What is Encourage?
Encourage is a free college and career planning program used by over 20,000 educators nationwide. It gives students a simple way to explore their goals and interests after high school, and gives you the tools to support them
Your kit is the first step in that journey. Bookmark this page! It's your home for next steps, setup guides, and resources as you get started.
What's Inside Your Kit
Your Encourage College and Career Planning Kit includes everything you need to help students reflect on their postsecondary plans.
Student Preference Forms
Paper forms students complete to share their college and career goals, interests, and plans. Simple, low-lift, and designed to spark meaningful reflection. Your kit will also include information on how to have your students complete the forms digitally!
Letter to You and Your School Leadership
An introduction to the Encourage program for you and your principal or school leadership, explaining what Encourage is and how it supports your school.
Instruction Sheet
Step-by-step guidance for administering the student preference forms. Whether you go paper or digital, everything you need to get started is right here.
Educator Questionnaire
A short form for you to share your school's context and needs. Your responses help us make sure Encourage is working for you, your students, and your community.
Postage-Paid Return Envelope
Use this to send back completed student forms and your educator questionnaire.
Getting Started Takes Less Than 5 Minutes
Step 1
Choose Your Format
Distribute the paper forms included in your kit, or share a digital link with students. Both options connect to the same reporting, so use what works best for your classroom or school.
Step 2
Students Complete Their Forms
Students share their goals, interests, and postsecondary plans. It's a low-pressure reflection activity that works as a standalone exercise or as part of a college and career lesson.
Step 3
You Get Insight
Once responses come in, your Educator Account gives you access to reports, student progress tracking, and tools to guide next steps like a counseling conversation, a lesson, or a referral to the Encourage student app.
See Encourage In Action
Watch the Short Demo
A Few Things We Hear From Educators
Is it really free?
Yes.
Encourage is completely free for educators and students. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no catch..
Do I need to use all the forms?
Nope.
You can choose the participation level that makes sense for your school — one class, one grade, or the whole building.
What happens after students complete the forms?
Student responses help connect them to the Encourage app, where they can explore colleges, scholarships, and career pathways matched to their interests. You'll also gain visibility into your students’ future aspirations along with areas where they may need more support.
What if my kit hasn't arrived yet?
Kits are on their way! If yours hasn't shown up within a few weeks of receiving your pre-arrival email, reply and we'll look into it for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether your kit is already on your desk or still in the mail, you can take your next step today.
Questions? Reply to your kit pre-arrival email or reach us at educators@encourageme.org. We're here to help!
