Education & Training
Education & Training
Congrats on finishing high school (or almost finishing)! But don’t stop there –
Did you know that getting your high school diploma can increase your income by $21,500/year and having even some college can increase it by almost $40,000/year? (U.S. Census Bureau)
There are some great local options to help you unlock new skills and greatly increase your odds of getting into your desired career.
Check out the OPTIONS available to you and the STEPS to get there.
You got this!
OPTIONS
COLLEGE
Pursue a career certificate or associate degree at a local community college
- Glendale Community College (GCC)
- Pasadena City College (PCC)
- You may be eligible for FREE TUITION with the Promise Plus Grant
- FREE Noncredit classes and certificates (Adult High School Diploma classes, GED prep classes, Basic Skills classes, & more) are also a great option to improve skills and try college
TRADE SCHOOL
Get a career certificate or associate degree at a specialized trade school
- Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC)
- You may be eligible for FREE TUITION with the Promise Plus Grant
OJT TRAINING
Find work that will offer you On-the-Job Training to learn career specific skills
- Offers you real life hands-on experience
- You’ll need to be ready to apply for competitive, entry level career jobs so having 1-2 previous jobs is highly recommended
STEPS to College or Trade School
PLAN
- Decide which career you will pursue – be sure to think about the required education & training
- Determine which certificate or degree you will need
- Consider colleges/trade schools that offer the certificate or degree you need (quality of the program, cost, time, commute) and choose one that works best for you
- Plan ahead to see when to apply (ex. Apply in March for Fall Semester)
APPLY
- Click the apply button on your selected school’s website and follow the steps (you’ll need your personal email, ID and social security number) – double check all of your info before you submit to avoid frustrating corrections later and be sure to record all of your login info somewhere secur
- After you apply, check your email for a message from the school with your assigned ID# – SAVE this email!
- Continue to follow all steps after applying on the school’s website. including applying for Financial Aid (FAFSA), signing up for Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS), orientation, signing up for Canvas, etc.
- Check for Priority Registration dates to make sure you get into your classes before they fill up and ask your DSPS Counselor – CLASSES FILL UP QUICKLY!
PREPARE
- Make sure your Financial Aid (FAFSA) application is submitted and you have confirmation from your school of the financial aid you will get
- Need additional financial aid? Contact the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and ask – START EARLY!
- Put your classes on your calendar so you don’t forget
- Check for textbooks on your school’s online bookstore ahead of time to make sure your get them on time
- Visit your classes (in person or online) ahead of time so you know where they are
CONNECT
- Attend your school’s Welcome Fair (usually beginning of Fall Semester)
- Check out campus clubs and other groups & resources on campus and choose some to attend
- Make connections with faculty, counselors, and other professionals on campus who can support you
- Most importantly, find friends to have fun and enjoy the journey with!
STEPS to College or Trade School
-
- Decide which career you will pursue – be sure to think about the required education & training
- Determine which certificate or degree you will need – Check out Career Clusters to see education needed
- Consider colleges/trade schools that offer the certificate or degree you need (quality of the program, cost, time, commute) and choose one that works best for you
- Plan ahead to see when to apply (ex. Apply in March for Fall Semester)