<p>Colleges that Change Lives by Loren Pope. He also wrote “Looking Beyond the Ivies.” I also like “Creative Colleges,” a book for students interested in dance, music, art, theater and writing. Many of the schools in these books do have financial aid that is substantial.</p>
<p>However, I do want to say that it seems a little early to talk about college and career. I know that most schools are doing this but the stress level of kids these days is through the roof. In some populations, introducing the idea early may have benefits- and I can see that may be true in your school.</p>
<p>I also think that college should be discussed in terms of education that is not vocational, meaning the old-fashioned “learning for learning’s sake.” And if kids want vocational training, which is very useful for many, community colleges are tops. Someone must have written a book by now on non-college resources for young people to get started on work (apprenticehips, internships, on the job, specialized, and CC etc.) but I don’t have a title.</p>
<p>I honestly think that pushing college for everyone is a mistake and brings families into debt without much payoff. On the other hand, there are ambitious, intelligent students whose families need guidance and who can benefit from information at some point. And there are always students whose motivation can be stoked by discussion of the future.</p>
<p>So, with qualms, I suggest some of the books in my first paragraph, and also that you visit a good bookstore or Amazon to search for more.</p>