Evaluating Educational Options Community Colleges Career & Technical Schools Four-Year Colleges The Military Apprenticeships On-the-Job Training

Community Colleges Provide affordable education Provide career-oriented programs which enable students to begin their career after two years of college or less. Students completing short term programs (one year or less) receive certificates/diplomas. Students completing two-year programs earn an Associate’s Degree. Students can transfer to a four-year college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Community Colleges Continued Affordable Classes are small Generally do not require the SAT or ACT Students only need a general high school education, unless specifically stated for a particular program. GEDs are welcome. Classes offer a number of classes at night or on the weekends to accommodate students who work during the day. Transferable credits—BEWARE!

Career and Technical Schools Short-term training in a wide variety of career fields. Usually accepts any student with a high school diploma or a GED. Most of the class time is spent in job-related settings where hands-on training is provided by experienced instructors. Students receive a lot of individual instruction. Credits usually DO NOT transfer to two and four year colleges.

Career and Technical Schools Continued Check out career and tech schools CAREFULLY. Look for: Licensing and accreditation Facilities Placement Cost (Can be expensive) Quality of Instruction Reputation and Stability

Four-Year Colleges A bachelor’s degree is necessary for approximately 20% of today’s careers. Vary in size, costs, admissions policies, and majors they offer. Want their students to receive a broad based education. 25-50% of classes will be in general education. Expect students to be ready for college-level work.

Four-Year Colleges Continued There are approximately 2,500 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. The following websites are excellent resources: www.collegeboard.org www.collegenet.com www.kaplan.com

Four-Year Colleges Continued Public Institutions: Between $3,000 –$13,000 per year Students who attend public colleges out of the state they reside must pay the more expensive out-of-state tuition. Room and Board (housing and meals) is an additional $5,000 –$10,000 Books average $700-$1,000 a year

Four-Year Colleges Continued Financial Assistance Grants—money that is awarded to a students usually because of financial need. Scholarships– money awarded because of exceptional academic achievement, outstanding talent, skill, or financial need. Work-Study– money a student earns by working at a campus job, usually 10-15 a week Loans– borrowed money that MUST BE repaid.

Military Offers training in over 2,000 job specialties, 75% of which have civilian counterparts. Nation’s single largest employer. Offers a good salary and free job training. Four major branches: Army, Navy, Air Force & Marines. Also military opportunities in the Coast Guard, National Guard, & the Reserves.

Military continued To enlist: ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) -- 9 part, 3 hour test designed to identify an individual’s aptitudes and strengths --the higher the score, the more career and training options available --each branch has its own score requirements Pass a physical exam Be a high school graduate

Military continued Obligations & Benefits: 2-6 years of active duty Very difficult to leave the military before the enlistment period is over Pay is determined by rank and number of years served. Enlistees begin at a pay grade E-1, earning approximately $1,000 a month. Enlistees also receive free housing and medical/dental care/ Montgomery GI Bill– opportunity to earn money for college. (Enlistees who contribute $1,200, receive $23,000 or more for college)

Military continued Basic training is 6-13 weeks of physical & mental preparation involving classroom instruction, field training, and exercise. Afterwards, enlistees receive 2-24 months of additional training.

Military continued Reserves & National Guard: As part-time military-- Receive basic training & job training Then train for two days a month and two weeks a year. Reserves & National Guard can be called to active duty when there is a national emergency or conflict. Army National Guard help state governments with natural disasters and conflicts such as strikes and riots.

Apprenticeships Apprentices learn the trade through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Agreements in which employers pay individuals while they learn the trade or profession. Demand hard work but the results are often greater job security, earning power, & opportunities for advancement. Programs are offered by employers, labor unions, and employer associations. Programs available in over 800 occupations, over half in the construction industry.

On-the-Job Training Usually provided by the employer, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several months. It usually does not prepare an individual for a career, instead the training teaches how to perform specific job tasks. Generally prepares for a minimum wage job with limited opportunities for advancement.

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