IT STARTED WITH A QUESTION
Every kid, at one time in their life, was asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Now, think back to when you were 18 years old – how would you have answered the question,
"What should I do with my life?"
Over half of the 17 million undergraduate students in the US are grappling with this question today. It’s one of the main reasons why it takes 60% of college students, (at four year schools), six years to graduate. Of those attending two year schools, only 30% of students make it to graduation in three years.
Many students don’t see the value of getting a college degree or can’t figure out how they would use their degrees to serve the world. In addition, most students want colleges and universities to help them in the academic, career, and life exploration process, yet are unable to receive the guidance they seek.
At Life Design Institute, our goal is to profoundly change education. We believe that the most direct path to improved student outcomes, (measured in part by getting students to complete their degrees in the prescribed times), is through advising. We provide training and curriculum to advisors and academic coaches so they, in turn, provide students the introspective tools and powerful questions needed to chart successful college careers and lives of purpose and fulfillment. Our Life Design Catalyst Program views the exploration of:
- Purpose (“Who am I meant to be?”)
- Meaning (“Why do I matter and what I do matters?”)
- Mission (“What am I here to do?”)
- Vision (“Where do I want to go?”)
as the foundations for student development and success. And successful students are more likely to stay in their programs and earn their degrees.
Ours is the only program in the country that incorporates strategies and practices in:
- Academic advising
- Academic/success coaching
- Career counseling
- Personal growth
- Contemplative practices,
- Holistic health and well-being
- Developing an entrepreneurial spirit.
Since inception, the Life Design Catalyst Program has impacted 2,500 students and has not only shown a 5-10% increase in retention rates and a 10-15% increase in graduation rates, but over 80% of our students report that they have greater clarity and direction regarding their choice of major and their future academic, career, and life plans.
Because of our impact on students, our program has been recognized as a Best Advising Practice by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Academic Advising Association.
We have trained over 500+ facilitators since June 2014. Advisors and coaches from over 80 institutions have been educated on some aspect of the Life Design approach.
