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For P’26s and families of high school kids

by Betsy Chapman

In this Issue:

  • Beyond the Forest: Helping Your New Grad Accelerate Their Job Search
  • For families with high schoolers: Summer Immersion Program has spaces available

Today’s Daily Deac covers two ends of the spectrum: a program that might be helpful for ’26s who are still in the job search process, and opportunities for families with high school students who want to get a taste of what college is like.

But first, we got some news about the final speaker in our 2026-27 Face to Face lineup: it is golfer Jack Nicklaus, on April 20, 2027. Wake has a long tradition of golf (both players and fans) so this will be a fun one.

Now onto our main stories…:

Beyond the Forest: Helping Your New Grad Accelerate Their Job Search

When I graduated in 1992, I went straight into a Masters program. When I graduated with the Masters degree, I did not have a job lined up by graduation. And I know that is stressful (for students and parents alike) but it is pretty normal.

Happily, the OPCD offers continuing support to young alumni, and I learned of this new opportunity that might help our ’26s:

“The Alumni Personal & Career Development Center (APCDC) team is launching a brand-new Job Search Series throughout June.

If your new graduate is navigating a slow or challenging job market, this initiative is designed to provide them with the actionable steps, structure, and momentum needed to revitalize their career search.

The Quick Details:

  • Who It’s For: The curriculum and strategic advice are structured to be highly valuable to all new grads and alumni, regardless of their major or academic program.
  • The Format: Participants will receive a weekly, curated email dropped directly into their inbox over the five Tuesdays in June. Each email provides step-by-step tips, professional resources, and clear action items.
  • Registration Deadline: Graduates must register by June 1. The first session launches on June 2.

The 5-Week Strategy Curriculum

Each weekly installment will focus on a core pillar of a modern, successful job search:

  1. Week 1: Creating a Strategic Job Target
  2. Week 2: Researching Roles and Organizations
  3. Week 3: Updating Personal Marketing Documents (Resumes & LinkedIn)
  4. Week 4: Networking and Navigating the Hidden Job Market
  5. Week 5: Synthesizing the Strategy to Apply Intentionally

How You Can Help Your Graduate

As parents, your encouragement plays a vital role in their transition from college to career. If your graduate is looking for direction or trying to break through a job search plateau, please share this free university resource with them.

So if you are a ’26 who is still looking (or the parent/family member of a ’26), this might be a great way to help jump start the job search process.

For families with high schoolers: Summer Immersion Program has spaces available

One of the things my own ’27 did in high school that was a gamechanger in terms of college readiness and self-sufficiency was to do a summer program. These programs are terrific for students, because they can spend time focused on an area of academic or artistic interest, and they help students learn to navigate a college campus and learn to self-manage (which is great for their loved ones’ peace of mind!) So I was excited to see our Summer Immersion Program still has some openings in great institutes. Read on for more:

“Wake families, it’s not too late for your current high school student to spend a week living and learning on campus this summer through the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program! We still have limited space available in several exciting institutes for Summer 2026:

Screenwriting Institute

Perfect for students who love movies, television, storytelling, creative writing, gaming narratives, or content creation and want to learn how professional scripts are developed for film and media.

  • Write and workshop original screenplay scenes and story concepts
  • Learn storytelling techniques from industry professionals
  • Explore character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling
  • Collaborate with fellow aspiring writers in a creative, workshop-style environment

Coding + Computer Science Institute

Designed for both beginner and intermediate students, this institute introduces students to programming, problem-solving, and emerging technology fields in an engaging and hands-on format.

  • Explore coding fundamentals and real-world applications
  • Gain hands-on experience in programming and computational thinking
  • Build problem-solving and collaboration skills
  • Learn from Wake Forest faculty and student mentors

Technology Institute

Students explore innovation, digital tools, and the future of technology through hands-on projects and exciting behind-the-scenes industry field trips.

  • Dive into emerging technologies and innovation
  • Explore topics like AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
  • Visit companies and professionals working in the tech industry
  • Develop skills that prepare students for the future of technology

The Summer Immersion Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to get a bite-sized taste of Wake Forest while living on campus for one week (Sunday–Friday), learning from our outstanding faculty and staff, and connecting with motivated students from around the world. It’s a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to explore academic interests while experiencing life on our beautiful campus.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and remaining spaces are limited as summer approaches!”

As a card carrying member of the Worrying Moms club, I can tell you that my high schooler gained confidence from their summer program, but more importantly I got a lot of reassurance knowing that my kiddo could independently navigate a college campus they hadn’t been on before, got all their meals, made friends, etc. It was like a trial run for college that made me SOOO much more confident when the real college move-in happened. So if you have high schoolers, give Summer Immersion some serious thought. The benefits are exceptional all around.

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