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Your Options After High School
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- Over time as you grow older you are
responsible for more and more things in your life.
Eventually you will be living on your own and be responsible for
all your own living expenses. Picking the right post
secondary training opportunities can greatly influence the
quality of your life. Presented here are options identify
in the Higher Ed Book produced by the Washington Council
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- Apprenticeship:
If you would like career training
without attending a technical program or college and if you
learn best by a hands-on approach, you may want to begin an
apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is an organized system
through which you learn the practical skills of a trade. A
craft worker supervises the learning process while teaching
you skills of the trade on the job. Examples of
apprenticeships include automotive, utilities and energy,
and construction. Depending on the trade, your training term
can last from one to four years. While you are learning your
trade, you must also take classes on related subjects. This
is usually provided by the employer, a community or
technical college, or through an approved correspondence
course. The apprentice earns a wage while enrolled in an
apprenticeship program.
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- Business, Trade or Technical
Programs: These schools are
for students who have chosen particular occupations and want
to learn specialized training in a specific field. Many
colleges of technology function like a community/technical
college and offer general courses that students can use for
transfer. These programs are available at privately owned
schools and at many community /technical colleges or
colleges of technology. Students usually receive a
license/certificate/diploma, or an associate's degree. These
programs offer practical training in specific employment
fields such as computers, electronics, automotive,
cosmetology and health occupations. Program completion
varies from several weeks to several years, depending on
career requirements. Cost varies with the program selected
and length of the program.
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- Colleges and Universities:
Colleges and universities offer
four-year degrees such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of
Science (BS), as well as graduate degrees. Some also offer
two-year associate degrees. Universities offer a huge course
selection and have extensive resources. Class size varies with
the subject area, course level and total student enrollment.
Colleges and universities offer many programs of study. They may
provide a liberal arts education or more specific specialization
such as nursing. College professors see teaching
- as their primary responsibility and
classes tend to be smaller than those in universities.
University professors are usually involved in both teaching and
research. Graduate students, rather than professors, may teach
some of the classes at universities. Bachelor's degrees usually
require four years or longer of study. Masters and doctoral
degrees require more time following the bachelor degree. Costs
for colleges and universities vary depending on the type of
institution {public or independent) and other factors such as
housing, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
Community and Technical
Colleges: Community or
technical colleges offer two-year liberal arts programs or
specific career training programs. After completing their
studies, students receive a certificate, diploma or an
associate's degree. Many students then transfer to a
four-year college or university to continue their education.
Other graduates go directly into the work setting. Community
and technical colleges offer numerous degrees and
certificates in a wide variety of academic, professional and
technical fields. Check with the community or technical
college of your choice for more information. Associate
degrees usually require two years. Technical associate
degrees, certificates and diplomas may be two years or less.
Costs for attendance varies depending on the school you
attend. Community and technical colleges are usually less
expensive than a 4-year college or university.
- Military: The Army, Marine
Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard (both Air
and Army Guard) offer a variety of options for part-time and
full-time service. Other training and education opportunities
for high school students to investigate include: Reserve Officer
Training Corps (ROTC) and the service academies; the US Military
Academy (West Point, NY), the US Naval Academy (for both Navy
and Marine Corp future officers Annapolis, MD), the US Air Force
Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), and the Coast Guard Academy {New
London, CT). The length of time of training to placement
varies with the specific option selected and associated service
obligation. For more information about the military, visit
www.zillahschools.org/military,
www.todaymilitary.com,
or
www.military.com
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- Tribal Colleges:
Tribal colleges are usually smaller
colleges that offer certificate programs, associate degrees and
a few offer 4-year degrees. Tribal colleges mostly serve
American Indian students; especially those living on
reservations but all students are welcomed. There are 33 tribal
colleges in the nation.
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- Volunteer or Community Service:
Some students choose to take
some time after high school
- or in between college breaks to
explore another culture, travel, or volunteer. There are many
programs available for students such as:
- *American
Field Service (AFs) Intercultural Programs: Offers students a
choice of full-year, semester or summer programs abroad.
- *AmericCorps
Corporation for National Service: Offers students opportunities
for community service through full and part-time programs.
- *National
Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Offers wilderness education
expeditions in the US and abroad.
- Formal programs can last from weeks to
months. Many students schedule their breaks from school with
college calendars. Many programs are in a volunteer capacity,
but stipends may be available for housing and food. Participants
may be awarded scholarship incentives for education.
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- Work Full- Time: If you are
interested in earning a paycheck and not attending school, you
may choose to work full-time. This option is listed last because
most of these jobs offer dead end minimum wage positions.
We encourage any of the above options first. Some students
may need to look at part time college and part time work.
That is OK too as long as you have the goal of finishing some
sort of post secondary education. Full-time work for high school
graduates varies, but most jobs are available in the service
industry {retail, food industry, etc.). Most jobs
available for high school graduates do not require formal
structured training and workers are paid an hourly wage.
As we continue on this CD we will investigate these options in
greater detail. Just select
Picking Your Post-Secondary
Opportunities |
