Post Secondary Alternatives
There are many different options available to students about what they would like to do when they graduate from high school. While many students follow a path to college, others choose to pursue an alternative route to the career or life they desire. Some of these alternate options are discussed below. Regardless of what your goals are, it is important to speak with your guidance counselor to discuss the most appropriate post-secondary plan for you.
Gap Year
Taking a Gap Year is opting to take some time after high school, whether a semester or a year, to press pause and think about what is important to you. There is often an experiential or learning component that goes along with this.
Gap Year program search sites:
Check out the Guidance Blog post about Gap year Programs HERE
Gap Year Scholarships​ & Financial Aid
Interested in taking a Gap year? Many Gap year programs offer scholarships and opportunities to apply for financial aid.
Click HERE for more information
Thiel Fellowship: a 2-year program for young people who want to build new things. Thiel Fellows skip or stop out of college to receive a $100,000 grant and support from the Thiel Foundation’s network of founders, investors, and scientists. Click HERE for more information.
April 7, 2021 - Gap Year Panel Webinar
View the recording of the Virtual Gap Year Panel below. You can read a written summary of what was discussed HERE.
Post-Graduate (PG) Year
A post-graduate, or PG, year is typically an additional year of academic study in a boarding school environment where a student can transition to the college lifestyle. Some students may choose to do a PG year to build upon existing academic foundations, to strengthen social or academic skills prior to college, or to increase proficiency in an area such as art, music, or athletics. To learn more about PG years, speak with your guidance counselor and explore the following resources:
The Association of Boarding Schools
The National Association of Independent Schools
Volunteer and Service Programs
Many organizations provide service or community aid to others in all types of settings. Your length of involvement in such programs can vary significantly, so it is important to fully research each opportunity. Listed below are a few of many different service organizations.
Outdoor Adventure/Non-Traditional Classrooms
Many students express an interest in exploring different parts of the country and the world. There are a number of programs allowing students to do just that. Some of these non-traditional classrooms give academic credit, but it is important to fully research each program. A few programs are listed below.
National Outdoor Leadership School
Military Service
There are five branches of the military. Enlisting can offer a wide variety of job training skills in a number of vocational areas. Once basic training is completed, individuals must complete two years or more of service. Interested students should take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which is typically offered at MHS in the Spring.
ASVAB information and test prep
Study Abroad Programs
Studying in another country is a great way to learn while immersing yourself in another culture. The length of time spent abroad can vary from program to program. Several programs are listed below.
International Student Exchange Programs
Vocational Training or Internship Programs
Internships are excellent ways to gain experience and learn vocational skills by being placed on-site in a particular industry. Some internship programs are listed below.
Trade School
There are a number of local trade schools and community colleges that offer license/certificate programs for various careers. Click HERE to search for trade schools or check out the programs listed below.
Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy
Ben Franklin Institute of Technology
Bay State School of Technology
Mass Transfer
The Mass Transfer program allows students to earn a 2 year Associates Degree at a Community College and a guaranteed transfer to a Massachusetts State University or UMASS Campus if a B average is earned. This is a great way to keep college debt to a minimum and and is an option for students who aren't ready to commit to a four year college degree. Check out more information about this program HERE.