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Options after High School

When you leave high school, you have choices about where to go next.  Here's a general breakdown of the options:

  • Four Year Colleges/Universities, which provide students with a broad foundation in arts and sciences as they work toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.  Universities are generally larger institutions which are comprised of undergraduate colleges, graduate and professional schools -- and they usually provide a wider variety of course offerings in a myriad of major fields of study.
  • Two Year Community Colleges, which offer broad, comprehensive programs of instruction in occupational, technical and semi-professional training, in addition to providing the first and second year courses for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college/university. **Students may find this article (about the value of a two-year degree) interesting: http://time.com/money/3829131/two-year-college-degrees-payoff/. Anyone who begins at a community college and plans to finish their four-year degree should plan ahead using patrac.org, which shows the specific courses that will transfer to other colleges and universities.
  • Technical/Trade Schools, which are designed to offer training in a specific trade such as electricity, carpentry, cosmetology, business, drafting, or culinary arts.  Most programs take two years or less to complete and result in a certificate rather than a college degree.  Click here for a comprehensive  Technical School Directory. 
  • Military. Enlistment in the military gives individuals the chance to learn a trade, serve their country and earn money for college. Interested students should take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) at CYHS in the fall of their junior and/or senior year. Students headed toward college should also realize that there are several ways to combine their futures in the military and in college.  Learn more at this part of our website.
  • Apprenticeship Programs, which provide highly specialized instruction in occupations such as printing, carpentry, plumbing, masonry and electrical.  The apprentice receives training under the supervision of a master craftsman. 
  • Employment. While opportunities exist in the community for jobs that require no education or training, most of these jobs offer little opportunity for advancement and relatively low pay over a career. Students are encouraged to work closely with their counselor to explore ALL career options, so that they will be prepared for a career that is fulfilling and profitable throughout their lifetime. For job search tips, click here.
  • Volunteer work. Consider checking out Americorps. Here is what can AmeriCorps NCCC offer you:
    • Room, board, healthcare, clothing and equipment
    • A living allowance of about $4,000
    • Valuable skills to enhance your resume - such as leadership, and team building
    • CPR, first aid, and disaster response training
    • A robust alumni network to assist with school and job searches
    • The opportunity to travel the country doing a variety of service projects
    • The chance to focus on disaster response and recovery working with FEMA,  the American Red Cross and other agencies
    • The satisfaction of helping others and making our country a better place
    • The possibility of earning a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,500 to help pay for college

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) offers a full-time, 10-month, team based service program full of unique experiences, benefits and the opportunity to impact the lives of others.  If you are interested go to www.americorps.gov for more information. Applications are accepted year round.