Middle School Planning (Grades 6-8)
It’s Not Too Early to Start Planning
College and career readiness does not begin in 11th grade, it begins NOW.
Middle school is the time to:
Build strong study habits
Develop academic confidence
Explore career interests
Prepare for high school success
The choices students make in middle school impact high school opportunities, just as high school performance impacts scholarship eligibility for college.
We recommend families use the NEXT Guide for Middle School from College for TN.
The Middle School NEXT Guide helps students:
Explore different paths after high school
Understand why grades and habits matter now
Connect school to future careers
Prepare for the transition to high school
Build confidence about their future
Access the official NEXT Guide here.
This guide is designed specifically for Tennessee students and align with statewide expectations.
Career Exploration Starts Now
Students should begin exploring career possibilities in middle school.
Helpful tools and information:
Career Interest Surveys: Career Bridge
Career Cluster Overviews: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary and workforce information from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Exploration helps students connect school to real-world opportunities.
For Parents & Families
Middle school students still rely heavily on family guidance.
Here’s how you help:
Encourage strong study habits
Monitor grades
Talk about careers in a positive way
Early encouragement builds college-going confidence.
Understanding the Path Ahead
While financial aid comes later, it is helpful to understand that Tennessee offers strong support for students who stay on track.
Programs such as:
Many scholarship opportunities require students to meet academic benchmarks in high school. Middle school is where those habits begin.