The American School Counselor Association guides school counselors in supporting students focus on academic, social and career development so that they are able to accomplish all of their goals in school and are equipped with the proper tools to have rewarding lives. ASCA provides professional development, resources, research and advocacy to over 24,000 professional school counselors. ASCA heads a group of resources called Smart Girl, which are publications geared towards inspiring middle school girls to learn good decision-making skills, raise their self-esteem, and become capable and independent women.