Alternatives to College

A Gap Year is a wonderful opportunity to do something unique instead of immediately going to college right out of high school. During a gap year, students can learn more about themselves, discover their passions and find motivation to seek a degree. Traveling, gaining valuable experience for your resume and growing as an individual are a few benefits of taking a gap year. For ideas on how to spend your gap year, visit the following links:

USA Gap Year Fairs

One World 365

One of the many post-secondary career options for students is to join the armed forces. The U.S. military has five branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and the Navy. Despite the obvious risks of joining the military, it also offers many substantial benefits; career training, steady income, health care and tuition assistance. Basic requirements to join:

1. You must be a US Citizen or a resident alien
2. Must be at least 17 years old (17 year old applicants must have parental consent)
3. You must have a high school diploma
4. You must pass a physical medical exam
5. You must pass the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) ASVAB INFO

Contact military recruiters: 

• ARMY:1-888-550-ARMY
• ARMY NATIONAL GUARD:1-800-GO-GUARD
• NAVY: 1-800-USA-NAVY
• AIR FORCE:1-800-423-USAF
• MARINE CORPS: 1-800-MARINES
• COAST GUARD:1-800-424-8883

If the thought of going to college for another 4 years is simply not in the picture, high school students can utilize local community colleges to receive a certificate or a 2-year Associate's degree. There are many well-paying and rewarding careers for those who do not wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree. Health care, construction, skilled labor and sales are projected to have strong growth in the coming years. 

Online Resources:

• CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT THROUGH AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• VOCATIONAL INFORMATION
• COLORADO PRIVATE TRADE SCHOOLS
• COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGES
• CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AND CAREER TRAINING SCHOOLS

Those who are interested in immediately joining the workforce right out of high school can visit these resources for further direction:

• EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OF WELD COUNTY: A comprehensive workforce center which connects resources for employment, education, and training services. Employment Services of Weld County offers these services at the local, state, and national level. Offers labor exchange, job referrals, skills assessment and eligibility screenings.
• CONNECTING COLORADO: At this secure website, you can post your résumé, apply for a specific job or do a self-directed job search through any of twenty-two different occupational sectors.
• COLLEGE IN COLORADO: Online Career Planning and Job Search tools designed to help you identify careers for which you may be suited and which walk you through the process of developing a resume, cover letter and post-interview thank you notes, practicing for an interview, and preparing application documents.