HCR 153

                SPONSOR:
                Rep. K. Williams & Sen. Lockman
        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
        153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
        HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 153
        DESIGNATING OCTOBER 5 THROUGH NOVEMBER 6, 2026, AS “LAUNCH INTO YOUR FUTURE MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month, formerly Delaware College Application Month, is a statewide initiative held each October and November to provide high school seniors with structured time and support to plan postsecondary education, training, and career pathways that lead to wealth-generating careers and economic opportunity; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month affirms the critical role of postsecondary planning in advancing individual economic mobility and strengthening Delaware’s workforce readiness; and
        WHEREAS, research shows postsecondary education, training, and credential attainment increase lifetime earnings and reduce unemployment; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month is funded by the Delaware Department of Education, Higher Education Office, and implemented in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration; and
        WHEREAS, during Launch into Your Future Month, every Delaware public high school selects a dedicated week during the school day to provide seniors with structured time and individualized support to complete applications, explore apprenticeships, training and certification programs, military options, and financial aid opportunities; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month promotes collaboration among schools, families and caregivers, school counselors, educators, community partners, and volunteers to remove barriers and ensure all students—regardless of background—have access to high-quality postsecondary planning support; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month expands access to postsecondary education and training for all students, including those from low-income households, first-generation students, students with disabilities, and students from historically underserved communities; and
        WHEREAS, state and national labor data project strong demand for skilled workers and show that most jobs in the coming decade will require education or training beyond high school, underscoring the need for strong career preparation in a rapidly changing workforce; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month supports students in making informed decisions about postsecondary education, training, and career pathways that promote long-term economic mobility; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month reflects evidence-based practices demonstrating that students who receive targeted support in career exploration, application completion, financial aid processes, and workforce readiness skills are more likely to enroll and persist in further education; and
        WHEREAS, since its inception as College Application Month in 2012, Launch into Your Future Month has engaged more than 125,000 students across every district and charter high school in the state; and
        WHEREAS, Launch into Your Future Month encourages and facilitates partnerships among Delaware and regional colleges, adult education centers, training providers, and community organizations to work with schools to provide resources and direct student support; and
        WHEREAS, this collaborative effort strengthens Delaware’s talent pipeline, supports employer needs, and promotes a culture of postsecondary and career readiness statewide; and
        WHEREAS, the success of Launch into Your Future Month is driven by the dedication of school site coordinators, school counselors, educators, administrators, volunteers, and state partners.
        NOW, THEREFORE:
        BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that October 5 through November 6, 2026, be designated as
        “
        Launch into Your Future Month
        ”
         in the State of Delaware.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly commends the Delaware Department of Education, Higher Education Office, and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration for their leadership in advancing equitable postsecondary access and workforce readiness.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the General Assembly and state agencies, along with Delaware schools, families, employers, and community partners, are encouraged to participate in and support Launch into Your Future Month activities.
        SYNOPSIS
        This Concurrent Resolution designates October 5 through November 6, 2026, as “Launch into Your Future Month” to recognize Delaware’s statewide effort to support student postsecondary planning and workforce readiness through coordinated school-based programming and community partnerships.