2026 Summer Liftoff Institute

Calling 5-12 STEM Educators, CTE Instructors & Current Pre-Service Teachers – Applications are now OPEN for the 2026 LiftOff Summer Institute!

The theme of this year’s LiftOff Educator Institute is Moon to Mars: A New Era of Discovery. The program will focus on how NASA, commercial space companies, and research institutions are working together to shape the future of deep space exploration.

Educators will hear directly from the scientists, engineers, and mission leaders advancing spaceflight technology and developing commercial platforms in Low Earth Orbit.

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025

Program Date: June 22-26, 2026

For more information & apply online: https://www.csr.utexas.edu/liftoff/

7 Certifications Proven to Boost Wages Without a Degree

Some of your students who may not plan to attend College can boost their wages by getting certified. Recent LiveCareer analysis identifies the top professional certifications that boost wages without the cost of a four-year degree. The full report (including top jobs for each credential) is available here.

These seven certifications stood out for offering above-average wage gains and having a significant share of earners without a bachelor’s degree. Top jobs for completers of the credential are also included. Ordered from highest to lowest wage gains:

• Project Management Certification: +$6,500 annually | 38% non-BA earners
  • Construction managers
  • Project management specialists
• Associate Certified Electronics Technician: +$4,300 annually | 48% non-BA earners
  • Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
  • Computer network architects
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): +$2,600 annually | 30% non-BA earners
  • Computer systems analysts
  • Computer user support specialists
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA): +$2,500 annually | 30% non-BA earners
  • Network and computer systems administrators
  • Computer network architects
• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE): +$2,100 annually | 38% non-BA earners
  • Sales engineers
  • Information security analysts
• Citrix Netscaler SD-WAN Certification (CC-SDWAN): +$1,800 annually | 34% non-BA earners
  • Computer network support specialists
  • Facilities managers
• Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA): +$1,700 annually | 33% non-BA earners
  • Information security analysts
  • Computer network support specialists

Here is How Your Students Can Make Certifications Work for Them

1. Showcase certifications in a dedicated section on your resume.
Create a clearly labeled “certifications” or “professional development” section near the top of your resume (especially if the credential is relevant to your target role). List the full name of the credential, issuing organization, and date earned.

2. Reinforce your certification in your summary.
In your resume summary or personal profile, mention the certification to highlight it as a core qualification. Example: “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP^®) with 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in logistics and supply chain settings.”

3. Add skills that align with the certification.
Most certifications map to specific technical or soft skills. Add these to your “skills” section and use them to describe achievements in your work history. Example for CEH: “Utilized ethical hacking techniques to identify and resolve security vulnerabilities across cloud-based systems.”

4. Tailor your resume for job listings.
If a job description mentions a credential you hold—or the skills associated with it—mirror that language in your resume. This boosts your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

5. Mention certifications in your cover letter and interviews.
Certifications show initiative and up-to-date knowledge. Briefly explain how earning yours has made you more effective in your role or helped you grow professionally.

6. Keep them visible on social media profiles.
Don’t forget to list your certifications in the “licenses & certifications” section in your social media profiles. If available, include the credential URL so employers can verify it directly.

New Blog for Practical College Counseling Support

Check out this new blog for practical college counseling support.

This blog was started by Jeremy Kasten with one simple goal in mind: to make college counseling feel a little more manageable and a lot less lonely.

Each post is short, practical, and always includes a free downloadable tool (checklists, templates, meeting guides, etc.). It’s written with school counselors in mind… especially those who don’t have a full-time college role.

The latest series is called “Fall Roadmap”, but there’s more coming every week as we move into peak application season. Check it out and feel free to share it with others in your group. Here is the link: http://www.higheredification.org/blog

Getting Great Letters of Recommendation – Part 2

A strong letter of recommendation can definitely bolster a college application. Unfortunately, too few students understand the importance of this pivotal piece of the college admissions puzzle. The norm seems to be that students wait until the last minute to ask the most popular teacher. What’s wrong with that picture? Just about everything.

Teachers, coaches, community leaders, and employers know students can offer unique perspectives. While high praise in a letter of recommendation isn’t an automatic acceptance, a mediocre letter can signal red flags and spell disaster. Colleges read all the letters submitted, but they generally come into play when trying to distinguish between students who present similar grades and test scores.

How do you prepare recommenders to write the best letter possible?

• Start Early – Asking early demonstrates both a measure of responsibility and thoughtfulness on the part of the student, i.e., that you understand the value of the letter of recommendation, are taking the college admissions process seriously, and appreciate the recommender’s time. Most guidance counselors recommend asking teachers just before the end of junior year and then reconnecting with them in the fall of senior year.
• Approach recommenders carefully – Ask them if they feel comfortable writing you a letter of recommendation. If you get even a hint of hesitation, just say thank you and move along to the next recommender on your list.
• Be strategic about whom you ask –Asking the teacher who gave you the “easy A” may not work in your favor. You need to ask yourself, “Who knows me and my work best?” Figure out which teacher can share the most about your intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, ability to get along with other students, capability to lead, and your potential career success? Students and parents often ask if it is critical to have received an “A” in a class before they can ask for a letter of recommendation. No, just getting an “A” in a class doesn’t mean that a teacher will write a stellar letter. Frequently, the most powerful letters of recommendation come when a student has struggled in a class, but has really shown determination and perseverance.
• Waive your rights – Most applications will ask if you’re willing to waive your rights to see your letters of recommendation. Check the “yes” box. Otherwise, the recommender may be leery about being honest, and the college will have doubts about your confidence in your recommenders.
• Don’t forget your manners – Remember that no one is getting paid to write these letters of recommendation for you. Thank them properly with a hard copy, not an email, thank-you note, and be sure to keep them updated on whatever you hear from your colleges.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How to prepare your recommender to write the strongest letter on your behalf. Make the recommender’s job as easy as possible. Help your recommender help you by providing the following:
• Prepare a resume or brag sheet that gives the teacher a better understanding of your involvement in community service, extracurricular interests, how you’ve spent your summers, any honors, scholarships, or awards you’ve received, any internships or job-shadowing experiences, and any employment. The teacher will use this information to provide depth and breadth to your letter of recommendation.
• Your Personal Statement.  Many teachers will write the letters of recommendation once you return to school in the fall and will appreciate reading what you have to say about yourself.
• A brief paragraph on what you’re looking for in your college experience. This is where you can address your specific interests, possible majors you’re considering, and the type of colleges that represent a good fit for you. This will help the teachers personalize their letters.
• Your college list with specifics on their application deadlines (Early Action, Early Decision, Restricted Early Action, and Regular Decision.

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com

Getting Great Letters of Recommendation – Part 1

Letters of recommendation carry varying weight, depending on the perspective of the college or university and who writes them. Many colleges have limited the number of recommendations they will read. The more selective colleges may ask for one – three teacher recommendation letters and 0 – 3 non-teacher letters. Some colleges specify that they don’t want students to send any letters of recommendation.

The Common Application (www.commonapp.org), on each college’s FERPA/Letters of Recommendation page, tells students exactly how many letters they require/how many are optional for both teacher recommendations and non-teacher recommendations.

But still, questions abound: Who should you ask? What are they used for? Where do they go? When should you ask for them? Why are they important?

Who?

Letters of recommendation are the most powerful when they are written by teachers, coaches, club or internship advisors, youth group advisors, or employers who know you well. The people you ask should be able to describe your skills and your accomplishments as well as your personality. Colleges prefer letters from junior year teachers since they are the most familiar with your most recent work. Read instructions carefully since some colleges may specifically request a science or math teacher, especially if you’re applying to an engineering program.

What?

Since most letters of recommendation are glowing and full of praise for the applicant, colleges that take them seriously are trying to get beneath the surface of who you are. The letters that share personal anecdotes about you reveal the less tangible qualities that a college can’t deduce from grades and test scores. A well-written letter of recommendation will showcase your abilities and make you a compelling candidate.

Where?

On the same FERPA & Letters of recommendation on the Common App, you’ll see an opportunity to invite your teachers and non-teachers. Once you type in your teacher’s email address, an invitation is sent to them. This is why it is important to ASK your teachers if they are willing to write on your behalf. Many teachers receive so many requests, they have a limit to the number they’ll write. Remember, no one you ask is getting paid to do this; it is truly a favor on their part

When?

It is best to ask teachers in the spring of junior year if they are willing and able to write a letter on your behalf. If you’re a senior, you’re fine; just take care of it in the next week or so.

If your teacher says “yes”, then ask them about their preferred timelines. Some teachers like to take care of the letters over the summer, and others want a true summer vacation. If you have colleges with early deadlines (October 15 and November 1), make sure you provide your recommenders with at least a month’s time to write the letters.

Why?

Letters of recommendation can often be the critical tipping factor when two candidates present similarly, and colleges can pick just one.

Must do’s:

• Be certain to complete the FERPA  waiver, where you’ll waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
• Send a confirmation email to your recommenders, thanking them and being specific about next steps.
• Send thank you notes once you know the colleges have received the letters of recommendation.

NEXT COLUMN: How do you prepare recommenders to write the best letter possible?

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com