The U.S. health care industry is undergoing unprecedented changes right now. The capital infusion of billions of dollars into the industry and the overall rebound of the economy has positive implications across the board. This surge has brought more staff working to serve newly-insured patients, more caregivers in demand and more confidence in employers to go ahead with hiring decisions.

Student success is a priority at Macomb Community College. One of the ways the college helps students transition to and manage the challenges of college-level work is through a College Success Skills course that teaches tools to support academic achievement and also helps students assess interests and set career goals.

Ashley Francis, a 2014 Western International High School alumna, is studying to be a diagnostic medical sonographer at Oakland Community College (OCC). Ultrasound technicians operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests to help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Kyle Fomby is a senior high school student at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit. After graduating, he plans to attend Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and obtain an associate degree in digital media production. His goal is to become a producer for a major television network and make films.

Spring will be here before you know it, and high school seniors looking to the future with hope-filled visions of new challenges and the welcome freedoms that come with fall. So what can educators do to make sure students have the right building blocks of navigating the college process? Here are some really easy places to start:

As high school seniors prepare to graduate and take on the challenges of higher education, there may be small but powerful things that they forget to add to their to-do list. Be sure to forward this list to students and families as another resource that can help them on their way.