PARENTING
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT? WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM
It’s a milestone moment for your child—high school. And it’s a milestone for you as well. While there is much to celebrate and enjoy in those four years, it’s also a pivotal time to talk to your child about what comes next. There are many paths to choose from, including: • College • Entering the workforce with a fulltime job • Trade school • Participating in an internship or apprenticeship • Joining a service organization like AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or Teach for America • Enlisting in a military branch • Starting a business If your child is unsure of what they want to do, college is always a great option. Even if the career path takes a turn and goes away from the stu-
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SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE
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JUNE 2022
dents’ degree, they always have that piece of paper. A college degree shows future employers more than experience in course study—it proves that the candidate can complete a long and challenging task. College also allows your child time to mature—emotionally and mentally—and become ready to enter the workforce. If college is in the cards, there are many things they can do to prepare during high school, so it’s never too early to start. Get good grades. You have been preaching this one since kindergarten, but encourage your kid to stay focused; academic excellence may be the difference between the college your child wishes to attend and the college that will accept them. Excellent grades may also open scholarship opportunities.
Additionally, they will want to take a curriculum that can best prepare them for college. In some cases, your child may be able to take advanced placement classes or dual enrollment classes through a local community college that will allow the student to receive college credit for first-year courses such as English, algebra, and more. Start preparing early. Use the first three years of high school to check out a variety of schools, in-state and out-of-state. You and yours will want to look at many things, from curriculum to support services to campus lifestyle. Seek advice from teachers, school counselors, and coaches. Older friends and family attending college can provide input as well. “There are many opportunities after high school, but college brings value in many ways,” advises Shelly Gehrke, PhD., vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Success at Em-
