It is never too early to begin thinking about life after high school. The following is a list of options. After leaving high school, students can work, enroll in a job training program, or go to school. Some students may do a combination of these options.

Employment
After leaving high school, many students will go directly to work. Some may work at family businesses while other may take entry level position in industry.

 

Apprenticeship
Does earning while learning appeal to you? How abut making more money because you have certain skills? If so apprenticeship might be for you. In an apprenticeship you work along side a skilled person at about 1/2 his/her wage. After your training, your wages go up quickly. There are over 700 occupations that take apprentices including construction, food preparation, firefighting, etc.

Regional Occupational Center
Offering a wide array of services for California residents with developmental disabilities, regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that have offices throughout California. They local resources to help find and access the many services available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Skills Centers
Skills Centers are job training facilities. As an employment preparation center, Skills Centers provide job training in such diverse fields as graphic design, computer repair, dental assisting, optical dispensing, computer software applications, web page design and a host of other sought after skills and training opportunities. Most Skills Centers have classes to help with basic skills development, preparation for the GED and high school diploma, as well as ESL and vocational ESL.

Military
The US Armed Forces offer training programs preparing young men and women for civilian jobs. It is also a great way to earn money for college.

Vocational and Technical Schools
Vocational schools offer job training programs that meet the business needs of industry. Courses offered may vary in length and focus on specific career skills. Examples include auto mechanic, communications technology and cosmetology.

Volunteer/Community Services
There are many opportunities to provide valuable services to low income communities or help preserve the natural resources of the land. America and tech California Conservation Corps are just two examples of government-funded programs that provide such opportunities. Why not be of service to others while continuing your education?

 

Supported Employment
Supported Employment is individualized employment placement and training with support services. After identifying personal interests and special skills, a job placement is created and the individual works with a job "coach" who assists him/her to learn work tasks, an md learn responsibility for task completion, on-the-job behavior and work quality.

Independent Living Skills
These are skills needed to live more independently with priorities based on the individual's training needs. Instruction includes cooking, cleaning, shopping, menu planning, personal hygiene and health care, money management, riding public transportation, and use of community resources.

Day Training and Activity Centers
Activity centers focus on the development of basic functional skills, including gross and fine motor, cognitive development, independent living and prevocational skills. These programs generally serve adults with developmental disabilities who have some ability to interact with others and the the ability to respond to verbal instructions.

Behavior Management Day Training Programs
These programs provide training for individuals who, for reasons of severe behavioral challenges, are unable to participate in other programs. Primary focus is on behavior management and elimination of problem behavior. These programs also engage in a variety of learning activities such as recreation and leisure, self-care, community integration, and daily living activities.

 

California Community College
There are 108 community colleges in California. Community colleges offer a great value in education. In addition to receiving specific occupational training, students may enroll in courses that may be transferable to a four-year college.

California State Colleges & Universities
The California State University and University of California systems represent over 30 campuses in California. These schools have similar entrance requirements, but the UC system tends to require rigorous courses. The schools are State-supported and tuition and fees for California residents are lower.

Private Colleges & Universities
Also known as independent colleges and universities, these schools come in different types and sizes. Some are more selective than others admitting high ranking students. These schools are generally more expensive than their public counter parts. However, most students enrolling receive financial aid.