Embedded Files
GENERAL RESOURCES
Transition Agencies
VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
Department of Rehabilitation
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.
DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services.
San Andreas Regional Center
San Andreas Regional Center is a community-based, private nonprofit corporation funded by the State of California to serve people with developmental disabilities as required by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act. The Lanterman Act is part of California law that sets out the rights and responsibilities of persons with developmental disabilities. San Andreas is one of 21 regional centers throughout California serving individuals and their families who reside within Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.
San Andreas provides diagnostic and prevention services to help ameliorate developmental disabilities. Examples of such service includes amniocentesis, chorionic villus screening or genetic screening for pregnant woman. Chromosomal studies, and genetic counseling, are available to family members to determine hereditary conditions that may increase the risk for birthing a developmental disabled infant or to determine the cause of a disabling condition. These prevention services are available upon referral from a physician.
https://www.sanandreasregional.org/
Expandability
Expandability’s mission is to provide support and services that aim to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by supporting and developing their abilities through advocacy and meaningful employment.
Career Technical Education
FUHSD CTE Courses
Career Technical Education (CTE) courses provide students with the skills they need to be successful in their postsecondary education and future career. Each CTE class offers students the opportunities to explore careers in industries that are thriving in our region. In addition, students apply skills learned in their “core academic” classes, giving them the competitive advantage of moving beyond theory and into practice. Students often work in teams to come up with solutions to real-world problems and demonstrate their learning by designing, building, or implementing the idea or product. Students share what they learn through presentations (sometimes to industry representatives), competitions, or with their peers. CTE courses provide students with leadership opportunities in industry-related clubs, Career Technical Student Organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) or DECA, and within the course itself.
https://www.fuhsd.org/academics/curriculum/career-technical-education
JobTrain
JobTrain is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational and training institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Each of JobTrain’s programs combines vocational training, academics, and essential skills development, preparing students to turn their lives around—from unemployment and poverty to success and self-sufficiency. Strong partnerships with employers ensure that students receive the training they need for employment so that businesses can find motivated workers who are well trained for their jobs.
https://www.jobtrainworks.org/
Job Corps
Job Corps’ mission is to educate and train highly-motivated young people for successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries. At San Jose Job Corps Center, we support the Job Corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
SVCTE
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education offers state-of-the-art programs taught by industry professionals who engage students in rigorous, real-world academics and skills development designed to support their success through college and in their future careers.
https://www.metroed.net/Domain/29
California Conservation Corps
Our program provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.
National Guard
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
https://www.nationalguard.com/
Trades Orientation Program
The Trades Orientation Program is a free, up to one-year program that will put you on the pathway to apprenticeship and a rewarding career in the high demand construction trades.
No experience is necessary, just a high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation, and the commitment to show up on time every day ready to work and to learn.
Women, youth (age 18+), U.S. veterans and under-represented minorities are highly encouraged to apply.
https://wpusa.org/programs/top/
Apprenticeship Program Information List
Apprenticeship is a system of learning while earning, and "learning by doing." It combines training on the job with related and supplemental instruction at school. Each program operates under apprenticeship training standards agreed to by labor and/or management in accordance with State and Federal laws, under which a person works with a skilled worker and gains on the job skills and "know-how". Check out the full list of apprenticeships available in California by county.
https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/aigstart.asp
Career One Stop
CareerOneStop is the flagship career, training, and job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor. The website serves job seekers, businesses, students, and career advisors with a variety of free online tools, information and resources.
Planning Resources
California CareerZone
The California CareerZone allows students to explore the world of work through a variety of activities. California CareerZone is designed so students can progress at their own pace. California CareerZone is great for allowing students to explore occupations and colleges to narrow down their choices, it doesn't make decisions for them. That decision will ultimately depend on many factors and discussing these with your child can help them tremendously.
CA Department of Education: Secondary Transition Planning
Resources and guidelines for educators, parents and agencies that will assist transition age youth identify and move toward their postsecondary goals in the area of employment.
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/st/employment.asp
CaliforniaColleges.edu
CaliforniaColleges.edu is the State of California’s official college and career planning platform. Lessons and tools help students discover goals for life after high school, make plans to achieve them, and launch their futures. It’s free for California 6th - 12th grade students, their parents, and educators.
https://www.californiacolleges.edu/#/
California Career Resource Network
The California Department of Education’s California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) program provides career development information and resources to support the development of critical career self-management skills necessary for success in today's world of work.
Work Based Learning Opportunities Internships & Employment
On the page to the left you can find a range of work-based learning opportunities through internships, learning opportunities, and employment. The Transition Department strives to keep this information up to date but please research each position to make sure it is accurate information and currently available.
linkedin profile.pdfTips for Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile
POSTSECONDARY PLANNING
Education vs Workforce
You just graduated high school. Now what? You can either continue your education and go straight to college or get some work experience first. There is no right answer. One path may work better for you than the other. Below, we provide points you should consider before making your decision.
Working First
You may be tired of tests and essays, and college will only bring more work than high school. You must be prepared for what will come your way if you go to college first. And, that might be the very reason you want to get to work instead. You’ve probably heard the saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder,” and this can be true for your education as well. Sometimes all it takes is a little break away from classes to value your education as you should.
Going to work right after high school may help you make a better decision about schooling in the future. According to NBC News’ “College Freshmen Face Major Dilemma,” 80% of college-bound students don’t choose a major, and half of those who do declare one eventually change it. If you get a sampling of work experience first, you’ll probably make a surer decision about what you should go to school to be. You may take it more seriously too because you understand what the world of work is all about.
You’ll be able to earn money by working, which will give you a sense of independence and confidence that you can make it on your own. It will also give you life experience and force you to learn how to manage your money responsibly. You’ll have to in order to survive!
So, getting some work experience first sounds good, right? Not so fast. Below, consider the benefits of going to school right after earning your high school diploma.
College First
Going to college straight from high school is the popular decision. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 66.7% of 2017 high school graduates age 16 to 24 were enrolled in colleges or universities in October 2017. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best plan for you.
Statistically, those with a college degree earn more money and are less likely to experience unemployment. The BLS reports a 4.6% unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma, compared to 3.4% with an associate’s degree, 2.5% with a bachelor’s degree and 2.2% with a master’s degree. And median usual weekly earnings tally in at $712 for a high school diploma, compared to $836 with an associate’s degree, $1,173 with a bachelor’s degree and $1,401 with a master’s degree.
If you’re already in a routine of scheduling study time and you have a good system for keeping class notes organized, you may want to power through and get college out of the way. You’ll have to relearn (or at least revisit) those skills when you return to the classroom. And, after a long break, they may not come back as easily. Plus, college will earn you some new soft skills that will be helpful in the workplace, like time management, accepting criticism, collaboration, interpersonal communication, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Something scary about not going to college right away is that you never know what life will throw your way. Will this lead to prolonged procrastination? It might not, but it’s something to consider. Some people just need the little break to recharge, but others will find it hard to go back after time away. You’ll have to decide for yourself. If you find a spouse and have kids, will you still be motivated to continue your education? Life could get in the way.
As you can see, there is no right path. There are pros and cons to each journey. And the decision is ultimately yours. According to Fast Company’s “A Definitive Guide for Making Better (And Better Informed) Decisions,” you should listen to your gut. Your instinct will take your emotions into account in the decision-making process, which may lead to a more satisfying outcome. Additionally, know you’re not fully committed to any decision and you can experiment to see what works best for you. Lastly, think for the long term, but savor the present. Consider how you’ll feel about the decision in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years to put it into perspective.
And, whatever you decide, best of luck on your adventure!
Written by Meghan Ford
Original Article Link: https://www.businessadministrationinformation.com/education/should-i-enter-college-or-start-working-after-high-school
College Considerations
1. What are you interested in?
Math, biology or engineering? The most important factor when choosing a postsecondary education is to find a program that you’re interested in. Pick a program you can see yourself studying and enjoying. The next step is to research to see if the school you are considering has the academic program you’re interested in. Here are a few more questions to get you started:
What subjects are you interested in?
What programs relate to those subjects?
What are the admission requirements?
Can the program lead to further education, like a master’s degree, law, medical school?
Can you participate in research during your studies?
Do you have the opportunity to study abroad?
What services are available on campus to help you be successful?
2. Where is the campus located?
This might be the first time that you live away from home, family and friends.
How far do you want to be from home?
Is it easy for you to get home by car, public transit, plane or train?
Would you prefer to live in a larger, more diverse city, or something a bit smaller and more relaxed?
Or, do you want to live at home while attending school?
3. How does the campus look and feel?
You’re going to spend a lot of time on campus, so make sure you narrow down what you’re looking for in a postsecondary education.
Do you want a big school that offers more opportunities for undergraduate research or a wider breadth of courses, or would you prefer something smaller where professors actually know your name?
Are the students at the school enthusiastic, proud and happy?
What amenities are offered on campus, or nearby?
4. What is your learning style?
Based on your experience in high-school, do you find you work better with more one-on-one teaching or are you comfortable with self-directed study?
Do you prefer hands-on, individualized learning or more theoretical learning?
Do you want a broad education that can be applied to a variety of situations and careers?
Would you prefer a narrowed focus that provides specific information needed for a future career path?
5. Consider the career paths you might want to pursue
It’s difficult to choose a career when you’re still in high-school, but if you focus on what you enjoy doing and combine that with a practical career path it will narrow it down.
If you’re someone who has already decided on a career goal, what kind of postsecondary education will you require to be successful and in demand once you graduate? Will you need a diploma or a bachelor’s degree to be competitive? These are only some of the questions you should consider when deciding on your postsecondary education.
6. What do you want from your postsecondary education experience?
A large part of the postsecondary education experience is your life on-campus. It can be a difficult transition from high-school and your life outside of class will be important to your success and happiness.
Do you want to live on campus or share an off-campus house or apartment with friends?
What kind of events can you attend on campus?
Does the campus offer clubs or groups where you can socialize, make friends with common interests, or help with studies?
Can you volunteer within the community?
Are there cool places to eat or shop within the community?
What sports teams can you join?
7. Understand what it will cost
Have you budgeted to cover your costs? Planning to pursue a postsecondary education is a big decision and one of the most significant investments you will make and should be treated as such. Here are some things to think about:
How much is tuition?
What else do you need to pay for besides tuition, i.e. textbooks, residence, bus pass, parking pass, etc.?
How much scholarship or bursary money is available?
Are there opportunities to work part-time on campus?
Filling Out FAFSA
7 Things You Need to Fill Out the FAFSA Form
Your account username and password (FSA ID)
Your Social Security number
Your Driver's License number
Your most recent federal income tax return
Records of your untaxed income
Records of financial assets
List of up to 10 schools you are interested in attending
Click here to see an image that outlines the process.
Reaching Age of Majority
Click the links below to review as you reach adulthood.
Fremont High School
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