Other Ways to Prepare

Whether you're preparing for college or a career, consider exploring some of the following non-academic activities to help you prepare for life after high school.

While in High School

Extracurricular

Participate in extracurricular activities. After-school activities--athletics, yearbook, newspaper, clubs, theater--help you learn teamwork and leadership skills, how to work with people, get things done and learn what your interests are...in addition to being fun!

Volunteer

Get involved in activities at school or in your community. When you get involved, you meet mentors who can help you throughout your life, gain skills that last a lifetime and make a difference in the world around you.

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Employment

A job can give you a sense of purpose, new skills, a line on a resume, help you learn responsibility and money to help pay for college.

Career and Technical Education

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities work collaboratively with area high schools to offer students an opportunity to explore careers, earn college credit, and complete a career and technical program before graduating from high school. This collaboration saves students time and money.

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Apprenticeships & Internships

Apprenticeships and internships allow you to explore career roles and gain valuable work experience. Positions may be paid or unpaid and require varying amounts of commitment.

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After High School Graduation

AmeriCorps

Join AmeriCorps, a national volunteer program similar to the PeaceCorps where volunteers work in projects to meet a variety of community needs. AmeriCorps places thousands of young adults into intensive service positions, from three months to a year, where they learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop an appreciation for citizenship.

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Military Service

Service in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps and Coast Guard) provides hands-on training and experience, opportunities for travel and self-discovery, and teamwork, responsibility, and leadership skills. There are military service benefits that can help pay for college.

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