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Module 1: What are my options after I graduate?

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Module 1: What are my options after I graduate?

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Absorb:
- Watch this video on "What is college?".
- Watch this video on college options.
- Read this article about different paths https://www.understood.org/articles/en/after-high-school-different-paths-to-success

Do and Connect:
Following the prompt below, engage in a quick write and jot down your ideas related to these questions. Your answers don't have to be precise or anything you're 100% sure of, this is just to get some ideas down on paper to begin the course!

What was your favorite part of high school?

When you think about your future, what makes you excited?

Do you like school enough to do it for 4 more years?

Do you know what you want to do? (You don’t have to!) If you do, do you think college would help you get there?

These are some common myths and misconceptions about college to keep in mind as you work through this module:

You need to know exactly what you want to do if you want to go to college.

You need to have every penny of tuition saved before you start.

You have to go to a 4 year university if you want to succeed.

You have to graduate in 4 years.

You should go to college right out of high school.

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Absorb:
- Watch this video about community colleges. Keep in mind that they are using Seattle college as an example but this information is applicable to community colleges everywhere.
- Explore the Community College of Aurora's website and check out their "Getting Started" tab.
- Look at the Community College of Denver's webpage, particularly Admissions, Recruitment, and Outreach Page - Enrollment Process for New First- Time Students

Do:
Take this quiz about whether or not community college might be a good fit for you.

Connect:
Using the information that you gathered from the video, websites, and quiz that you took, reflect on what going to a community college might look like for you. Draw out your thoughts in a mind map, like the one attached.

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Absorb:
- Read this article that introduces what different types of 4 year universities there are: http://studentcaffe.com/apply/four-year-college/types-and-benefits
- If you're thinking of going to a four year university, these are some good factors to keep in mind: https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-college/

Do:
- Take this quiz about finding colleges that might be a good fit for you. https://www.niche.com/about/college-quiz/
- You can also look at Cu Denver’s website as an example of a 4 year. https://www.ucdenver.edu/ Explore the “Academics” and “Life at CU Denver” pages to get a better sense of what it could look like to go to a four year university.

Connect:
In this padlet, post your answers to the following questions:

Do you have any experience with or connection to 4 year universities?

Is living on or around campus something that you’d be interested in doing?

If you have any insight or advice for your peers that have also posted in that padlet, feel free to respond to them.

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Module 4: What does it mean to transfer?

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Module 4: What does it mean to transfer?

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Absorb:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/college-101/tips-on-college-transferring-from-a-2-year-to-a-4-year-college
- Look at Colorado Community College's page about transferring from a community college to a university in Colorado: https://www.cccs.edu/transfer/

Do and Connect:
- In the form of a reflective journal entry, consider the following questions and elaborate on your responses:
- Would you be interested in attending a community college for two years before transferring to a 4 year institution? Why or why not?
- What would some perks of attending a community college then transferring be for you?
- Do you think transferring would make the transition to a 4 year university easier? Why or why not?

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Module 5: Alternate options: trade schools, gap year, internships

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Module 5: Alternate options: trade schools, gap year, internships

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If you decide that college isn’t for you right now, that’s ok! You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. You just have to have *something* figured out. There are other options than community college or a four year university.

Absorb:

- Read this article on how college isn't always necessarily the answer: https://www.npr.org/local/309/2020/02/03/802228885/pushing-beyond-the-idea-that-college-is-always-the-answer

- Explore a technical college in Aurora called Picken's webpage about their alternative learning paths. https://www.pickenstech.org

Do:
- Make a quick list of some alternative options that you might have after school rather than going to college. Do any of these options stick out to you? If they don't, that's ok, it just might mean that an alternative path isn't for you right now.

Connect:
- Post your list in this Padlet to gather inspiration from the lists' of your peers, and to inspire them as well.

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High School
Suzanne Shaffer
When my son was a senior in high school, he had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation. College seemed out of reach and of very little interest since he coasted through high school on the bare minimum of effort. His involvement in NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) in high school led him toward the military option. When he left for boot camp after graduation, he was happy with his decision to avoid the traditional college route.

My daughter, on the other hand, knew she wanted to go to college and where she wanted to go. When she graduated and left for college in the fall, she was content with her decision and looked forward to four years of education.

Each of my children chose a different path. If I had forced my son to attend college it would have ended badly. If I had pressured my daughter to join the military, it would have been a disaster. But since I let them decide for themselves and didn't push them in any one direction, they found the paths that were right for them.

While a college degree is an impressive achievement and has undisputed value, it's not for everyone. There are many meaningful paths after high school graduation that don't include a traditional four-year college experience. If your student is vacillating about going to college, or is currently in college but regrets the decision, don't panic. Your student may need to follow one of these alternative paths.

Gap year

The words "I want to take a year off before I go to college" aren't always welcomed by parents. Don't fear the gap year! Not every student is ready for college right after high school. If that's the case for your child, why would you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on tuition?

Gap years are most beneficial when students have a plan. Gap year options may include working and traveling abroad, taking on an internship or apprenticeship, or volunteering.

If your student has accepted a spot at a college but wants to do a gap year, with approval from the school they can defer admission and enter as a freshman the following year - usually with all financial aid intact. They should pay attention to deadlines and be sure to complete all necessary paperwork.

Still not sure about the value of a gap year? Read "Will Taking Time Off Help Your Student Land a Job or Internship?" and "What My Daughter's Gap Year Taught Me."

Community college

Not only is community college a smart financial decision, but it could also be the best fit for your student. For a graduate who is interested in higher education but unsure that a bachelor's degree is their ultimate goal, community college is a good way to wade in, start exploring areas of academic interest, and get some basic credits out of the way. If they decide to transfer to a four-year college, you will save on tuition. Your student can also work while attending and explore career options. In addition, many community colleges offer associate degrees in numerous technical and skilled trade fields.

Trade or technical school

Trade and technical schools offer specific vocational training for a great variety of skilled careers. Most of these careers require two years or less of training. Mike Rowe, of the popular television show Dirty Jobs and founder of a foundation for the skilled trades, stated in an interview with Salary.com:

America is in the midst of a skilled labor shortage, as hundreds of thousands of available jobs go unfilled because workers lack the necessary training. But even more upsetting is the attitude of many Americans that the trades are merely a last-ditch alternative when college doesn't work out. Parents have long relied on examples of certain unattractive jobs to motivate their children academically, sending a message of "If you don't get good grades and go to college, you could end up doing that."

For a student who enjoys this type of work, a trade or technical school would be a much better choice than a four-year college. And attitudes are changing - some high schools now celebrate a "Career and Technical Letter-of-Intent Signing Day" similar to the signing days held to recognize student-athletes recruited to play at the college level.

If you're worried about your student's future earning potential without a college degree, rest easy. Take a look at these 40 high-paying jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's does not guarantee a high-paying job or personal satisfaction.

Volunteer

If your student isn't motivated toward college, volunteering for a year or two is a good way to build character and learn the value of service. Consider researching these programs:

The Corporation for National & Community Service runs Americorps NCCC, a residential program for young adults aged 18-24 who want to serve for about a year. Volunteers work in small teams doing community projects related to disaster recovery, environmental stewardship, education and more. There are three application deadlines a year for this program.

The CNCS also offers AmeriCorps VISTA which partners volunteers for a year with non-profit organizations dedicated to eradicating poverty.

Conservation Corps is much like AmeriCorps but focuses on work outdoors.

Global Routes sends young people to foreign countries for 12 weeks or so to perform service.

Catholic Volunteer Network has a searchable database of opportunities that don't require a college degree or any religious affiliation.

Military

For many high school grads, the military, with its diverse branches and areas of service, presents a good option. Benefits include a salary, room and board, paid college tuition through the GI Bill, and retirement after 20 years. Bonus: the military will often train you for a career after your years of service and your student can enter the workforce with experience.

Another option is to attend a military college and receive an officer's commission after graduation in the service branch of your choice. To learn more about joining the military, you and your student can visit these helpful websites: www.military.com and www.todaysmilitary.com.

Online classes

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free online courses open to anyone (check out the offerings on EdX). MOOCs deliver quality educational experiences and provide an affordable and flexible way to learn new skills and explore career-related subjects. Options for online courses continue to grow. Khan Academy, which began as a series of YouTube videos, is making online instruction a more widely used tool for students who aren't interested in traditional learning.

Apprenticeship or fellowship

If traditional education doesn't appeal to your student, an apprenticeship or fellowship might. The Thiel Fellowship, for example, selects 20 individuals under the age of 20 who receive $100,000 to skip college and realize their visions and ideas. The fellows are mentored for two years by top scientists, researchers and business leaders.

A few other intriguing programs:

Enstitute provides full-time, paid apprenticeships for students aged 18-24.

Echoing Green grants funding to young leaders who are passionate about social change.

TechStars provides funding and guidance for entrepreneurs of any age in the technology industry.

There are many more programs out there. Your student might also create a DIY apprenticeship with a local craftsperson or contractor.

Artistic path

My nephew chose this path after trying college for one semester and realizing it was not for him. He filmed BMX racing for fun during high school and was able to turn this hobby into a freelance career. Today he travels the world filming race events and creating advertising video content for businesses.

If your student is creative with a hobby that might develop into a career, encourage them to investigate ways to generate income using their talent. Career paths of this type include videographer, graphic artist, photographer, musician, painter and sculptor.

Career college

Students who aren't keen on the idea of another four years of traditional classroom learning might warm up to a career college such as an art, fashion or culinary institute. Another option is to consider a college that focuses not only on academics but also on hands-on education. One such college is Pennsylvania College of Technology. Students graduate with a liberal arts degree trained to immediately enter the workforce.

Internship or job

Paid and unpaid internships can help students uncover their interests and gain insight into potential careers while learning what training or education those careers might require. Many employers offer paid education benefits to their interns and often hire interns as full-time employees after completion of the internship.

Your student could also consider simply getting a job and working for a year or two before deciding on a college path. An entry-level position in almost any field will teach your child valuable lessons like showing up on time, staying late if necessary, having integrity and treating customers, co-workers and employers with respect. That foundational ethic is in high demand in the workplace.

Entrepreneurship

With a passion for a service or product, a commitment to work hard, and some knowledge of social media for marketing, just about anyone can become an entrepreneur. Some famously successful men and women became entrepreneurs without the benefit of a college degree: Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, CoCo Chanel, Mary Kay Ash and many more. Starting a business with little or no investment has never been easier thanks to online tools and the wealth of information available from a simple Google search. Any entrepreneur will tell your student, however, that it requires long hours of hard work and dedicated commitment to your business.

Know your child

For many students, a college education will be the right choice. For some, however, it will not. It may turn out that a bachelor's degree isn't destined to be a stop along the way of your child's life journey. Education doesn't have to be traditional. It's perfectly acceptable for your student to explore other paths.

CollegiateParent provides descriptions and links for informational purposes only; we do not endorse or receive compensation from any of the programs mentioned in this article.

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When my son was a senior in high school, he had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation. College seemed out of reach and of very little interest since he coasted through high school on the bare minimum of effort.

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Another option for after you graduate is to join the military. There are many different branches and career paths you  can take within the armed forces.

Absorb: First, explore these webpages of the different branches.
- US Airforce: https://www.af.mil
- US Marines: https://www.marines.com
- US Army: https://www.army.mil
- US Navy:https://www.navy.mil

Do: Use a graphic organizer like the one attached to analyze information about the four branches of the armed forces. Provide context for each one such as time commitment, career options within each branch, and what the first or next steps look like.

Connect: If joining the military looks like it might be a good option for you, sign up the email list of one of the branches that interests you most. This will provide you with more information about your options.
If this doesn't seem like the right option for you, write a brief description of why not. Explain what deters you from this option and why you feel that way. Submit this to me over email in a pdf format.

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Although this process can feel difficult to navigate, there are so many resources to help you through this process. This module will give you insight about who you can go to for the services that you will need over the next few months on this journey.

Absorb:
- Explore CCA’s webpage on academic advisors.  This give you some information about the services that they provide.  https://www.ccaurora.edu/faq/academic-advising
- Now look at your schools webpage on counseling and advising. Try to find a new piece of information or a resources that they provide that you didn’t know about until now.  https://awcpa.aurorak12.org/counseling/

Connect:

As we are nearing the end of our course, you are going to make a pros and cons list to weigh some of the options that we have reviewed so far.
First, choose the option that stands out most to you, for example, community college or trade school. Then, choose a second option.
Next, consider the negative and positive factors that will influence your decision. List the positives under the "pro" column, and the negatives under the "cons" column. These could be things like cost, time, location, length, etc.
You will be making two pros and cons list, one for each of your top two choices. Next week, we will use these to compare and contrast the options that seem realistic to you.
Use this template to make your pros and cons list.
Remember that this doesn't need to be conclusive, you don't need to make a decision now, this is just an activity to get you in the right headspace.

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One thing to keep in mind as you begin your post graduate planning is financial aid. Financial aid can be a difficult process to navigate, but it isn't impossible! With the help and support of academic and financial advisors, it can be a breeze. Begin by exploring these resources about financial aid.

Absorb:
- https://understandingfafsa.org
- Watch this video on filling out FAFSA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsI46YHy6lw

Do:
- Save these links to your computer or bookmark these tabs, you will want to have these resources to come back to you as continue through the financial aid process.

Connect:
- Connect with your peers by posting any questions or ideas about financial aid that you have in this Google doc. You can also respond to your peers posts and comments.

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FAFSA: The How-To Guide for High School Students

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Trying to figure out which colleges you can afford? These are four of our favorite student-tested websites for comparing college costs. All are great for comparing your college offers as well. We...

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FAFSA - home - FAFSA: The How-To Guide for High School Students

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Trying to figure out which colleges you can afford? These are four of our favorite student-tested websites for comparing college costs. All are great for comparing your college offers as well. We...

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Compile your quick write, mind map, journal entry, and pros and cons list into one file or folder. Looking at all of these materials that you have created, begin to envision what some of these options could look like as a reality for you. This doesn't need to be a final decision by any means, just take the week to explore your options so far. You can also go back and take a look at the Padlet boards that have the inspiration from your peers about their own college journeys that you can take into consideration. At the end of the week to finish up this module, rank the options in your list that you have in front of you.
This is going to be used as your "Exit ticket" for the course.

Finally, please fill out this Google form that will provide me with feedback about the course and will help you finalize your last thoughts about the modules you just spent the last 9 weeks working through. The goal of this is to help you summarize what you learned and proved you with a resource to look back on as you continue your journey.