Additional Postsecondary Options
Earning an associate or bachelor's degree isn't your only option after high school. Many programs provide training to prepare for a successful career.
Check out additional postsecondary options.
NAME: AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)
DESCRIPTION: Learn team-based skills and enhance your leadership to participate in programs that offer opportunities to lead youth development activities, construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, clean up streams, help communities develop emergency plans, and address other pressing local needs
ELIGIBILITY: 18-24 years of age| U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Association of Air Conditioning Professionals
DESCRIPTION: Participate in a four-year apprenticeship program and earn credits toward an associate's degree from Montgomery College and the opportunity to receive a Maryland Journeyperson's License without having to sit for the exam
ELIGIBILITY: At least 16 years of age | Must have completed at least 9th grade in high school | Must have valid driver's license | Must be physically fit to perform the work of the occupation | Must adequate means of transportation to employer and/or job site
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Associated Builders and Contractors Apprenticeship
DESCRIPTION: Engage in on-the-job training and related classroom instruction under the supervision of a trade professional to learn how to work in carpentry, electrical, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration), plumbing, sheet metal, & sprinkler fitting
ELIGIBILITY: At least 18 years of age | Must provide high school diploma, GED certificate | Must be authorized to work in the U.S. | Anyone is welcome to apply regardless of gender or ethnic group.
MORE INFO: Click here for Baltimore area, Chesapeake Shores area, or Cumberland Valley area
NAME: City Year
DESCRIPTION: Gain valuable experience working in an elementary, middle or high school setting in high-risk schools preparing students with the social, emotional and academic skills and mindsets to succeed in school and in life
ELIGIBILITY: 17-24 years of age | U.S. citizen or permanent resident | High school diploma or equivalent | Must pass background check to work in schools | Commit to program for 11 months, plus one month of training | Housing not provided, may help find housing arrangements
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland Apprenticeship Program
DESCRIPTION: This apprenticeship program will provide training for apprentices to specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration systems. Work may include installing, servicing and repairing heating and air conditioning systems in residences and commercial establishments.
ELIGIBILITY: Must be able to attend classes held two evenings a week, from September through April at Carroll Community College in Westminster, Cecil College in North East, Harford Community College in Bel Air and Howard Community College in Columbia
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Job Corps
DESCRIPTION: Engage in a no-cost academic and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor | Career training varies by center - see website at local Job Corps center for more details
ELIGIBILITY: 16-24 years of age | U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or authorized to work in the U.S. | Complete Student Eligibility Quiz
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee
DESCRIPTION: Participate in technical training programs to prepare to work in the electrical industry
ELIGIBILITY: At least 18 years of age | U.S. citizen | High school diploma, with 1 year of algebra | Must have valid driver's license | Must be able to meet physical demands of apprenticeship
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: MCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program
DESCRIPTION: Enter the workforce while still in high school, earn a salary, gain marketable industry skills, learn from a highly skilled mentor, receive a State Skill Certificate as a result of meeting all the state program standards, and have the opportunity to continue in the career field after graduation
ELIGIBILITY: At least 16 years of age | Rising junior or senior currently enrolled in an MCPS high school | Must have social security number | Able to transport oneself to and from work
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Mid-Atlantic Sheet Metal Industry
DESCRIPTION: A career in the sheet metal industry not only offers endless possibilities in all types of industries, but you’ll earn the respect for a job well-done and have a secure future with long-term financial rewards by completing 9,000 hours of training within five years, which consists of a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction
ELIGIBILITY: At least 18 years of age | Must have valid driver's license | Must have high school or GED/HSED transcript
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: North America's Building Trades Union Apprenticeship Readiness Programs
DESCRIPTION: Access a gateway for local residents – focusing on women, people of color, and transitioning veterans – to gain access to Building Trades’ registered apprenticeship programs to become a construction manager, developer, architect, labor attorney, and more
ELIGIBILITY: At least 18 years of age | Must have earned high school diploma or GED | Must have reliable transportation and driver's license | Must pass drug test
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Per Scholas
DESCRIPTION: Benefit from technical training, career development, and job placement in technology | Earn Google Professional Certificate, CompTIA A+ & Net+ Certifications
ELIGIBILITY: Any age, on 10th grade reading level | U.S. citizen or legal resident living or claiming residency in the U.S. or Puerto Rico | Must show interest in IT careers | Must pass background check
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Public Allies
DESCRIPTION: Participate in an apprenticeship and join other talented young leaders, with a passion for social impact, to create meaningful change in your community
ELIGIBILITY: At least 17 years of age| U.S. citizen or legal resident living or claiming residency in the U.S. or Puerto Rico | High school diploma or equivalent | Passionate about community development | Must pass background check
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Student Conservation Association Young Adult Programs
DESCRIPTION: Join SCA’s nationwide network of young conservationists and explore green career opportunities with professional internships in the field. Whether your dream is to lead public programs as a park ranger, trek the backcountry as a field scientist, or explore new sustainability solutions as an urban planner, SCA has something for you
ELIGIBILITY: At least 18 years of age | Interested in conservation service work
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI)
DESCRIPTION: Participate in 2-year training program that combines structured classroom, shop and interactive curriculum teaching with full time, paid on-the-job training | Earn National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification
ELIGIBILITY: High school diploma | Valid driver's license | Interest in the auto repair industry
MORE INFO: Click here
NAME: Year Up
DESCRIPTION: Earn hands-on skill development, college credits, and corporate internships to prepare for success in professional careers and higher education
ELIGIBILITY: 18-26 years of age| U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, or authorized to work in the U.S.| High school diploma or GED | Low to moderate income | Highly motivated to learn new technical and professional skills
MORE INFO: Click here