College Success Program
What is the College Success Program?
The College Success Program is here to support you as you navigate your college experience and explore your future career path. Throughout your four years, you’ll participate in activities that help you build confidence, discover what you’re passionate about, and prepare you for your job search. This pathway guides you through activities so you can stay on track and move toward your career goals with purpose.
Year 1: Foundation
Get started strong by completing your first Career Opportunity Meeting, connecting with your Career Services Office, and beginning to build your resume.
Year 2: Exploration
This is your chance to explore what interests you! Participate in a job shadow and complete an informational interview to learn more about potential career paths.
Year 3: Experience
Put your learning into action. Complete your third‑year Career Opportunity Meeting, take part in a work‑based learning experience, and build financial skills through a literacy activity.
Year 4: Preparation
As graduation approaches, finalize your resume and cover letter so you’re ready to launch your career with confidence.
Under IC 21‑12‑6‑7(5), students are required to complete a student success program designed by the Commission in coordination with eligible institutions. This college success program is being reimplemented and will be required beginning with the 2026 cohort.
Follow the path and complete your activities on ScholarTrack. Log in and answer the required questions for each activity.
Connect with Career Services
As a first-year student, it’s a great idea to get familiar with your college’s Career Services Office early on. You can usually find it in the student services building or the main administrative center on campus – just check your campus map or website to find the exact location. You can always ask the front information desk in the student union or the advising office.
Attend a Career Opportunity Meeting
A Career Opportunity Meeting is where a student meets with an approved intermediary, employer, or labor organization for at least thirty (30) minutes to discuss current and future career opportunities and the necessary education level for various careers.
Students who receive the Frank O’Bannon Grant or 21st Century Scholars Award must complete a Career Opportunity Meeting in their first (freshman) and third (junior) year of college (undergraduate) studies.
A list of who students can meet with to complete this requirement and other Career Opportunity Meeting information can be found here.
Build a Resume
Building a resume as a college freshman can feel intimidating, but it’s actually a great time to start! Even without extensive work experience, there are plenty of ways to showcase your skills, talents, and potential.
Job Shadow
Job shadowing is a great way to get a feel for a specific careers or industries without actually having to take on the full responsibilities of a job. Essentially, you “shadow” or observe a professional in their work environment for a day or more, learning about what they do, how they do it, and the skills required.
Informational Interview
An informational interview is a way to learn more about a career you’re interested in by talking with and asking questions from someone who is working in that field.
Informational interviews are a great way to start networking. If you’re interested in a specific job an area of industry or a professional track sitting down with them and asking questions to learn about their experience can help you decide what you need to do to reach your job goals.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning is a structured learning experience that connects you to employers and the workplace. It will help you prepare and develop skills.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is the ability to make informed and effective decisions about managing your money. As a college student, it’s super important to understand basic money concepts like budgeting, saving, credit, and student loan management. Being financially literate will help you avoid common pitfalls, manage your student loans responsibly, and set yourself up for a secure future.
Attend a Career Opportunity Meeting
A Career Opportunity Meeting is where a student meets with an approved intermediary, employer, or labor organization for at least thirty (30) minutes to discuss current and future career opportunities and the necessary education level for various careers.
Students who receive the Frank O’Bannon Grant or 21st Century Scholars Award must complete a Career Opportunity Meeting in their first (freshman) and third (junior) year of college (undergraduate) studies.
A list of who students can meet with to complete this requirement and other Career Opportunity Meeting information can be found here.
Finalize a Resume and Cover Letter
As you prepare to graduate, it’s time to polish up your resume and cover letter so you’re ready to apply for jobs, internships, or grad school.