School Counseling Services

The MPS Counseling Department is committed to providing equitable, culturally responsive counseling services that empower all students to thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

Our vision is to foster a school community where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Through culturally responsive practices and equity-focused initiatives, we aim to nurture resilient leaders who positively impact their communities.

Purpose

Equity and Inclusion: We actively strive to dismantle systemic barriers and biases, ensuring that all students have equal access to counseling resources and support.

Cultural Responsiveness: We celebrate and respect the diverse identities and backgrounds of our students, delivering counseling services with sensitivity and understanding.

Closing the Opportunity Gap: We provide targeted interventions and support to help students overcome challenges and unlock their full potential for success.

Resources for Families

Career Research and Resources

CAREERwise: A Minnesota State Colleges and Universities career and education resource.
Lifehacker's Career Spotlight: An interview series on Lifehacker that focuses on jobs you might not hear much about. Jobs range from entry level to very specialized.
The Ladder: Open monthly meetings for ages 9+ for those interested in medical careers.
Real Time Talent Exchange: A free job search and application website that removes systemic barriers from the recruiting and hiring process.

College Planning

12th Grade Parent Action Plan (Big Future): A checklist of activities for parents during senior year.
Big Future For Parents, by The College Board: A resource for helping your child navigate all aspects of planning for college.
US Department of Education College Scorecard: A national comparison of colleges and universities based on annual average cost, graduation rate, and salary after attending.
FAFSA: Every documented student should apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. This application is free.
MN Dream Act and DACA: Undocumented students can apply for financial assistance for college through the MN Dream Act.
Xello: In Xello, using the College Planning tool, students research the schools they’re interested in, build a plan, and then track the action items, deadlines, application progress, and admissions decisions for each institution using the College Applications tracker.

Family Services

HealthFinder.gov: Free health and wellness topics.
Home Line: Free rent-related legal assistance for renters.
Mater Mea: A website that tells the stories of women of color at the intersection of motherhood and and career.
Prepare and Prosper: provides free tax assistance as well as other services to increase financial mobility.
VITA Locator Tool: The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
Volunteer Tax Assistance Program: Prepares taxes free of charge to U of M students and community members with an unadjusted gross income of less than $60,000.
What's Up 612: an online, citywide resource where youth, parents, educators, and youth workers can find after school and summer activities for Minneapolis for ages 5-21.

Social and Emotional Support

Addiction Resource: Addiction support for students and families.
Common Sense Media: Empowering kids to thrive in a world of media and technology.
Healthy Children.org Stress Management: A specific link to helping students cope with stress created by pediatricians.
Healthy Children.org Warning Signs: red flags to watch for social and emotional concerns in your student
National Association of School Psychologists Preventing Youth Suicide: Suicide risk factors, warning signs, and what to do
One and All: strategies to protect students, reject bullying, and build communities where everyone thrives.
Stop Bullying: A federal government website about bullying

Undocumented Students

Minnesota Dream Act: Students who meet the criteria in the MN Dream Act will be eligible for the following benefits in-state resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities, state financial aid available to students who meet state residency requirements, and privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities.
Educators for Fair Consideration DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Guide: Very useful information to assist your students with understanding what DACA is and how to apply.
Big Future by The College Board: For Undocumented Students: A wide range of resources for undocumented students planning for college.