Postsecondary education and training options

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Postsecondary education and training options include:

• Adult basic education. Classes are often available free of charge to help students develop skills in areas such as reading, writing, math and computer proficiency.

• Apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships allow people to learn on the job. Wages increase as job-specific skills are mastered through both classroom and on-the-job training.

• Certificate programs. Technical colleges, trade schools and workforce programs offer preparation for certification exams, which test skills or knowledge in specific competencies.

• Community education. Explore lifelong learning options in a local community setting.

• Degree programs. These programs include two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees (such as master's degrees and PhDs).

• Military opportunities. Military options include Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard, Navy, Marines and Space Force.

• Inclusive higher education programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Some colleges offer postsecondary education programs for youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

• Postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO) and concurrent enrollment. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 can earn college credit while still in high school.

Community colleges can be strategic stepping stones, often providing smaller class sizes, lower costs and strong disability support services in a culturally familiar environment. The skills learned at a two-year college easily transfer to four-year universities or the workforce.