ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of guidance and counseling programs on the academic achievement of students in Bushenyi District Uganda. The objectives of the study were; to investigate the counseling needs of students in the selected secondary schools of Bushenyi District; to asses the school counseling programs in selected secondary schools of Bushenyi District; and to investigate the relationship between counseling programs and the academic achievement of students. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to the students and teachers plus interviews to management. Results from the study showed that; planning a career identity, Combating career stereotyping and understanding the continuing changes of male/female roles, analyzing the skills and interest that go with particular jobs in preparation for an effective school-to-work transition, developing positive attitudes through identifying, prioritizing and evaluating values; understanding and making appropriate decisions regarding drug/alcohol, tobacco, and use of other harmful substances, developing a respect for cultural diversity, and learning how to behave responsibly in family, school, and the community in general are students counseling needs. The counseling programs available in schools were; Social programs, Vocational development programs, individual counseling program, ori_entation program, and placement counseling program. The findings showed that Student counseling improves school attendance, school behavior of students, students counseling improves students' perception of school safety and success, counseling programs in school improves students reasoning capacity, and counseling programs earn higher achievement test scores than students who attend schools where no such programs are in place. The study recommended that the Ministry could start by identifying professionals who can conduct studies in schools and then make recommendations for policy changes that will ensure that more lasting guidance and counseling programs are established in all schools; also, for guidance and counseling programs to be effective in Uganda, trained professionals should be. employed to manage and offer services in schools. Such professionals should also be provided with relevant facilities arid structural support.
