Empowering First-Generation Students: Strategies For Counselors And Schools - Carrie Woodard

The CharacterStrong Podcast

Today our guest is Carrie Woodard the Director Student Support Services - School Counselors at Pittsburgh Public Schools. We talk to Carrie about ways that school counselors can create a strong support system for first-generation students—offering personalized guidance on navigating the college application process, exploring financial aid options, and understanding campus resources. She emphasizes the power of regular student check-ins, building relationships with families, and the impact of positive phone calls home. Through active listening, trust-building, and resource-sharing, counselors can help first-generation students feel more prepared, confident, and supported as they embark on their postsecondary journey.

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Carrie Woodard's professional journey encompasses roles as a teacher, school counselor, college and career counselor, mental health project manager, and now an administrator with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. These diverse experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of students and families. In her current role as Director of Student Support Services - School Counselors, she is deeply committed to advocacy and collaboration, working closely with school leadership and central office personnel to empower professional counselors with the resources needed to support the nearly 20,000 students in the district. Drawing from her multicultural background and training, Carrie approaches her work with a focus on identifying and addressing barriers to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Her passion lies in advancing social justice within school counseling, fostering equitable experiences for all students, and nurturing a positive school culture and climate through district-wide initiatives that emphasize inclusivity.