There are so many options to take after Longfellow!
There is no option single "right" option for any student. It's important to think about what YOU want for your family, your education, and your goals. Take time to explore some of the different options below and decide what's the best fit for you.
Watch the videos about how to find your path after high school is so different for your generation and listen on how to approach the future, your future!
Certificate Programs
A certificate program is a short-term training option that prepares you for a specific job. Programs typically include some classroom instruction and hands-on training. Certificate programs are a great way to gain a specific skill in a short amount of time, enter the workforce and start earning money!
Apprenticenships
An apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn workforce training model. You’ll receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training to provide the specific knowledge needed to enter an industry. Apprentices earn a salary as they learn, and you can have a healthy, work-life balance. At the end of the apprenticeship you’ll have the skills and training required in a high-demand industry. An apprenticeship may be right for you if you learn by doing!
Gap Year
A gap year is a chance to take some time between high school and college to design a year with specific goals in mind. It usually involves exploring a personal interest, volunteering for a cause, building job skills, or earning money for college. An intentional gap year can help a student develop purpose for life and post-secondary studies. Most students who pursue a gap year intend to enroll in a college or university after their year of exploring.
Employment / Workforce
Employment means you plan to get a job right after high school as your main activity. This means you will be doing a job full time, being paid for it, and are unlikely to be taking formal education classes.
College
Colleges and Universities offer educational courses after high school. Community and Technical schools are often referred to as "2-year" colleges and offer certificates and associates degrees. In general, "4-year" schools offer bachelor degrees. Universities are often larger institutions that grant professional (e.g. law, medical) degrees or graduate degress like masters and doctorates.
Some students start taking college classes during high school as PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Option) Students. They earn college credits for free!
Military
The military or Armed Forces have different missions and goals, and all provide paid training and money for post-secondary education. The U.S. Military has six active-duty service branches and respective Guard and Reserve units. They offer full-time and part-time employment immediately after high school. You’ll need to be willing to commit for a significant amount of time as military commitments tend to last 4-8 years.
Army (USA)
Navy (USN)
Marine Corps (USMC)
Coast Guard (USCG)
Air Force (USAF)
Space Force (USSF)
The military doesn't accept everyone; in order to enlist, you must qualify. There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards.