Transition support is intersegmental and aligned across educational systems.

Counselors at each institution learn about each other’s institutions and roles, use common terminology, engage in professional learning together.

Pathways are designed with embedded support structures. 

• Course offerings are carefully structured. They are coherent sequences of courses geared toward certificate, degree, and transfer pathways that give students an early start on choosing and completing a program of study.

• Wraparound support structures are embedded in the program to support students in transitioning and completing. These services are tailored to the needs of each student population.

• Pathways include work-based learning opportunities for students to gain experience and earn income if needed.

Strong partnerships between colleges, high schools, and other community institutions drive the support structures.

Building and strengthening these relationships over time is key.

A mechanism for credit for prior learning acknowledges prior learning and gives credit where possible for military service, prior work experience, etc. 

Opportunities for credit for prior learning are easily accessible on the college’s website and in the college catalog.

Noncredit support provides skills-building opportunities that are free, concurrent and low stakes instead of remediation in credit programs

Colleges can support transitions without adding more required coursework for students. Noncredit skills building courses can be short skills-building opportunities.