RFH School Counselor Gives Back to Shore Community

A message from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

When the school counselors at talk to students about the many options they have after high school, by and large that message is heard loud and clear.  Now more than ever, parents of RFH students are savvy about the years of preparation — both academically and in school community participation ­ —that students undertake in planning for the years following high school graduation.

Jason Lippart, one of the RFH counselors, knows that in other communities in Monmouth County, this message isn’t always as clear. Further, the path to post-secondary plans can be fraught with confusion and more.

Lippart feels that financially disadvantaged youth are underrepresented in post-secondary institutions, not due to lack of ability, but due to lack of availability to knowledge and resources, most specifically within the home.  “In my opinion, when college and post-secondary schooling is the norm for the family, making these decisions is a lot easier and we have a lot more support.,” Lippart said. “When it is not the norm, it is more a monumental decision and one that is often made by an individual and not the family, making it more difficult.”  

Lippart is sharing his school counseling knowledge about post-secondary planning, specifically the college application process, with students who may be experiencing difficulty not only finding the after-high school-then-what fit, but with the entire process of preparing and applying to a college or an educational program.  

On October 27th, Lippart will be working with the Long Branch Housing Authority in offering a program called “Hope IV College Kickoff” to aid sophomore through senior Long Branch students with all aspects of post-high school planning. He will be covering topics about life after high school, trade schools and apprenticeships, actual college costs, and the ins and outs of financial aid (grants versus loans). Lippart will also spend time discussing the long-term benefits of higher education, and other means of paying for school, including scholarships. A question and answer session will follow.

“The gist of it is discussing the options that are available to people after high school.  Some students do not have the benefit of parents who are experienced with the college application process, trade schools, apprenticeships, and financing options,” said Lippart . “Also, as a result of their family’s financial situation, they feel that a college degree is unattainable. I talk about choices and how anyone can make it work.”

After the presentation Lippart then walks them through the Common App process and aids students in creating accounts to get the ball rolling on post-secondary plans.

This is the second year Mr. Lippart is running the program, and he is eager for the opportunity to work with students to realize that they are not alone, that there are people that can help, and this is not impossible.