Real-World Ready

GainED program at Normandale Community College is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of our inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities!

While the program website is still under construction, you can find key information and access the application here:
General program overview: GainED at Normandale Community College
Announcement about open applications: Applications are open for new GainED Program at Normandale | Normandale Community College.
Program application: GainED Program Application Form

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested. I am happy to connect if you have any questions or would like to learn more.

Warmly,
Stephanie

Stephanie Nordstog, EdD, JD (she, her, hers)

Inclusive Higher Education Program Coordinator

Normandale Community College

952-358-8375 | www.normandale.edu

[email protected]

Home Explore affordable degrees, career-ready programs, and vibrant student life at Normandale - Minnesota’s top community college.

https://getschooled.com/article/3109-college-application-help/?_eid=689ea06aee94e3ad2f00f22f&utm_source=element&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=educator-newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions About College Applications We compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about college applications. Take a look!

https://fdltcc.edu/admissions/visit-us/

Visit Us - Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College - Apply Today Prospective students and their friends and family members are encouraged to visit our campus and take a guided tour from a campus...

This speaks to my passion. This is why I do the work that I do with high school students, their families, our community, local/regional/national businesses and organizations.

The following is a post from LinkedIn by Susan Newman (School2Life)
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7466125569580253184/

The Professional Literacy Gap: What School Never Taught You

Nobody failed you on purpose. But it seems the education system did not prepare you for this. Not because you didn't work hard enough.
Because the reality is, there's a massive gap between what school teaches and what the modern workplace actually demands, and most people don't discover it until they're already in it.

Here's what the 2026 data is showing us:
- 40% of employers worldwide can't find entry-level workers with the skills needed to succeed, and the top deficits aren't technical. They're communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- 60% of digital workplaces identify a lack of communication and collaboration skills as a major barrier to productivity. Not a software problem. A people fluency problem.
- 77% of hiring managers say communication skills are the single most important factor in determining a new hire's success, ahead of degrees, credentials, and experience.
- 87% of companies either have a skills gap right now or expect one within two years. The gap isn't closing. It's widening.

Professional literacy isn't about being smart.

It's knowing how to show up, communicate clearly, build trust fast, and navigate environments no classroom ever simulated.

The people who thrive aren't always the most credentialed. They're the most fluent in the language of the workplace, the language of leadership, and the language of their own value.

That's precisely why school2life was created. And it has proven to change everything for thousands of clients and students.

Have you felt this gap? The moment when your degree stopped being enough, drop a note below.
If you're ready to close it, reach out, as we are here to help!



Data Sources:
Bright Horizons 2026 Workforce Outlook
TalentLMS 2026 L&D Report
VidCruiter Skills Employers Want 2026
iMocha, 33 Key Skills Statistics 2026

#professionalliteracy #workplacereadiness #careercoaching #school2life #skillsgap2026 | Susan Newman The Professional Literacy Gap: What School Never Taught You Nobody failed you on purpose. But it seems the education system did not prepare you for this. Not because you didn't work hard enough. Because the reality is, there's a massive gap between what school teaches and what the modern workplace a...

Hastings High School is hosting a College and Career Fair on October 19, 2026. Please let us know if you would like to be included as a vendor by filling out our SAVE THE DATE form. I will connect with you in late August to firm up the details! Have a great summer! -Jody Geib

Save the Date: FREE College & Career Fair Vendor Interest Form; Oct 19th, 2026 Save the Date: FREE College and Career Fair October 19th; exact time TBD, but plan on 2 hours between 8 am and 11 am. Hastings High School will be hosting a FREE College and Career Fair right here at the high school. High school students attend this event every year to explore a wide variety of post...

https://mngoestocollege.mn.gov/mngoestocollege/students/attend-virtual-event

The College Planning Series

Attend a Virtual Event Attend a Minnesota Goes to College event to learn more about how to apply for college, how to pay for college, and more.

Check this out--comparing financial aid offers

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Financial aid letters can look very different from school to school, making it hard for students and families to know which option truly costs less. AwardAdvisor™ is the Minnesota Office of Higher Education's FREE app designed to help you compare college financial aid offers clearly and confidently.
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Take the guesswork out of paying for college and make a more informed decision.
📲 Download AwardAdvisor™ for free today on the app store or at awardadvisor.org.

https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/scholarships-for-high-school-juniors

Top Scholarships for High School Juniors: Class of 2027 Find the best scholarships for high school juniors (Class of 2027). Explore top awards, such as the Hamilton Award, essay contests, and video competitions, to fund college.

https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/scholarships-for-high-school-seniors

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2026 Discover the top scholarships for high school seniors in the Class of 2026. Learn how to find merit-based awards, essay contests, and easy-to-apply opportunities to make your college education more affordable.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K-2bjAV41Q_UUgwAIKekX24pp7sw2d7AKMu1uWx0zGY/edit?usp=sharing

Summer Guidance from Geib Summer Guidance from Geib Class of 2027 Hey Raiders! The summer before senior year is a massive milestone. It’s the perfect time to get a head start on the college chaos, so you don't drown in deadlines come September. Whether you are aiming for a four-year university, looking at a two-year as...