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Post-Secondary

LNHS Counseling

Options

Alternatives to 4-year Colleges

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Today's Agenda

Options for Life after

Next Steps

Choose a Path(s) to Explore

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Community College

Alternatives to 4-year Colleges

Employment

Military

GAP Year

Volunteer

Trades / Technical Programs

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Community College

Earn a 2-year associate degree, transfer to a 4-year college, or earn short-term credentials to jump directly into the workforce.

Minnesota has 39 Community Colleges

  • 36% of students were enrolled in a 2-year college (MN OHE, 2022)

Community College Options

Fast Facts

Benefits

Save money, flexible schedule, gradual transition to college life

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is a set of 40 credits of general education courses that students can take to fulfill their lower division general education requirements at any public university in Minnesota.

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Trades / Technical Programs

Trade/vocational schools are a great option for people looking to break into the workforce quickly .

Programs can vary in length from a few months to two-years.

Apprenticeships in skilled trades include training through coursework and work on- the-job.

Electrician

HVAC Tech

Auto Tech

Plumber

Carpenter

Masonry

Overview

Cosmetology

Culinary Arts

Medical / Dental Assistant

DCTC, Hennepin Tech, Riverland CC, Normandale,

Saint Paul College, Rochester Comm. and Tech

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Employment

right after high school

Some careers may not require formal training or a college degree, but it's important to research your career goals to understand the requirements.

Overview and Benefits

Working right after high-school is a great path for those who have an immediate financial need to support themselves or their families.

Save up and attend a college or vocational school when you’re ready.

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Military

Army

Marine Corps

Navy

Air Force

Space Force

Coast Guard

National Guard

Physical Exam

ASVAB Exam

Reserve Officers Training Corps

College program Scholarship

Commit to serve

Branches

Enlist

ROTC

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Overview

Gap Year

Gap year/alternative year could include a formal program, traveling or an internship

experience.

Some students may request to defer their admissions to a college for one semester or one year, to explore other avenues.

Gap year can allow you to prepare for college and teach valuable life skills.

Defer College Acceptance

Benefits

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Volunteer &

Make an impact in your community while learning valuable skills

Most service-learning programs provide members with money, health care benefits, child care assistance, training, and more.

*Some programs provide housing. Examples:

CityYear, AmeriCorps, Teach for America

Service Learning Experiences

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So now what?

Here are steps to take to help you narrow down your options!

Complete Career Interest Assessment in MCIS

Career

Assessments

Check LNHS website for resources and more!

Research programs

Schedule

meeting with

your counselor

Apply to

program(s) during

your senior year

Schedule meeting with your counselor!

Continue thinking about ideas.

Meet with counselor in the to go over next steps and apply

(if applicable).

MCIS

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Choose a Path(s) to Explore