Counseling Office

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Community College

California Community Colleges provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to compete in today’s economy. With a wide range of options, community colleges provide workforce training, certificate programs, associate’s degree programs and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions. This is a great path for students who need a flexible schedule to balance school and life. www.cccco.edu

Career Colleges & Vocational Schools

These institutions offer specialized programs that prepare students for a specific trade or industry. This path is worth considering if you are focused on a specific field or have already identified your ideal career, you enjoy hands-on work, and you want to spend a shorter time in school. These colleges also provide education to students for careers that are expected to be in demand in the coming years.  https://www.rwm.org/

U.S. Military Service

Joining the military offers you a chance to serve your country, make a career in the service, and/or earn money toward a future college education. You'll also earn valuable work experience that you can apply to civilian jobs once you get discharged. Choosing this path will give you travel opportunities, benefits/insurance, and tax-free room & board. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces

• Students must take and rank high on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
• Diploma or GED required
• Clean criminal record usually required
• Pass the physical exam
• Meet with a recruiter to review other requirements

On the Job Training (OJT)

Teaches the skills, knowledge, and competencies that are needed to perform a specific job within the workplace and work environment using workplace tools, machines, documents, knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job. https://wdacs.lacounty.gov/services/job-training-and-placement-services/

• Benefits include paid training and learning about workplace culture and expectations
• Formal classes and costs are usually avoided 
• Save money and time and have flexibility

Apprenticeships

Registered apprenticeship programs for people between ages of 16-24 cobmine academic and technical classroom instruction with PAID work experience. You learn a profession while you earn an income.   

www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/descOfAppr.html 

FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid helps students and their families pay for college.  This financial assistance covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation.  There are several types of financial aid:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Work Study
• Loans

IMPORTANT: All high school seniors are required to complete the FAFSA or CADAA beginning the 22-23 academic year unless the student formally opts out. (Assembly Bill 469)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for federal, state and college sponsored financial aid including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. FAFSA requires that you submit your family's financial information, such as income, assets and other household information in order to determine what your financial need is. https://fafsa.ed.gov

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients, U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships, state administered financial aid, university grants, Cal Grants, and community college fee waivers. Certain requirements must be met, review here: https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/resources-california-dream-act-application

Grants

The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges and career schools. Grants and scholarships are often called "gift aid" because they are free money-financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based. Grants can come from the federal government, state government, college, private or nonprofit organization.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student on the basis of academic achievement and merit. However, some also consider your financial need. Scholarships do not have to be repaid. Each scholarship has its own requirements so review their website to get an idea of the deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx

The California Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California Promise Grant (CCPG) permits enrollment fees to be waived for eligible California residents attending college. It is a state sponsored program that waives your tuition based on financial need. This is money you do not have to pay back! 

https://www.cccapply.org/en/money/california-college-promise-grant

Work Study

Federal Work-Study (also known as FWS or simply Work-Study) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. If you're interested in getting a Federal Work-Study job while you're enrolled in college or career school, make sure you apply for aid early. Schools that participate in the Federal Work-Study Program award funds on a first come, first served basis.

Loans

If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school's financial aid offer. A loan is money you BORROW and MUST PAY back with interest.

If you decide to take out a loan, make sure you understand who is making the loan and the terms and conditions of the loan. Student loans can come from the federal government or from private sources such as a bank or financial institution. Loans made by the federal government, called federal student loans, usually offer borrowers lower interest rates and have more flexible repayment options than loans from banks or other private sources.

https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans

Please reach out to your NPHS counselor to review this information or if you have more questions. It is important to prepare and plan for your future…we are here to help!