Utica school counselor selected for fellowship
A Utica Community Schools junior high school counselor is among 13 counselors selected for a program focused on postsecondary student success.
Kimberly Twarowski, who works at Shelby Junior High School, has been selected by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) for the School Counselor Fellow Program.
This two-year program will provide ongoing mentorship and training rooted in leadership and advocacy development for postsecondary attainment for a select group of Michigan school counselors.
“I am passionate about helping all students discover their interests, talents, passions and goals in order to plan their future,” Twarowski said. “I want students to learn that there are multiple opportunities after high school and to begin discovering the path that best suits them. I hope adolescents know that someone cares about both their mental health and their academic success.”
The School Counselor Fellows Program will focus on urgent and timely issues impacting school counselor practice for postsecondary planning. Fellows will investigate how the pandemic, mental health and wellness, and equity-driven practices influence college and career readiness and post-secondary planning. They will develop actionoriented plans to increase practices that best support students as they navigate their post-secondary path in an erratic and changing environment.
“School counselors are key building leaders within their district and their community as they guide the post-secondary decision-making of their students,” MCAN Executive Director Ryan FewinsBliss said. “We’re excited to lift up their work and empower them to help build the college access field for themselves and their peers through our partnership with the Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment. We believe this program is the first fellowship for school counselors focusing on postsecondary attainment and will become a national model for replication.”
The School Counselor Fellows Program requires a two-year commitment from the school counselors. The training includes monthly online meetings accompanied by readings, assignments, and reflections. In their second year, the participants will also serve as mentors to the next class of counselor fellows.
The program is held in partnership with San Diego State University. In addition to serving on MCAN, Twarowski is a member of the American School Counselors Association and the Michigan School Counselors Association.
She has worked as a counselor with UCS for 22 years.