It’s May! Soon our high school seniors will graduate. Many will attend college or technical programs. Others will move into the work force. How can we support our graduates?

Support for our college bound seniors

More than three million high school seniors graduate in this spring. Many will seek to continue their education. The transition into college is exciting, challenging, and sometimes terrifying. First year students may encounter:

• Academic struggles
• Difficulty adjusting to independence
• Challenges in developing effective study skills
• Students that aren’t in college to succeed academically
• Unexpected and harmful temptations
• Difficult decisions
• Time management issues
• Peer pressure
• Challenges to their faith

Of course, there are other unexpected obstacles and potential problems college students face. At times, these challenges can cause stress and the student may feel the urge to give up.

But the reward for persevering through those challenges is beyond measure. Students grow and mature, gain skills for their future career, and develop lifelong friendships. A combination of determination, perseverance, and encouraging support from others assists beginning students on their journey.

Below is information on a handbook which supports college student on their journey.

Supporting our graduates as they move into the workforce

Many of our young adults seek a job immediately after graduation. They also find a set of challenges:

• Learning new skills
• Coping with authority (those in charge)
• Developing a strong work ethic
• Time management
• Making independent decisions
• Learning to work cooperatively with others
• Developing money management skills
• Avoiding harmful temptations
• Peer pressure

Many of the challenges our young adults face are similar, whether in college or the workforce (or both at the same time).

How can we support our recent graduates?

Pray for them to be discerning, make wise decisions, work hard, and avoid harmful temptations.

Be good listeners–sometimes our young adults (and all of us) need a listening ear.

Provide active encouragement–We all get overwhelmed at times–our young adults are no exception. Let our young adults know we are thinking of them, praying for them.

Our prayers make a difference. I hope you will join me in prayer for our graduates and young adults–college bound or joining the work force.

Prayer: Gracious Father, You know the apprehension of students and families as our graduates encounter a changing world. You also know their hopes and dreams for a rewarding future. We pray you will be with our young adults in college and in the workforce. May you bless them and protect them on their new journey. Help us to remember and support our young adults with our prayers and encouragement.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

If you know a graduating senior or family of a graduate that could benefit from this information, please consider forwarding this message. Thank you and may God bless you.

Helpful links:

Stay the Course: A Devotional Handbook to Survive and Thrive Your First Year of College (and Beyond)

Dr. Sharon O’Hara on her podcast and blog, BeThe25 offers excellent advice and encouragement for recent graduates to maintain their faith in a world full of conflict, dissonance, and peer pressure. Her message is a wonderful support for students and young adults.

From Dr. O’Hara’s website:

“Welcome to Be the 25 Basecamp, a safe haven where Christian teens and young adults come to explore how to live the Christian life in this ever-changing world. I’m thrilled that you’re here! Whether you’re looking for a safe haven to express your doubts, desiring more confidence in what you believe, seeking to engage with the culture more courageously, or simply wanting to connect with others on the faith journey, you’ve come to the right place.”