Not all students want to continue directly into more schooling. The Career Center has information about other options, such as Armed Forces enlistment, AmeriCorps, ROP and vocational programs at community colleges and vocational schools. Encourage your student to discuss these with his/her counselor or with Mrs. Merport.

Community college vocational programs offer career-specific courses leading to good careers in areas like law enforcement, fire fighting, nursing, medical and dental assisting, cosmetology, aircraft maintenance, graphic arts, office work, auto repair and many more. Check out programs offered through local community colleges:

• San Mateo Community College District (College of San Mateo, Canada, Skyline): http://www.smccd.net/accounts/smccd/
• Foothill-DeAnza Community College District (Foothill, De Anza): http://www.fhda.edu/
• City College of San Francisco: http://www.ccsf.edu
• Chabot College (Hayward): http://www.chabotcollege.edu/

AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. For 1-2 years of service, AmeriCorps members earn a living allowance, health care, and an education award to finance college or vocational training. http://www.americorps.org/

U.S. Armed Forces offer good careers, professional training and $$ for college. Representatives of the Armed Forces are on campus regularly at lunchtime—encourage your student to stop by to discuss career opportunities and financial aid for college or professional training.

Job Corps is a vocational training and educational program for young people ages 16-24.  Trainees can live on campus or at home while training for careers in areas such as clerical, health care, culinary and many others. They also have the opportunity to earn a GED or high school diploma and to take college courses as they train for a career.  While with Job Corps, trainees have access to free medical and dental care, earn a living allowance, and will earn credit toward a lump-sum paid to trainees at graduation.  Qualifications: age 16-24 from a low income home, etc.  Information and application at http://jobcorps.doleta.gov/.

ROP 2006 Fall Classes Start September 5 - Practical Training for Seniors & Juniors
ROP courses prepare students to enter popular fields such as biotechnology, health care, business, accounting, computer technician, video/TV/multimedia production, automotive repair and carpentry. High school students pay no tuition, and graduates are placed at over a 90% rate in their fields. Many ROP students work part-time or flexible hours while they attend college. Counselors will process the enrollment papers. Applications are available in the Career Center or from your counselor. Check out ROP courses at http://www.smcoe.k12.ca.us/rop/

California Conservation Corps -- Build Job Skills, Earn While You Learn
If you are seeking challenging outdoor work, new job skills, long-term career opportunities, education and a venture, the California Conservation Corps deserves a look.  Corps members typically work on natural resource projects such as landscaping parks, building trails and improving fish and wildlife habitat.  They also respond to environmental emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods.  No experience is necessary.  You are guaranteed a 40-hour work week and also can earn scholarships for college.  The Corps has 24 employment centers in California, some with dorms where you may live if you choose.  Corps alumni have gone on to become firefighters, park rangers, teachers, law enforcement workers, small business owners and more.  Check out the Corps at www.ccc.ca.gov.