Scholar Lab: Career Exploration

Exclusively for Access College America Scholars, this College Research Lab is an introduction to researching colleges for your Dynamic and Balanced college lists.

Topics include:

• Resources for determining academic, social and financial fit
• College visit tips and advice
• What to ask when talking to a college rep
• Recommendations and timelines for college list building

Important Information:

• No prerequisites required
• This is an interactive lab
• Scholars will be on-screen for this lab
• The scholar should be in a quiet location

PRESENTERS:

Julie Gooden, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Julie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as College Consultant Associate with Access College America. With an impressive 29-year career in public education, Julie's journey has evolved from the elementary school classroom to various impactful roles, including Lead Counselor, AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also spent many years working in the admissions office of Austin Community College and an Academic Counselor.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development, as well as a Master’s in Education with a focus on Psychology/School Counseling, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin, where she proudly holds a Life Membership with the Texas-Exes. Her certifications span Elementary School Teaching, School Counseling, and Principal/Administration. In her role as a College Consultant Associate, Julie possesses a unique gift for working with individual scholars, helping them discover their passion and forge a path toward a productive and independent future within the community.

Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed, GCDF

College Consultant Director

Access College America

Bonnie is a globally certified Career Development Facilitator who holds a Masters in Education and English. She has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a passion for helping students find careers that they love and the educational paths to get them there. She is the Managing Director of Advising for Access College America, a national provider for guidance with college planning based in Austin, Texas.