New Year, New Educational Opportunities
4 MINUTE READ • POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
As we all say “Goodbye” to another year, a new year for many people creates ideas of starting something new. While so many of us set yearly wellness goals in January, what about embarking on a new educational goal? You may be really surprised that these programs exist - are they too good to be true? Not at all! Take a look at these opportunities that your New Year could ring in!
Year Up: 1 Year to Career!
Free tuition, paid stipend education through Gateway Community College for one year! Motivated high school graduates accepted into the Year Up program receive education, training, and internships in five career tracks - Business Operations, Financial Operations, Information Technology, Sales & Customer Support, and Software Development & Support. Students receive college credits, professional certifications, paid internships, mentoring, and more through this tuition-free program!
A New Leaf: Assets to Opportunity - Match Savings
Start a savings account for your higher education through A New Leaf, and they will match your savings (up to $500) at a ratio of 8:1! If you deposit $500 over a minimum of 6 deposits, A New Leaf will contribute $3,500 to your school directly to pay toward your education! Turn your $500 into $4,000! This program is in place to encourage students to start setting money aside for their education. Some rules apply - contact the Next Step Team if you’re interested!
Free Northstar Digital Literacy Certification Course
We all use our phones, but how computer literate do you feel like you actually are? Do you know how to create a spreadsheet or PowerPoint? Do you know how to attach documents in an email or address emails in a business setting? Students who are looking to go into any sort of career where they are going to be using computers or attending higher education will greatly benefit from receiving this free Northstar Digital Literacy certification through our partnership with Goodwill. You can earn this in one week and even earn .25 credits toward graduation! Contact the Next Step Team if you’re interested!
CTED High School Trade School Partners
Did you know students in high school can attend CTED schools for free around the state and earn high school elective credit for a career training program? Would you like to earn certifications that can get you a job right out of high school? There are 14 CTED schools in Arizona. Want to find the one nearest to you?
Enroll in College
Enrollment for programs for next school year (2022-2023) will be starting in January at many schools - check out what the school nearest to you offers! Complete your core course graduation requirements through Grad Solutions and your elective credits from your CTED school!
Tips for being accepted:
Take a look at the individual school/program requirements.
Have your 9th/10th-grade core classes successfully completed.
Have transportation to attend in person daily.
Pay close attention to paperwork and application deadlines.
Many schools have open house events during enrollment periods - go check them out!
Worried about financing? Read more about completing the FAFSA here.
