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