The Future is Full of Possibilities You have worked hard to stay in school now is the time to think about what you will do after high school. What brings you joy? What are you good at? Have you thought about what you will do after high school? What are your plans for the future? Leaving high school can be an exciting time for students. Getting involved in your communities, moving on to college or vocational training, getting a job, seeing friends regularly, and gaining independence. The possibilities are endless, but it takes planning, support and an understanding of how to successfully transition into life after high school. Life is full of exciting choices especially when you’re prepared! Disclaimer This document was prepared by the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities at Clemson University, South Carolina, under contract with the National Post-School Outcomes Center, Eugene, Oregon, (funded by Cooperative Agreement Number H324S040002) with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Project Officer: Dr. Selete Avoke. The information contained in this document is copyright free. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Post-School Outcomes Center, http://www.psocenter.org. This document has been reviewed and approved by the OSEP Project Officer Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Education nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education. October 2009   The Future is Full of Possibilities

College or Technical School Graduation College or Technical School Work Getting around Living on my own THINK About… Explore the Future After leaving high school, do you know where you will attend college or technical school, find work, how to get around, and possibly live on your own? It can all seem a bit overwhelming but you have time to explore your options for the future. The courses, electives, and extracurricular activities you take in high school help you gain the confidence and knowledge that you need to achieve your goals in the future. Whether you want to attend additional schooling and training, start a career, or live on your own; completing high school is the first step in being successful as an adult. Life is full of possibilities when you’re prepared, know the resources and tools that will help you plan for a successful transition and a brighter future. Remember that everyone needs help. Ask for help in planning your future, whether it is your IEP team, teacher, counselor, supportive parent or guardian. Find out your own strengths and who you are and what you need to do to advocate for yourself. Explore Your Future

Life is About Change Transition begins when we are very young and continues all through life Life is About Change Life is about change. Change can be exciting, scary, fun, and hard all at the same time. It means that you are moving forward and progressing. Transition and change begins when we are very young and continues all through life. The “transition” that you may be most familiar with is secondary transition—the process of preparing for adult life after you complete high school; including participation in higher education or training, employment, independent living and being a part of a community. Successful transition planning involves a partnership between you, your family, your teachers, program providers, your IEP team and local community members.

Plan Early for the Future Strengths Interests Needs Likes and dislikes Discover your … Plan Early for the Future It is your future and your life, so it is important to start planning! Think about your transition from high school to being an adult early and often. While you’re in high school you can begin to discover your strengths, your likes and dislikes about work, chores at home, jobs you’ve had, hobbies and volunteer commitments. Your current classes and electives can help you explore your options for the future. You can also find opportunities to volunteer in the community, work or just have fun doing something that interests you now. A variety of experiences; both in and out of school can help you find out who you are, what you want, and what you need to do to get to where you want to go next!

What I Can Do Now Attend IEP Meetings Maintain Good Grades Get Involved in Career Prep Activities Learn to Speak Up for Yourself What I Can Do Now Have a plan, plot a course, and map out your destination for the future. Attend IEP Meetings regularly to share what you want to do after high school, what you like, and what you don’t like. Discuss plans and questions that you have about where you want to go and the best way to get there. Learn to talk about what you are good at, and what you need help with, including your disability and how it affects your work. Remember, this is your life and your choices make a difference! Maintain good grades. Set high expectations for yourself and work hard to make them happen. Engage in activities that develop your ability to speak for yourself, time management, independent living, mobility, social and leadership skills. Get involved in career preparation and work-based learning activities and experiences that will help you decide what you like and what you are good at. But, most importantly get to know yourself and ask for help whenever and as often as you need.

Know and Use Your Resources Finish High School Know and Use Your Resources Focus On Learning Find Your Voice Explore Your Skills and Career Interests Gain Skills For Life Finish High School - Your future depends on it! For some finishing school is easy, but not for all. Dropping out is not the answer. Teachers, parents and friends even your community can work together to give you the support you need to graduate. (Dr. Loujeania Bost, ph.D) You can use these strategies to help yourself stay in school and graduate: Know and use your resources. If you need help with coursework or personal problems, talk to your parents, teachers, or guidance counselors - they are there to help you, so if you need help, just ask! Stay focused on learning. Attend school often, go to class, do your homework turn it in on time. Make up classes you miss, attendance is important. Listen in class and take notes about what is being taught. Find your voice. Advocate for who you are, what you like, understand what you need, learn to speak for yourself and the things you need. Take courses that explore and combine your skills and career interests. Know the courses you need and when you need them, monitor your progress each semester. Avoid surprises – if you are short on credits, seek ways to recover them. Stay connected; get plugged into high school by joining clubs, sports and other extra-curricular activities. These activities will also help you gain the skills that you can use in everyday life.   Challenge yourself, don't drop out!

Continue Learning and Training You can attend: College Vocational or Technical Training Art Schools Volunteer Training The list goes on… Continue Learning and Training Understand your education and training options for after high school There’s a whole world of learning out there! You can explore different types of education or training option to find out which one best fits what you want to do as a young adult. Many students choose to go straight to college or vocational training. While others find that they are interested in creativity and would like to go to art school or excel in a more technical environment or wish to gain training through volunteer work. The possibilities are endless and the list goes on… You’re also free to change your mind if you find that one option is not right for you. Most of us learn best by trying different options. Just change course and go a different direction; the point is to keep exploring until you find the option that’s right for you!

Learn More Earn More 2007 Median Earnings: 20-25 yr olds The more you learn the more you earn! Finishing high school really can make a difference in dollars and in sense. It’s a fact; according to the US Census Bureau, graduates earn considerably more than students who dropout and begin a career immediately. Bar graph, Earning Power *2007 Median Earnings (Population of 20- 25 year olds) Less than high school graduate $19,405 High school graduate $26,894 Some college $32,874 Bachelors degree $46,805 Graduate or professional degree $61,287 *All Statistics from the US Census Bureau. January 2007 **In the past 13 months inflation adjusted dollars

Work Toward Your Career Goals Find out what you enjoy, people are generally more successful in their chosen career paths if they are doing what interests them or what they like. Discover your strengths; find out what you’re good at by being involved in high school coursework, electives, extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities or internships and on-the-job training. Sometimes it’s about who you know and using your resources. Ask teachers, counselors, IEP team members, friends you know in the community who can get you connected and on the right track to a job you’ll like. Explore a career path, learn how to perform a job search, write a great resume, interview and get the job that best suits your skills, interests and talents. Work Toward Your Career Goals

Get Involved In Your Community Think about and practice: How will I get around, where will I live, who do I need to know, how do I stay connected? What does it mean to me to belong, have friends and be an active member of my community. Friends can help you explore what you are good at, choose your friends wisely! Get to know your resources. The relationships you develop as a young adult can help you be successful in your future. Get Involved In Your Community

The Future is Full of Possibilities The Future Is Full Of Possibilities - Explore Your Options! Take the time you need to explore your options and get the skills you need! Thank you and Acknowledgements: Preparation of this presentation was by Dr. Loujeania W. Bost and Naida A. Boyer, of the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities NDPC-SD and Jane Falls and Dr. Deanne Unruh, of the University of Oregon National Post-School Outcomes Center (NPSO) • October 2009. The Future is Full of Possibilities Explore Your Options!