On May 4th & 5th, Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota hosted an Expanding the Circle training in partnership with the University of Minnesota Center on Community Integration. Expanding the Circle is a postsecondary readiness curriculum designed to help American Indian youth explore who they are, identify the skills they need, and consider their options for life after high school.
With participants from more than 14 districts and schools the training focused on how educators can help students connect their sense of self, identity, strengths, and lived experiences to meaningful college and career readiness goals. Participants explored strategies to support students as they imagine and plan for life after high school, including college, careers, finances, personal goals, and future purpose.
A key emphasis of the training was helping students build confidence and a stronger sense of direction while ensuring they feel heard, seen, connected, and supported. This is especially important for students who may feel disconnected from traditional college and career programming. By grounding future planning in students’ strengths, values, and goals, educators discussed how they can create more relevant and engaging pathways that help students take ownership of their next steps.
Through Expanding the Circle, schools are better equipped to make college and career readiness more personal, practical, and student-centered, helping young people see a future for themselves and build a plan to get there.
Mark your calendars for 2026-27 Expanding the Circle Trainings! Registration will be shared on our website in August.
- November 10-12, 2026: Virtual Training
- May 4-5, 2027: In-Person Training, Northern Minnesota (TBD)
