alternatives to college
College is not for everyone... and that's okay!
Here are some options to consider if you're looking at other pathways beyond high school.
apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer’s value. 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Learn more about the benefits of apprenticeship for career seekers and prospective apprentices.
ALTERNATIVES TO COLLEGE
Apprenticeships
Become skilled in a trade and get paid to do it. "Earn while you learn!"
Allows you to learn a job, craft or trade skills without out-of-pocket tuition costs
Pays a salary while you work and receive on-the-job training
Leads to a certificate from the State of California and a career upon completion of the program
To be successful, the individual must have perseverance, ambition, and initiative. Like a college education, successful completion of an apprenticeship term does not come easily, but is the result of hard work on the part of the apprenticeship.
▪ BuildCalifornia - Training and Program Enrollment Database
▪ Current grads see higher unemployment than general population
▪ Search California Apprenticeship Programs by County and Occupation Group
▪ An Introduction into the Union Apprenticeship Program
▪ Work in Progress Union Apprenticeship Training Programs
▪ Work in Progress Union Apprenticeship Training Programs (.rtf)
▪ Central Valley Apprenticeship Opportunities
▪ Central Valley Apprenticeship Opportunities (.rtf)
Adult School
Hanford Adult School offers a public education program, with low-cost classes, for adults 18 and older.Hanford Adult offers Certificate Programs and individual classes in the following:
Nurse Assistant
Welding
High School Diploma, ESL, and Community Education classes also offered.
Vocational/Technical Schools
Generally known as career and technical education (CTE), these programs prepare individuals for specific trades, crafts and careers at various levels from a trade, a craft, technician, or high professional practitioner position in careers such as engineering, accountancy, nursing, medicine, architecture, law, etc. Some of the popular sites for Riverdale High graduates include: West Hills College, Fresno City College, Reedley College, ITT Tech, San Joaquin Valley College, DeVry, and Milan Institute.
Career and vocational programs vary in cost, available financial aid, accreditation, transferable credits, and career placement success rates. Research your options before enrolling in any school.
AmeriCorps
Are You Ready to Make a Difference?
As an AmeriCorps member, you can help make the world a better place: help children learn, protect the environment, or bring needed services to a low-income community. In addition, as an AmeriCorps member, you'll be eligible for a variety of benefits including a small living allowance, education awards, professional development, and more. Once you complete your term of service, you will receive an Educational Award to help pay for college.
Military
Throughout the school year, representatives from each branch of the United States Military visit Riverdale High to meet with interested students. Interested students can sign-up with Mrs. Fukuda. Today's Military is a great website to learn more about a career in the military.
Recruiter Contact Info by Branch go to Military page.