PROGRAM PURPOSE
The College Success Lab led by Dr. JoNataye Prather (aka Coach Dr. J) is an interactive 10-day virtual college readiness experience designed to support high school students in developing the academic, social, emotional, leadership, and life readiness skills necessary to successfully transition from high school to college and future careers.
Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, reflection exercises, and collaborative learning, students will explore topics such as time management, emotional wellness, leadership, healthy relationships, career exploration, self-care, college involvement, and resilience.
Students will actively build a personalized “College Success Blueprint Portfolio” throughout the program that they can utilize beyond the course as a practical roadmap for navigating college and life intentionally and successfully.
Daily Structure Approach (45 Minutes)
Each virtual session will follow a structured and engaging format to maximize student participation, interaction, and practical application:
Time | Daily Structure | Purpose |
5 min | Check-In & Recap | Brief connection activity & previous day recap |
10-15 min | Lesson | Teaching focused on the day’s college readiness topic. |
15-20 min | Interactive Activity / Student Work Session | Hands-on activities, small group discussions, case studies, research, reflection exercises, or collaborative planning activities |
5-10 min | Student Report Out & Closing | Student sharing, key takeaways, reflection, and preview of the following day’s topic. |
PROGRAM OUTLINE: TOPICS, ACTIVITIES & DELIVERABLES
Day | Theme & Focus* | Interactive Activity | Student Deliverables |
1 | Welcome to the Transition: Growth Mindset, Expectations & Future Self | Icebreakers, group agreement, future-self reflection | Introduction slide & future self-reflection |
2 | Living a Scheduled Life: Time Management & Organization | Syllabus breakdown, planner mapping, backward planningSSyllabus breakdown, planner mapping, backward planning | Personalized weekly planner & assignment tracker |
3 | Future Ready, Not Familiar: Majors, Careers & Certifications | Career research challenge & group discussion | Career exploration worksheet/presentation |
4 | Beyond the Classroom: Campus Involvement & Leadership | “Can’t Miss College Activities” activity & leadership mapping | 4-year involvement plan |
5 | Friendships, Boundaries & Difficult People | Friendship criteria exercise & role-play scenarios | Friendship standards & safe response guide |
6 | The Great Exodus: Homesickness, Isolation & Support Systems | Emotional wellness mapping & support network activity | Emotional survival strategy guide |
7 | Rest, Reset & Refuel: Self-Care & Emotional Wellness | Self-care audit, guided reflection & wellness planning | Personalized self-care plan |
8 | College Crisis Lab: Adaptability & Problem Solving | College crisis cards & case study challenges | Crisis response playbook |
9 | Vision, Leadership & Legacy | Vision board creation & leadership reflection | Personal success vision board |
10 | Blueprint Showcase & Celebration | Student presentations & reflection celebration | Final presentation & completed Success Blueprint Portfolio |
*Topics are subject to change based upon student degree of involvement and timeframe