Transition programs between high school and college

Facilitating the transition from high school to college: How is it done, who is involved, and what are the goals?

For several years now, the University of Montpellier has been involved in initiatives aimed at reestablishing or strengthening the connections between secondary and higher education to facilitate this transition. These initiatives also aim to foster students’ ambition to pursue higher education as early as possible.

Since 2008, outreach activities have increased in number and become more diverse, tailored to the specific audiences involved.

Some of these programs, particularly those for high school students, are part of an active career guidance initiative designed to inform students, support them in making career choices, and help them enroll in programs that best suit their academic background and future goals.

Others aim to develop educational programs for younger audiences—elementary and middle school students—to help them cultivate their appreciation, interest, and academic aspirations.

You can meet us at various college fairs in Perpignan, Mende, Alès, and other locations.

High School Student Programs at the University

With the aim of promoting scientific studies, the University of Montpellier, in partnership with the Montpellier Regional Education Authority, welcomes high school juniors and seniors in science tracks (both general and technological streams) throughout the year for an “immersion” experience in classes on the Triolet campus.

Who is this for? Career guidance is everyone's business!

First and foremost, the students. The goal is to support them in developing their plans throughout their educational journey in order to foster a positive outlook and prevent the risk of academic failure in high school and college.

Members of the educational community (teachers, school counselors, guidance counselors, teaching assistants, etc.) and higher education staff (faculty members, project coordinators, career counselors, etc.) are the primary stakeholders in this career guidance process. These initiatives also aim to create new synergies between the two sectors and foster exchanges on best practices to best prepare students for higher education.

Finally, the UM students are indispensable to these initiatives. Their involvement is highly valued by high school students—not only for sharing their personal stories and experiences as students, but also for serving as mentors on specific projects. These exchanges are enriching for both the high school students and our university students.

In summary

The purpose of liaison activities is to …

• introduce students to university life and the programs offered at the university,
• to foster the development of a shared teaching culture in order to best prepare high school students,
• develop innovative initiatives to raise young people’s academic aspirations as early as possible,
• to provide students with positive guidance and help them achieve greater success.

Our initiatives by topic