School Counselors Making an Imprint on Future Generations (GSCA 2026 Annual Conference)

High School

New Counselor/Graduate Student

This presentation will provide public high school counselors with practical strategies for running effective small groups. Participants will learn how small group interventions can target specific student needs such as anxiety and stress management coping skills, study skills, academic motivation, grief, and social skills.

High School

School Administrator

• Learn how Lanier High School provides guidance and support to students who are the first in their family to graduate or attend college.This session will cover first generation initiatives,best practices, potential partnerships and exploring resources through the lens of college and career readiness, as well as how to start a First Gen chapter at your school.

High School

School Administrator

As dual enrollment (DE) participation continues to surge in Georgia, school counselors need clear systems to manage the process from start to finish. This session highlights best practices for organizing, communicating, and implementing DE procedures from a high school supporting over 400 DE students. Learn how to effectively promote your DE program, streamline onboarding, and maintain accurate DE records. Attendees will leave with practical tools, templates, and strategies to confidently manage high-volume DE programs.

High School

Middle/High School

High School

Middle

Chronic absenteeism continues to impact student academic success, school engagement, and long-term outcomes. School counselors play a critical role in developing proactive and creative strategies that encourage students to attend school consistently. This presentation will highlight several attendance initiatives implemented in rural high school settings to increase student motivation, build school culture, and reduce tardiness and absenteeism.

High School

All Levels

Newcomer students face unique challenges in the pursuit of graduation. The presenters include a high school counselor and the Community Outreach Coordinator of U-Lead Athens. This session will discuss a group intervention provided to 10th and 11th grade recently arrived students who have exited the district newcomer academy. We will discuss resources for immigrant students and examine the efficacy of the intervention. Presenters and participants will discuss ways to adapt the intervention for their schools.

High School

All Levels

This session will highlight how rising 9th-grade tours create meaningful early "imprints" on students by fostering active engagement, reducing transition anxiety, and supporting developmental needs. With a focus on experiential learning and responsive environments, this session will demonstrate how intentional matriculation activities help students build confidence, connection, and readiness for high school, ultimately shaping stronger pathways for future generations.

High School

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

With 25 colleges and universities across the state, the University System of Georgia (USG) provides a wide range of opportunities for students to participate in dual enrollment while in high school and to continue their education after high school graduation. Join this session to learn more about the USG, our resources that can help empower students and their families to make informed decisions about theirpostsecondary education in Georgia, and what's new in 2026.

High School

All Levels

Has your multilingual student population been growing? Are you limited on the time, people, funds, and/or ideas to support their flourishing?

Join us for a presentation & brainstorming session on using the resources already at your disposal (ex. students!) to create an accessible environment for ML families.

FEATURING: Multilingual Parent Night curriculum, mentoring for students exiting the ML program, first-generation small group curriculum, and more!

High School

School Administrator

High School

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

Senior Success Day is a workshop-based day in high school focused on addressing topics related to becoming a young adult such as checking accounts, signing a contract, and what to do when you get pulled over by a police officer. Come learn more about how to use community resources and plan the event.