Community college
Starting at a two-year school for an associate degree, a certificate, or credits to transfer.
Every next chapter
Every path, weighed the same way
No path here is written to look better, safer, or smarter than another. Each card names a family of real options your teen can start with a high-school diploma or GED, and links to its full page. We wrote the cards to you, the parent. If you're the teen, read "your teen" as you. In the tool, your teen picks from the same paths, and when they compare, each kind of gap year is its own choice. The order carries no meaning. Something had to go first, and it isn't a hint.
The short version
There are 14 paths here, all weighed the same way. Jump to one your teen has mentioned, or skim them all.
Each card says in one line what the path is. Its full page covers what it costs, what to watch for, a good first step, and what happens if your teen changes their mind.
Stuck between a few? Making no decision is still a decision, so start with the small moves on Getting unstuck.
University
Earning a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, on campus or online.
Skilled trades
Learning a hands-on trade, often while getting paid to train.
Skills and certificates
Building a specific skill through a short program or self-study, with no degree required.
Free job training
Training-to-job programs, some with no tuition and some that cover housing or pay a stipend.
Healthcare and first responders
Short training toward a licensed job in health, wellness, or public safety.
Trucks, planes, and ships
Licensed training to drive a truck, fly, fix aircraft, or work on ships.
Paid work
Going straight into a paycheck, from entry roles to jobs that help pay for school.
Their own business
Building a business, product, or creative practice of their own.
Military service
Serving in one of the armed forces, with pay while you train.
Gap year
A planned year between high school and the next step, spent serving, traveling, or exploring closer to home.
Service year
A term of paid or volunteer service with a community or national program.
Time abroad
Spending time in another country, sometimes working or volunteering to help pay for it.
Time to decide
Taking planned time to explore and choose before committing to a next step.
Arts and sports
Training in art, music, theater, dance, or sport, where they get in by audition, portfolio, or tryout.
Paths with more support
Programs that add funding, coaching, or a bridge into work, school, or living on their own for a teen who needs one.
Caring for family
Caring for family, or their own health, as the main focus for now.
Each path's full page lists and dates the public sources behind its facts. Rules and ages change, so check the program itself before your teen plans around one.