Life Skills for College & Adulthood
A Practical Boot Camp for Teens & Young Adults Preparing for Independence
Is your teen or young adult ready for life beyond high school?
Many students are academically prepared for college, work, or independent living — but feel overwhelmed by the everyday responsibilities that come with adulthood. Life Skills for College & Adulthood is a practical, engaging 3-session boot camp designed to help participants build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness before heading out on their own.
Created by two experienced educators — and parents currently navigating these transitions with our own children — this class focuses on the practical life skills many families wish young adults learned before graduation or moving out for the first time.
Through real-life scenarios, discussion, hands-on activities, and practical guidance, participants will explore topics including:
- Safety, security, and self-defense awareness
- Basic household and independent living skills
- Communication, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution
- Transportation basics and navigating unfamiliar situations
- Time management and organization strategies
- Physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being
- Civic engagement, responsibility, and decision-making
This class is ideal for:
- High school juniors and seniors
- Young adults preparing for college, trade school, work, gap year programs, or independent living
- Students planning to move away from home for the first time
- Parents and young adults who would like to attend together
Additional fall sessions are planned and may include topics such as financial literacy, meal planning and cooking on a budget, car ownership and maintenance, resume building and interview skills, and college/dorm life preparation.
Instructor's Bio
Melissa Gordon and Alex Goldman, who currently teach Math, are certified educators with many years of experience working with middle and high school students.
Alex earned degrees from Cornell University and the University of Virginia. Melissa earned degrees from Lehigh University, Cornell University, and Boston College.
In addition to their professional backgrounds, they are also parents currently supporting children through high school, college, and the transition into adulthood. Their combined experience, along with outside interests and skills, brings both practical knowledge and real-world perspective to the class in a supportive, relatable, and engaging environment.