Counselors and advisors do a lot in support of students and families. We’re here to ensure that you have what you need, when you need it.

Contigo Ed was born out of the belief that all students are worthy of quality post-secondary options. We believe that school counselors hold an incredible responsibility — supporting students on their path of discernment and preparation. As former counselors, it is our goal to provide you with high quality content and development in support of every student you serve.

We believe counselors and advisors deserve high-quality, relevant professional learning that ignites their passion and equips them to truly empower students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed choices.

Why Equip Educators?

High school counselors play a critical role in helping students transition to college. Research shows that students who meet with their school counselors are significantly more likely to pursue higher education. For instance, a study from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) revealed that high school students who received guidance from their counselors were twice as likely to enroll in a four-year college compared to those who did not. Furthermore, approximately 80% of students who consulted with a counselor during the admissions process were more likely to complete college applications and navigate admission requirements successfully.

Despite these positive outcomes, only 32% of high school counselors report having received formal training in college admissions counseling during their graduate programs. This gap underscores the need for more focused education and resources for counselors, so they can better support their students in making informed college choices​.

Aspiration to Action

At Contigo Ed, we aim to support school counselors and advisors by simplifying their work streams and making their work and student interactions more meaningful. We accomplish this in one of three ways: Aspiration to Action on-demand courses, live professional development, and by connecting you to our community of brilliant educators.

Aspiration to Action Introduction Video

Aspiration to Action is Contigo Ed’s on-demand learning course & resources for counselors and advisors. You deserve a single place where you can not only access information about advising students to and through career and college, but hear from real, live school practitioners on how this information translates into actual advising. At Contigo Ed, we aim to support school counselors and advisors by simplifying their work streams and making their work and student interactions more meaningful.

We currently offer 17 micro-courses with more than 100 distinct resources, including downloadable lesson plans, student-facing handouts, presentations, and videos! Below is a list of our current micro-courses:

• Postsecondary Pathways
• College Match
• College Fit
• Understanding Transcripts
• Utilizing Transcripts
• College Entrance Exams
• Resume: List of Involvement
• College Essays
• Counselor Letter of Recommendation
• Transition & Summer Melt
• Keeping Financial Aid: SAP
• Keeping Financial Aid: Strategies
• Future Plans
• Motivations
• Enrichment Opportunities
• Self-Control & Mindfulness
• WOOP

 

Contigo Ed Content Experts & Community

In our latest version of Aspiration to Action, we’ve added two new elements – Advising in Action videos made by Contigo Ed Content Experts & the Contigo Ed online community.

 

Content Experts

You may have seen our Content Experts share resources with you through the Contigo Ed newsletter or social media. These practitioners help us stay on top of our game by ensuring our content is fresh and relevant.

 

 

Aspiration to Action Community (online)

Our online community offers a space to learn and teach. Whether you’re new to the profession or a veteran, we are excited to hear from you and have you engage in a way that is helpful to you!

We hope you’ll join us in our FREE on-demand course, Aspiration to Action!

Learn more and sign up: https://contigoed.org/aspiration-to-action

Guest Author: Jesse Carillo, Director Professional Learning at Contigo Ed

Jesse is passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices at the heart of the organizations he’s served. “My story is shaped by my upbringing and that includes the hardships I experienced alongside my family growing up. I knew that I needed to educate myself to do things differently and that evolved into educating others.”

Before joining Contigo Ed, Jesse served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at EMERGE in Houston, Texas. While there, he expanded on and formalized the partnership program, working with admissions professionals from across the country. Prior to EMERGE, Jesse worked at YES Prep Public Schools as a teacher, college counselor, and Director of Alumni Transitions.  Jesse also serves as a financial advisor, primarily supporting educators.

A first-generation college graduate from El Paso, Texas, Jesse earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Education from Harvard University.