ interests, whether it’s a local college, an out-of-state university, the military, or something else. That helps us connect them with opportunities that really matter to them.”
Counselors support students seeking scholarships by guiding them through databases and application processes. They provide structured assistance with deadlines and financial aid forms such as the FAFSA.
Collaboration between schools is emphasized across the district. High schools share resources and best practices so all students benefit from collective expertise. District initiatives connect students with industry professionals through panels, mentorships, and job shadowing opportunities. “It’s really a collective effort between the student, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff, all helping the student find their path and supporting them every step of the way,” added Renita Miller.
The Thrive program offers additional online resources for college and career preparation at each grade level throughout high school. Resources include scholarship databases; calendars for events; volunteer opportunities; information on financial aid; guidance on college applications; details about athletics; and more—all available at GilbertSchools.net/Thrive. These materials are updated regularly by counselors and experts.
Gilbert Public Schools continues its focus on ensuring student success by providing comprehensive resources from freshman year through graduation.
