If College Isn’t Your Thing Toolkit
About this Toolkit: The If College Isn’t Your Thing Toolkit explores postsecondary options for students interested in learning more about college alternatives. This toolkit includes information on on-the-job training, military careers, community colleges and technical schools, and travel and volunteer opportunities. It also includes information for parents and educators about the importance of K-8 career development for students.
Tips for Using this Toolkit:
- It’s important for students to understand their choices for school and/or work after high school. Have students complete What Are Your Choices? to better understand their options.
- Use this toolkit to have students explore options after high school. Have students complete the School Research T-Shirt Activity to learn about a school of interest.
- Use Family Chat and have students interview family members about their careers. Then encourage students to design a plan for their future using Making a Plan.
If College Isn’t Your Thing: Find Out More
- If College Isn’t Your Thing Brochure
- What are my options after high school? Summary Sheet
- School Search: Narrow the search to look at different degree programs
- Career Search: Narrow the search by selecting the advanced search tab and adjusting the education level
- Explore Career Clusters
- What Are Your Choices?
- What is Career and Technical Education?
- Plans for the Future
- Where Will You Be in 8 Years?
- Do You Really Know YOU?
- My Family Career Tree
Educator and Parent Resources
- Is College Right for My Child?
- Career Development Tips for Parents - Elementary
- Career Development Tips for Parents - Middle
- Exploring Interests with Your Child
- College and Career Readiness Elementary Parent Guide
- College and Career Readiness Middle School Parent Guide
- Presentation: Making the Case for K-8 Career Exploration Parent Version
- Presentation: Making the Case for K-8 Career Exploration Educator Version
- Presentation: Virginia College and Career Readiness
On-The-Job Training
- On-The-Job Training
- The Apprentice School Newport News: Offers four and five year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 23 occupations. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for all work and class time.
- Visit The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry site to see a list of Active Apprenticeable Occupations in Virginia
Military
- Military Careers
- Visit the U.S. Department of Defense site to learn more about different branches of the military
Community Colleges/Technical Schools
- Community Colleges and Technical Schools
- Learn more about Virginia’s Community Colleges
- Learn more about Virginia’s Technical Schools
Travel/Volunteer
- Travel and Volunteer
- Visit the Peace Corps site and the Americorps site to learn more about volunteer opportunities
- Visit GoAbroad.com to learn more about working and studying abroad