OP, you can’t make a blanket statement or put in place a one-fits-all approach for a group of kids who are likely very diverse in their interests, abilities, personalities and family situations.
Your best bet, in my opinion, is to get to know the teenagers individually and to adjust your recommendations.
Most of us here are of the opinion that you’re unlikely to do them harm, or close any doors, by not pushing them in some way toward elite schools. State universities do a fine job for tens of thousands of kids – “your” kids included.