October is College and Career Awareness Month, a reminder that preparing students for life after high school has always been part of who we are at Modesto City Schools. With Map Your Mission, we’re taking that commitment even further, making college and career readiness clear, exciting, and achievable for every student — not some, not most, but all.
Imagine every graduate stepping off the stage with more than a diploma, leaving with confidence, direction, and a plan for what’s next. That’s the vision behind Map Your Mission.
Why This Matters
The California Department of Education tracks how well schools prepare students for life after graduation through the College/Career Indicator (CCI). Our readiness rate has been improving, and we are focused on ensuring that every graduate leaves with real options for the future.
“Today’s graduates need more than a diploma. They need the skills, knowledge, and character traits essential to thrive and contribute to society, along with the confidence and direction to navigate college, career, or military service,” said Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Buitrago. “Map Your Mission is about ensuring every student has options for their future and the preparation to succeed wherever their path takes them.”
What is Map Your Mission?
At its core, Map Your Mission is a districtwide mindset: every student can and should graduate ready for college or career. It builds on the work MCS has always done and makes the journey more visible, interactive, and motivating for students and families.
Using a fun, travel-themed approach, students earn digital passport stamps, stickers, and badges as they reach key milestones that signal college and career readiness.
How It Works by Grade Level
Elementary (starting as early as third grade)
Students begin exploring their interests and strengths. They see school as a journey with many possible destinations. They discover subjects they enjoy, learn about different careers, and connect daily learning to a bigger future.
Junior High and High School
Students use SchooLinks, our college and career planning platform, to:
Explore careers and colleges based on their interests
Plan courses to stay on track for graduation and A–G completion
Track readiness milestones and collect their digital passport stamps
Apply for scholarships and internships
Take virtual college tours and set personal goals
Families
Parents and guardians can create a SchooLinks Parent Account to follow their child’s journey, explore opportunities together, and stay involved in planning for the future.
What Families Can Do Today
Activate or create your SchooLinks Parent Account.
Follow your student’s progress and see upcoming milestones.Talk with your student about goals and interests.
Ask what careers sound exciting, what subjects they enjoy, and what milestones are coming up.Connect with your school counselor.
Counselors can help choose courses, review A–G status, and identify the next steps.
Key Terms, Simply Explained
A–G Courses: The sequence of classes required for eligibility to apply to UC and CSU universities.
CTE Pathway: Career Technical Education, a hands-on sequence of classes that builds real-world skills in fields like health, engineering, digital media, and more.
State Seal of Biliteracy: Recognition on a student’s diploma and transcript for proficiency in two or more languages.
SchooLinks: The online platform where students and families explore careers and colleges, plan courses, track milestones, and celebrate progress.
College/Career Indicator (CCI): A state measure that shows how well schools prepare students for life after high school.
A Districtwide Effort
Map Your Mission isn’t just a program; it’s a culture shift. Every conversation, from a teacher’s encouragement to a bus driver’s high-five, helps students believe they can reach their goals. Together, our schools and community are working so every graduate leaves with more than a diploma, with confidence, direction, and a plan for what is next.
There is no better time to lean in than College and Career Awareness Month, as we invite every student to dream big, explore possibilities, and take meaningful steps toward the future they choose.