|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Thinking about what comes after high school is equally exciting and intense for youth and their parents. With the right support and planning, teens can find a path that fits their goals, interests, and circumstances to ensure a journey that leads to lifelong success.
Whether it’s college, a technical program, or jumping straight into the workforce, there are many ways for young people to build a successful future. And not every path needs to be expensive or long. College presents many opportunities for graduates, and vocational schools and community colleges also offer routes to good jobs – especially for families who may not have the resources for a traditional four-year college.
Start the conversations about future
It’s never too early to talk with your teens about what they enjoy and what kind of future they imagine. Freshman and sophomore years are great times to explore interests, build study habits, and get involved in activities that help them grow. These experiences can shape future decisions and even lead to scholarships or job opportunities.
Junior and Senior Year: Time to Focus
By junior year, students should start narrowing down their options. That might mean looking into colleges, technical schools, or certificate programs. Encourage your teen to speak with school counselors and take part in programs like the College Assistance Program (CAP), available at all Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Visit studentservices.dadeschools.net for more information.
Senior year is when things get real. Applications, financial aid, and final decisions are all underway. Help your teen stay organized and focused. If college is the goal, visit studentaid.gov to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid options.
Technical and Vocational Paths
College isn’t the only way to succeed. Technical colleges and trade schools teach hands-on skills that lead to jobs in fields like health care, construction, IT, and more. These programs are often shorter and more affordable than traditional college and they’re growing in popularity.
Explore options at careerinayear.com and ctemiami.net for Miami-Dade County Public Schools career technical and adult programs. Miami Dade College also offers many certificate programs at mdc.edu/academics/programs/certificate.aspx.
Getting your teens ready with The Children’s Trust’s Help
The Children’s Trust is proud to fund programs that support teens preparing for life after high school. These programs help teens gain experience, build confidence, and make informed choices about their future. Consider the following for your high-school age child:
- Summer Youth Internship Program (miamiinterns.org): Paid summer internships for Miami-Dade County Public School and charter school high schoolers where they get real-world job interviews and job experience, while working and helping out local organizations.
- Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) (TheChildrensTrust.org/YAC): Leadership and service opportunities with The Trust’s own youth leadership development program that focuses on community advocacy and service. They also will accumulate community service hours needed for graduation and college.
- Various Academic Enrichment Programs (TheChildrensTrust.org/FindAProgram): Offered by Trust-funded providers like Breakthrough Miami, Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, and the Mexican American Council, choose from hundreds of program sites that offer academic support in afterschool and summer programs. Some include guidance by student peers.
Planning for life after high school can feel daunting, but with open communication, early preparation, and the right community support, every teen can find their best path forward. Whether that path leads to college, a trade, or immediate work experience, what matters most is helping young people discover their strengths and pursue their goals with confidence.
