GEAR UP
About:
After high school, students have an array of exciting options ahead. Exploring these paths not only enhances their career opportunities but also empowers them to pursue their passions and make informed decisions about their future.
After high school, students have many options based on their interests. They should think about what’s important to them, how they like to learn, the kind of work they want, whether they prefer helping people directly or indirectly, and the financial support they can access as they explore their options.
- 2-Year & 4-Year Degree Programs: Most community colleges offer certificates or associate degrees that take about two years to finish for full-time students. After that, students can pursue a bachelor's degree, which usually takes 4 years.
- Apprenticeships & On-The-Job Training Programs: Many technical colleges give certificates, and some offer associate degrees.
- Gap Year: A "gap year" is a break after high school before starting more education, usually spent volunteering, working, or traveling.
- Military or National Service: Both the Military and AmeriCorps provide opportunities to serve and help with college costs.
- Undecided: Help students explore their interests, skills, and possible pathways.
- Workforce and Career Exploration: People who go straight into the workplace usually do not have formal credentials beyond a high school diploma.
After high school, different paths lead to different types of credentials. Students may need one (or several) of these credentials depending on their career interests and goals.
- Certificate
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree
- Graduate Degree
- Doctoral and Professional Degree
Helping students discover their options early on empowers them to shape a brighter future!
- Campus visits offer a genuine glimpse into vibrant college life.
- Volunteering allows students to connect with meaningful causes they're passionate about.
- Job shadowing provides valuable insight into everyday work experiences.
Internships give students hands-on skills that prepare them for success.
Exploring various paths helps students identify their interests and preferences. All these experiences not only boost their confidence but also make major decisions more manageable and exciting!
Resources:
Explore Pathways
Explore Campus Visits and Job Shadowing
About:
Whether pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other opportunities, having a plan can provide direction and clarity. Planning for life after high school helps students set goals and make informed decisions.
As an educator, it’s essential to help students prepare for life after high school. One effective tool is a High School and Beyond Plan, which encourages students to reflect on their interests, explore various career paths, and identify the coursework they need to take.
Whether a student is considering a four-year college, a two-year program, or entering the military, it's crucial to prepare and make informed decisions about their future.
Encourage your students to embrace this transitional phase by setting clear, achievable goals and seeking guidance along the way. Together, we can help them navigate this important step in their lives!
- Prepare for Pathway. Before graduating, students need to complete a High School and Beyond Plan outlining their interests, classes, and future goals. This plan helps identify the required courses for their post-high school path.
- Prepare for Exams. Students planning to attend a four-year college may need to take the SAT or the ACT. Other standardized tests are available for those planning to enlist in the military or attend a two-year or technical college.
Applying is one of the first steps on a student's path after high school. Different pathways have different application processes.
Resources
- 12th Year Campaign Student Workbook
- 12th Year Campaign Student Workbook
- Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- College Access Considerations for Diverse Populations
- Considering A Gap Year?
- How to Become an Apprentice
- Preparing Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Education
- Senior Year Binder System: Advisor’s Guide to a Student Organizational Plan
- Senior Year Student Tracker Template
- Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Students: College Admissions & Financial Aid
After applying for admission to your post-high school options, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
Resources
- 12th Year Campaign Student Workbook
- Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- Award Letter Key Components | Award Letter Worksheet - Living off-campus | Award Letter Worksheet - Living on-campus
- College Access Considerations for Diverse Populations
- FAFSA/WASFA Opt Out Form
- Financial Aid & Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
- Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- Financial Aid Information for Youth in Foster Care
- Preparing Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Education
- Senior Year Binder System: Advisor’s Guide to a Student Organizational Plan
- Senior Year Student Tracker Template
- Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Students: College Admissions & Financial Aid
- Tri-Fold: Financial Aid 101 and Financial Aid 201: How to Pay for Education After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.)
- Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Information on Student Loans
- Which Financial Aid Is the Best to Accept?
Engaging families is crucial for student success. They offer emotional support and practical resources, helping students navigate applications and financial aid.
Resources
- Quarterly Family Newsletter Templates for grades 7-12. (Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, & Vietnamese)
- A Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
- GEAR UP Brochure Template
- Fillable Family Night Postcard
- College Knowledge Games & Activities for Students and Families
- Family Engagement Resource Guide
- GEAR UP Family Night Workshop Templates. Use the Family Engagement Resource Guide’s Activity Ideas.
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Financial Aid
Part 3: Family Engagement
About:
Students who advocate for themselves and develop a support system help to ensure that their needs are met and that they have the assistance and resources necessary for success.
Life after high school graduation is a particularly exciting and pivotal time. It’s a period of transition and new beginnings, marked by both challenges and opportunities. The first year of college is a time of transition for everyone.
Resources
- Considering A Gap Year?
- Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.)
- Graduate Handbook: Next Steps for First-Year Students (Available in Spanish)
- Student Alumni Webpage Template
- Activity Guide: Preparing Students for the Transition to College
- Handout: Differences Between High School and College
- Handout: Information for First-Year Students
- Handout: Make Your College Plans a Reality (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
- Handout: Resource Scenarios
- Handout: Resources & Support Services to Navigate Your Way
Graduates from the Washington State GEAR UP program may be eligible to receive career and college support for one year after high school graduation!