What's Stopping You?
| ROADBLOCK | DETOUR |
| "I don’t know what I want to do." |
» Visit your local state college or One-Stop Career Center to explore careers and take an interest inventory or career assessment test. Don’t stress, there’s no grade here. It’s just a way to help discover your strengths. |
| "I have a degree but can’t find a job." |
» A degree has value, and the employment options may be more varied than you thought when you were in school. Ask a One-Stop counselor to help you browse in-demand occupations that you may not have considered. Think about your particular skills and experiences — not just academic knowledge — to determine a good career fit. |
| "I dropped out and don’t have a high school diploma." | » Your local state college or adult education center can help you prepare to take the GED test to earn a high school diploma. Or visit www.dropbackin.org to see if there is a Drop Back-In Academy near you. Drop Back-In is an alternative to traditional high school that allows you to work at your own pace. |
| "I am already a parent and never pursed a degree or additional training beyond high school." | » Look for the schools that offer programs for what you want to study in your desired location. To get financial aid at any school, the first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will receive a statement that tells you and the school if you are eligible for grants, loans or work-study programs. Then work with the financial aid department of your choice school to pursue additional scholarships that may be available. |
| "I would like to go to college, but I can’t afford to pay tuition." | » Look for the schools that offer programs for what you want to study in your desired location. To get financial aid at any school, the first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will receive a statement that tells you and the school if you are eligible for grants, loans or work-study programs. Then work with the financial aid department of your choice school to pursue additional scholarships that may be available. |
| "I have a disability and don’t know what I can do or what training I can afford." | » Many highly successful people have disabilities. Focus on what you can do as opposed to concentrating on limitations. Visit a state college or your local One-Stop for a career assessment. Next, visit your local Vocational Rehabilitation Center to seek out financial assistance for education, training and business startup expenses. www.rehabworks.org |
| "I made some bad decisions and have a criminal record." | » Visit your local One-Stop. You will not be the first person they have helped with a similar situation, and most One-Stops have a structured program to help you overcome background issues. |
