Gateway Prompts
BestPrep uses dialogue starters, or Gateway Prompts, to shape the content of weekly messages. Gateway Prompts are based on research conducted by Search Institute and are aimed at deepening students understanding of goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, career aptitude, and future-mindedness, among other things. The first half of the program emphasizes a “Think Forward” philosophy, with the latter half focusing on “Act Now.” Mentors can choose to follow one of three tracks of Gateway Prompts based on the student’s specific needs.
Think Forward:
In the first four message exchanges, the focus will be on getting to know the student and motivating them to envision their best possible selves.
Week 1 Exchange: Introduction and Perspectives on School
Primary Objective:
Get to know your student by first learning how they feel about their school environment. Knowing this first will help you decide which track to take in future conversations.
Key Talking Points:
- Tell the student some basic information about yourself such as, your title and brief description of your role in your company.
- Inquire about how school is going overall and if they have any favorite subjects.
Week 2 Exchange: Areas of Interest/Hobbies
Primary Objective:
Continue to get to know your student and find out their deep interests, passions, and/or hobbies.
Key Talking Points:
- Validate their thoughts on school.
- Share your own passions.
Week 3 Exchange: Future Aspirations
Primary Objective:
Explore your student’s ideas about their future, including possible careers, interests, and lifestyle.
Key Talking Points:
- Stress the importance of effort in school beginning in 9th grade to future success.
- Share your story about the careers you were interested in high school and where your path took you.
Week 4 Exchange: Exploring Skills Aligned to Aspirations
Primary Objective:
Help your student begin to envision the knowledge, skills, and experiences they will need to succeed.
Key Talking Points:
- Share information about skills, knowledge & education needed in your job.
- Share the importance of developing soft skills.
Midpoint: Cloud Summit Occurs
Act Now: In the remaining e-mail exchanges, the themes presented will help students act upon what they need to do today to realize those possibilities for the future.
Week 5 Exchange: Setting Short-Term Goals
Primary Objective:
Help your student identify a short term goal that will support the future they want. Help your student identify the benefits of achieving their short term goal.
Key Talking Points:
- Stress the importance of their high school success and graduation to their stated future aspirations.
- Guide students to create clear, actionable, near-term goals aligned to their future.
Week 6 Exchange: Developing Your Personal Brand
Primary Objective:
Encourage your student to start formulating their personal brand.
Key Talking Points:
- Help the student identify attributes, skills and traits that make a positive impression.
- Explore how your reaction to failure is part of your brand.
Week 7 Exchange: Review Key Themes
Primary Objective:
Review the key themes you covered. Explore what they have learned from the program.
Key Talking Points:
- Emphasize the importance of being persistent through challenges.
- Reflect and share what you have gained from your weekly correspondence.
Week 8 Exchange: The Closing Email
Primary Objective:
Acknowledge and validate the student’s reflection on the program. Express your belief in the student’s ability to achieve their goals and dreams.
Key Talking Points:
- Reinforce the connection between their current actions and their future aspirations.
- Thank them for sharing their thoughts and ideas.