LibGuides: Career & Education Pathways: Pathways

From the PPLD Collection

But What If I Don't Want to Go to College? by Harlow G. Unger
ISBN: 0816065578
Publication Date: 2006-09-01
This volume examines careers in 16 industry categories and describes the skills and experiences required for each. It also offers guidance for self-assessment and determining what essential employment skills readers already possess.
Better Than College by Blake Boles
ISBN: 9780986011900
Publication Date: 2012-05-01
Better Than College provides the step-by-step guidance and inspiration necessary to design your own higher education. This book teaches you how to find community, stay on track, and get hired or start your own venture, all without a four-year degree. Curious college students will learn to think clearly about their motivations, plan a gap year, or navigate life after school. And Better Than College will show parents how self-directed learning can lead to a lifetime of achievement-no expensive institution required.

Getting Started

While a four-year college degree is a great way to start a career, it's not the only way to be successful or to gain an education. This page and the two sub-boxes on the left will connect you to resources that are pathways towards a career and alternative education opportunities.

Career Wise Colorado
Career Wise Colorado offers apprenticeship programs in fields, such as: Information Technology, Financial Services, and Advanced Manufacturing. These apprenticeships and partnerships with private companies can lead to full-time jobs or college degree assistance after high school.
Apprenticeship Colorado
Apprenticeship Colorado is the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in Colorado that is responsible for oversight and registration of Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.

Volunteering and Service Opportunities

A great way to build your resume and experience is through service. Explore the links below for more information on service and volunteering opportunities. Some service opportunities offer stipends as well as tuition assistance after you have completed your service commitmments.

Corporation for National and Community Service
Information on service opportunities throughout the United States, such as AmeriCorps
Peace Corps
Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.
Volunteer Match
Volunteer Match is a national network that connects volunteers to community non-profits. They even offer some virtual volunteering opportunities.
Idealist
Offers career advice and listings for volunteer and service opportunities throughout the world. The website is also available in Spanish (idealistas.org)

The Gap Year

While more prevalent in the UK and Austrailia, taking a Gap Year in between high school and college is gaining popularity in US. Some teens decide to work, travel, or volunteer. Explore the resources below for more information on this trend.

American Gap Association
AGA is a nonprofit organization committed to spreading the word about the benefits of a gap year. You can find information resources and accredited programs through this site.
USA Gap Year Fairs
Find information and information Gap Year fairs and connect with reputable Gap Year organizations.

Gap Year by Joseph O'Shea
ISBN: 9781421410364
Publication Date: 2013-10-31
With some of the most prestigious universities in America urging students to defer admissions so they can experience the world, the idea of the gap year has taken hold in America. Since its development in Britain nearly fifty years ago, taking time off between secondary school and college has allowed students the opportunity to travel, develop crucial life skills, and grow up, all while doing volunteer work in much-needed parts of the developing world.
The Complete Guide to the Gap Year by Kristin M. White
ISBN: 9780470501191
Publication Date: 2009-08-19
This is the go-to book for anyone considering a year to re-charge, to follow a passion, to become immersed in another culture, or to find their love of learning again. It includes everything a student, parent, or guidance counselor would want to know about the gap year; including what a gap year is, what it is not, and why it can have a positive impact on a young life.

Online Courses

Even if you aren't currently enrolled in college or another degree program, it doesn't mean that you still can't learn. Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are courses from top universities and educators. All you need is an internet connection. Some of the resources below do offer college credit for classes or certification programs, but these programs will require tuition and subscription fees.

Modern States
Modern States offers free online courses that are geared toward the material needed to pass AP and CLEP exams.
edX
EdX offers free online courses on a wide variety of subjects from some of the top universities in the world.
Coursera
Coursera offers courses and degree programs online from top universities. Degree programs require tuition payments.