Do a Check.
If it’s high school, take a look at your current class credits to see if you’re on track to graduate. If you are, congratulations! If you’re not, make a plan to either make up missed credits or ask a school counselor about “credit recovery.” Get a copy of your school records, especially if you’ve attended different schools.
Many people who haven’t finished high school earn General Education Developments (GEDs). Whether you’re on the diploma or GED path, talk to your DCS Child Safety Specialist if you turn 18 before finishing high school. You may want to remain in foster care in order to complete your education.
Pick Your Path.
If you’re exploring potential careers, remember that choosing a college major or vocational program is not choosing a career. Someone who majors in history, for example, may end up working as a research analyst or as a human resources manager. A registered nurse could end up managing a medical clinic or teaching at a college. Your education gives you options.
Some professions – fire fighter, certified nurse assistant, construction manager, radiologist technician – require training that’s available at community colleges. Others are only available at colleges or universities. Even after earning a degree or certificate, some professions require a test in order to get licensed.
Here are questions to ask yourself as you think about what you want to study:
- What are my strengths?
- What am I interested in and passionate about?
- How long do I want to remain in school?
- What kind of work do I want to do?
- Who do I know in my life with a job that I think sounds interesting? (Reach out to this person to ask about his or her work.)
Meet with your high school counselor, a college advisor and an Arizona DCS Education Specialist. Also, talk to people in your life about their work to find out what they do.
Test Drive. Get ready for college entrance exams by taking the PSAT, SAT and ACT. Find out when they’ll be held by talking to a high school counselor or and use practice sites to get ready. If you’re interested in vocational or technical schools, contact them individually to ask about pre-admission tests.
Get Direction. Know how your smartphone map can sometimes give you wrong driving directions? Frustrating! Well, finding your educational path can be like that, too. But don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help or information. Check financial aid opportunities, including Education Training Vouchers. Learn more about ETV from the Education Specialist in your region of Arizona.
