Skip to main content
Gear Up » For Parents, Guardians, and Families

For Parents, Guardians, and Families

Figuring out what to do after high school can be a daunting process for students and they need support from those closest to them, but knowing what to do for your student and when can be equally daunting!  These resources and the rest of the Gear Up website can give you a good starting point. 
What Should My Student Do After High School?
 
There are many options for students once they graduate high school, but the most common are
  1. Enter the work force
  2. Join the Military
  3. Attend a 4-year college
  4. Attend a community college
    • Obtain trade certificates or other job training
    • Obtain an Associates Degree
    • Obtain general education requirement credit to transfer to a 4 year degree at lower costs.
 
Which of these paths is right for your student depends on a number of factors such as your student's professional goals, academic proficiency, or financial need.
 
Why is Education Past High School Important?
 
Though higher education might not be necessary 100% of the time, more often than not, some form of additional training can have a dramatic effect of students' future earnings, security, and quality of life.
 
Some of the top reasons for pursing higher education are:
  1. Higher lifetime earning potential
  2. Higher employment rates
  3. Greater overall job security
  4. Broader qualifications yield more job opportunities
  5. Exposure to new ideas and experiences
  6. Development of soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, & problem solving
  7. Development of professional networks
  8. It is a stepping stone to complete independence
To learn more, check out these articles:
 
4 Year College vs. Community College vs. Trade School
 
These videos might help clarify some of the differences between these types of higher education.
What Can I Do to Help My Student Get Ready?
 
If you're looking for ways to help your student stay on track check out College Board's site For Parents & Guardians. They have a lot of resources to help you guide your children as they prepare academically and learn about financial aid.  They also host free webinars and discussion boards on college preparation topics.  You can actually view recordings of past webinars on College Board's Parent Webinar Series Youtube channel.
 
You should also take a look at these parent action plans!
 
These videos will also give you a great place to start!
 
For Parents of Middle School Students
 
For Parents of High School students