About a year ago, I put signs on my kids' bedroom doors that say, "Check out time is 18 years old."   I put them up as a joke, but as I've passed by those signs each day, I've started to really worry about my role in their ability to support themselves before I "unleash" them into the world-a world that has become a lot more complicated and scary than the one I stepped into on my 18^th birthday.

        Wearing my parental hat, I definitely spend a lot of time these days reflecting on how I can best prepare my 5-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter to be successful in the world beyond our front lawn.  Working hard was drilled into my head as the key to success and I have to admit it has served me well.  But I know that in today's world, focusing solely on work ethic (sadly) just isn't going to cut it for our kids.   That's only one piece of the pie.  There are so many unknowns-based on a very unsettling and increasingly global economy.

        "It has been estimated that by 2020 our nation will be short 14 million college-educated workers," said Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter. "We need to do more to engage all Idahoans to support students in completing their education and reaching their full potential. We all must work together for Idaho to remain competitive in the ever-changing global economy."

        It's scary to not understand how to guide both my own children and the young people of our community, as they prepare for the future.  Recently, however, one thing has started to become clear-all roads seem to lead back to one starting place.  That "place" is the day after high school graduation. 

        Why is the day after high school graduation so important for our children, especially in Idaho? It boils down to the fact that a high school education is not enough anymore-not for our children, and not for many parents reading this article.  To be gainfully employed, more training and education is just not an option anymore.  It's the key to survival. 

        Recently, the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation announced the official launch of Go On, a statewide initiative that aims to immediately generate greater awareness and engagement in addressing Idaho's post-secondary success rate and increase opportunities for Idaho students.   I was shocked to learn that Idaho currently ranks 43^rd   in the nation when it comes to students who go on to complete a college degree.

        And, according to the Idaho Department of Labor, three out of every four jobs in Idaho will require training and education beyond high school by 2014. However, the reality is that two-thirds of American ninth graders will not be prepared for college within four years, and half of those who actually go to college will never earn a degree.  Workers with a degree stand to earn double those with a high school diploma alone.

        "There is no doubt that education increases your quality of life and opens up a world of opportunities," said Jamie MacMillan, the Foundation's executive director. "We need to better prepare and provide opportunities for Idaho's kids to go on-go on to high-quality jobs; go on to technical training; go on to post-secondary institutions-if we want them to go on to a better life."

        To be clear, post-secondary education is not just about going to college.  Many people are confused and believe the push to "Go On" is only about getting a 4-year degree.  It's not.  This is just one option.  Going on means everything from learning a trade to further education in the current field in which someone is already employed. 

        And remember-as a parent, your expectations have a huge influence on what your child expects of him or herself, even if your child doesn't want you to know it. You can help children envision their future.   This doesn't mean having an "I expect you to go to Harvard" conversation. Talk to your child about her interests and how they might translate into a college major or focused career training.

        It's not too early for you and your children to visit a college so they can begin to picture themselves there.   My husband and I attended the same university in Iowa, and last summer we took both kids to visit the campus.  They were in awe and can't stop talking about the day they flee our nest for college-even my 5-year-old, who had previously assured me he was never going to college or moving out of the house.

        As a parent, think about what is beyond high school for your child and encourage them to go on.   If they decide that high school is enough, they probably won't check out of their bedroom at 18.  So, be that parent who is encouraging, informed, and proactive.

        For more information about the Go On initiative, visit jkaf.org or go-on-idaho.org.  The Foundation recently re-launched jkaf.org to serve as a resource and tool for students, parents, and education stakeholders who are interested in getting a quality, affordable education.  The site features a blog and newsfeed that provide Idahoans the most relevant, expert information related to education.

Stephanie Worrell is a Treasure Valley wife and the mother of a 5-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl.  Stephanie is a freelance writer, speaker, and award-winning communications consultant who can be found at oshouldknow.com.