Exploring Alternatives to College with Your Teens

Exploring Alternatives to College with Your Teens

Senior year is a major milestone for every high school student. It’s a time when they start preparing for their future and thinking about what’s best for them. While the traditional route is to college, it’s a path that few want to take. If you have a teen who is confused, overwhelmed, and unsure about college, it might be time to discuss alternatives, and there are many. From trade schools to gap years, there are plenty of options, and here’s how to start that conversation today.

Where to start: their interests

Parents play a vital role in helping their children navigate the many career options available today. A great way to start is to discuss your child’s interests and reassure them that they are not alone in this journey.

Questions you can ask to get the conversation going:

• What do you like to do most in your free time?
• Are there any subjects at school that you like more than others?
• When you think about your future, is there anything you’re potentially excited about?
• Is there anything you think is out of reach?

By asking your children these questions, you give them space to think about their passions and open up the conversation. Opening up the conversation also helps narrow down the possible college alternatives that can be explored.

College alternatives

Today, there are several “non-traditional” options for children to consider. Here are a few.

Vocational schools

Trade schools provide hands-on training for specific careers. While trade schools are not free, they are generally more affordable than traditional four-year colleges. Trade schools are all about focusing on the specifically career you are interested in without enrolling in courses that do not align with your major. Class sizes are generally smaller and are all geared toward your career choice. It is also one of the best ways to find a job quickly. There are plenty of career opportunities for graduates who have studied at trade and vocational schools. Some career options for these schools include culinary arts, automotive, cosmetology, dentistry, construction, HVAC, animal care, and more.

Community College

Community college is a great one alternative to your standard four-year college or university. It’s a popular option for many reasons. Students can go home with a degree; it’s a way to see if college is a good fit and can serve as a transition from high school to college. Community colleges often offer more flexible schedules, lower tuition costs, and smaller class sizes, making the experience feel more personalized and less overwhelming than the traditional university route.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships get paid programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training and direct supervision to prepare students for their careers. Apprenticeships are great alternatives to college that are often overlooked. Some of the Benefits include getting paid while learning, gaining skills from a mentor, earning degrees, receiving mentorship, degree potential, and avoiding student debt. Apprenticeship programs are offered by community colleges, technical training schools, and employers. Families can also search for current apprenticeship opportunities by visiting apprenticeship.gov.

Military or Navy

Joining the Army or Navy is another common alternative for teens who aren’t interested in college. While the military is a huge commitment, there are benefits to choosing to serve. Joining the military can mean learning a variety of skills for free, getting paid to work, and, for some, the chance to travel the world. This can be an alternative for teens who have expressed an interest in serving.

Coding Bootcamp Programs

Coding bootcamp programs have become very popular in recent times due to the potential income that comes from working in software engineering or other technical fields. Coding bootcamps can range from six to twenty-eight weeks and are known for being intensive. Those who choose to enroll in coding bootcamps gain a lot of knowledge in a short period of time. These programs also generally provide their students with a job at the end.

Gap year/Work

Sometimes one of the best options for teens who may be confused about the future is to let them explore the real world and get straight to work. A gap year may be what your teen needs. Gap years are a way to Real world, while also getting support from parents. Working full-time provides hands-on experience, teaches kids the value of money, and can even launch them into careers they never would have considered. Sometimes, landing an entry-level position can mean landing the career that was meant for you, which can happen during a gap year.

These are just a few college alternatives that can help ease your teens’ confusion and provide clarity about the many options available. outside today. The traditional college route doesn’t have to be for everyone, and it’s important for teens to know that, especially at a time while that is all they should be focusing on.

The ongoing conversation

The conversation does not end with suggesting alternatives or asking a few questions; it will probably go something you actively work on throughout the year. A lot of their confusion may come from not fully knowing what the real world has to offer and what adult life is really like. Some of the best things parents can offer are support, understanding and knowledge of What life after high school looks like. Keep the conversation going and acknowledge that this may happen A confusing time for everyone, but ultimately you will find out what is best for you.

Psst… check out How Music Saved My Son’s Life.