Post-Secondary Options
4-yr, 2-yr, Career/Vocational, Apprenticeship, Military and Full-Time Employment
As you review the post-secondary options below be aware that students may have permission for excused absences not to exceed three (3) days per school year for post-secondary visits. Approval will not be granted during the first or last two weeks of a semester or the school year.
If planning a visit, please obtain a "College/School Visitation" form HERE or from the attendance office. The form must be signed by a parent/guardian and an official from the institution being visited. The completed form will need to be submitted to the attendance office when retuning to school.
4-year colleges and universities
Public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges and career colleges offering bachelor’s degrees all fall into the category of 4-year colleges and universities. These schools offer bachelor’s degrees, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study, and some may also have a graduate school that offer master’s degrees and further study.
The benefits of attending a 4-year college/university is you will be educated in a wide variety of subjects through general education requirements, have many majors to pick from, have many extracurricular options and receive the traditional college experience.
Many online schools and universities also offer bachelors degrees and an online alternative to a campus school.
2-year/Community College
An associate degree (2-year degree) is usually completed at a community college, although sometimes it can be earned at a four-year college or university. Like four-year programs, students can still get some general education credits at a community college. This might be good for students who don’t have a specific idea of what they want to do in the future, as it allows them to get a well-rounded education, explore options and hone in on a specialty.
There are many reasons students would want to choose a community college over a four-year institution. One of the biggest reason students choose community college is financial. Community colleges tend to cost a lot less than four-year institutions, making it less expensive for students to acquire an associate degree or attain general education credits before transferring.
Community colleges also tend to have many part-time students, allowing students to work and take classes at the same time. For students with real financial barriers, starting slow and earning credits can be a successful route to earning a degree.
The class sizes at community colleges are generally significantly smaller than four-year intuitions, although not always. Smaller class sizes allow for more personalized attention and one-on-one time with instructors, which is helpful for students who need extra help or like to learn at their own pace.
Career/Vocational School
After high school, this type of education is typically found in a technical program at community colleges or a specific technical school. Technical programs offer students hands-on experience related to a specific career. If you graduate from high school and already know that you want to pursue a career in a skilled profession, a technical program is a good option. Technical programs and schools provide programs to pursue careers like electricians, mechanics, pharmacy technicians, dental hygienists, nuclear technicians, machinists, and more. Compared to a four-year education, which requires general education credits and electives, this route is more streamlined and focuses on developing specifics skills and knowledge for a chosen career path. Generally, upon completing these programs, a student will earn either a certification in their field or trade, or an associate degree. Usually, the programs that are highly skilled will earn your student certification in that field or trade.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships help bridge our skill gap while offering a lot of great benefits. Apprenticeships are continuing to grow, and apprenticeships offer something a typical 4-year degree doesn’t – a paid job with a competitive wage from day one, education and the credentials you need for the job in that industry all in one program.
Apprentices train under experienced workers in the occupation they are pursuing. Apprenticeship programs are often accompanied with classroom study through local community colleges or technical programs. This is a great way for students to explore their career path and learn more about the job they are pursuing while gaining experience from trained professionals. Visit the Joint Apprenticeship Training Programs offered by the region’s construction trade unions link below for more information.
https://www.buildersguild.org/index.php
Military
Today’s Military comprises six Service branches, each with active-duty and part-time components. Part-time duty includes five Reserve and two Guard components as well as possibilities for Split Training. Location, mission and service commitments vary greatly, though all are on the same rank-based pay scale. Some of the best benefits of joining the U.S. military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. Visit the link below for more information about today’s military.
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/
Full-Time Employment
The responsibility of holding down a full-time job is a good way to transition into adulthood, not to mention it is a financial necessity, however the job market may be tough. You will want to gear a job search towards a job that offers career growth, as opposed to a job that normally hires teen workers on a temporary basis.
In addition, you should look in an industry that interests you and a company for which you can see yourself working in the future, not just for the time-being. The opportunity to build a career off an entry-level job is possible if you are willing to commit to working hard to move up in the company.