• Also known as: Junior or two-year college

• Typical length: One or two years

• Credentials: Associate degree (AA/AS) or certificate

Community colleges are local, typically public schools with two main paths for students: transfer preparation and career training. The transfer route is for students who eventually want to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher at another college or university; classes in this track are academic in nature. The career training route is for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation; these classes typically teach specific skills that you can apply on the job.

Whichever route you choose, have a goal and plan in mind. If you’re planning to transfer, communicate with your advisor regularly to ensure that the credits you're earning will transfer correctly. If you’re preparing for a specific career, make sure you can earn the credential needed for that field.

Explore American Samoa Community College site or follow ASCC Admissions on Facebook

These schools offer programs for specific certificates or trades/vocations. A Vocational/Technical school may offer programs such as Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, HVAC or Electrical, Cosmetology, etc. There are even programs to prepare a student to enter the medical field as a technician for radiology or sonography, for example. These programs would prepare you to enter into a specific trade, specific job, or earn a license through an apprenticeship program. There may be options to earn a certificate in one or two years.

ASCC Certificate of Completion in:

AutoBody Repair

Basic Electrical Theory

Carpentry Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Automotive

Nurse Aide (CNA)

Welding Fundamentals

Below is a listing of possible Technical/Vocational Education programs located here in American Samoa (and U.S. west coast) that may help you begin your search. This is only a partial list. There is an array of options/programs available off island. Please speak with your school counselor to discuss your specific interests and goals.

ASCC Apprenticeship and Workforce Development

Alaska Vocational Technical Center

Career and Technical Education | Honolulu Community College

Vocational Trade Schools in California

Vocational Trade Schools in Oregon

Vocational Trade Schools in Washington

American Samoa has long held a tradition of military enlistment. Many high school students will choose to directly enlist in the military following high school. It is important to note that all branches of the military offer educational assistance programs, for students who wish to become involved in military life but still complete higher education.

Start your research at Today's Military

ROTC

Founded in 1916, ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. It’s a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the military after graduation. Each service branch has its own take on ROTC. Learn more about ROTC programs

Military Academies

Pursuing an education at one of the four United States military academies can be very challenging and requires several important steps. In order to qualify as an applicant to a military academy, a student must seek congressional nomination as step one. Once a student secures a nomination from a congressperson, the application process closely follows the college application process.

These academies offer a high level of education as well as specialized training to enter the military as an officer upon graduation. Many of the academies host summer programs that offer high school students opportunities to experience academy life.

United States Naval Academy

United States Military Academy

United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer’s value. 94% of apprentices in the U.S. who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Learn more about the benefits of apprenticeship for career seekers and prospective apprentices.

Gap years allow newly-graduated high school students to expand their educational experience outside of a classroom setting, before starting college. They have long been popular in Europe, but have been gaining traction in the U.S., and are now more popular than ever. You might be wondering...

Why is it good to take a gap year?

A gap year can give you some relief from the traditional academic classroom and provide real life experience through travel and volunteering, as well as helping you to learn leadership skills, new languages and culture, and maybe even college credit. Acquiring real world experience and unique qualifications will set you apart from the crowd when your ready to apply to college.

Many Universities Support Taking a Gap Year!

In fact, it is very common to include applying to college in the gap year planning process. Begin by researching the admissions requirements and gap year or deferral policy. The Gap Year Association is an excellent resource where you can find an up-to-date list of deferral policies by state and school.

What are the benefits of a gap year?

Various benefits of a gap year include:

• Experiencing a different culture

• Seeing a new country

• Learning a new language

• Meeting new people

• Preparing for college

Find more Gap Year resources here!