Job Description

As a parent of a college student, you’ve likely watched your child experience a year full of new opportunities, challenges, and growth. Now that summer is here, you may be wondering: How can they stay motivated and connected to their goals while classes are on pause?

At Carthage College, The Aspire Program offers a unique and effective solution — the My Aspire Plan (MAP).

MAP is more than just an academic tool — it’s a guided, personalized framework that helps students take ownership of their college journey and future career. Plus, it doesn’t stop when the school year ends.

What is MAP?

MAP is Carthage’s four-year career development framework, delivered through a digital platform that students can access on their phone. It helps students:

Set and track personal, academic, and career goals

Explore interests through guided reflections and experiences

Connect with campus resources and mentors

Develop key skills in career readiness, leadership, and life design

Each student’s MAP journey is unique, designed to evolve as their interests and ambitions grow throughout their time at Carthage.

Why is MAP useful during summer break?

Summer can be a crucial time for students to recharge — but it’s also a perfect opportunity to reflect, plan, and gain momentum for the upcoming academic year. Here’s how MAP helps students make the most of their summer:

Reflection and goal setting
MAP includes reflection activities that encourage students to think critically about their past year — what they accomplished, what challenged them, and what goals they want to set next. This helps your student stay focused and intentional, even outside the classroom.

Skill building on their schedule
From budgeting and time management to career exploration and communication, MAP offers self-paced modules that allow students to develop critical life skills in a low-pressure format. Whether they’re working a summer job, volunteering, or taking a break, they can engage with MAP on their own terms.

Staying connected to campus
MAP helps students stay tethered to their campus community over the summer. Through digital activities and ongoing communications from The Aspire Program, students continue to feel supported, even when they’re not physically on campus.

Career development and internships
For students pursuing internships, summer jobs, or shadowing opportunities — MAP includes career readiness checklists and reflection prompts that enhance these experiences. It encourages them to think about how their summer work connects to future goals and how to articulate what they’re learning.

How Parents Can Support MAP Use Over the Summer

You don’t need to oversee your student’s summer to-do list — but you can encourage them to stay connected to their aspirations. Here are a few ways you can support them:

Ask about their MAP: What goals are they working on? What are they proud of from last year?

Encourage reflection: Use MAP as a conversation starter — What’s something they learned about themselves? What’s something they want to try differently in the fall?

Support exploration: Remind them that summer is a great time to try something new, whether it’s a new job, volunteering, or even researching a major or career.

MAP empowers Carthage students to keep growing year-round — not just when classes are in session. It’s a tool that helps your student stay aligned with their goals, reflect on their journey, and prepare for what’s next.

With your encouragement and MAP’s structure, your student can turn this summer into a meaningful chapter in their college experience — one that builds momentum and confidence for the year ahead.

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