ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY PROGRAMS
If you are interested in taking a gap year, check out this article that goes over why students do it and the options are available to you.
YEAR UP
Year Up is a one-year training program in information technology that includes an internship component. The entire program is free; in fact, you are paid a stipend to participate. Admission is competitive, and they require a high school diploma, but they are primarily interested in your work ethic and motivation, not your grades and test scores. You must be between 18 and 24 and from a low- to moderate-income household to apply.
PEACE CORPS
Those wanting to share and sharpen their skills in another country may enjoy the Peace Corps, a U.S. government agency that sends volunteers to help other countries with initiatives and projects in health, business, agriculture, education and community development. Peace Corps provides intensive language, job and cross-cultural training. As of 2012, participants receive a monthly housing allowance and stipend, a host of benefits, as well as a $7,425 readjustment stipend upon completion of 27 months of service. Some projects require a bachelor's degree and specialized skills to carry out certain tasks. Ideal applicants have a good volunteer and work history and are flexible, self-reliant, adaptable and healthy.
WORLDTEACH
WorldTeach is a nonprofit organization that sends volunteer teachers ages 18 and older overseas to help meet the educational needs of developing countries. It provides teachers language preparation for their chosen country, training and field support. Teachers may serve for an entire school year or a single semester. A bachelor's degree and native-level fluency in English are required; however, teachers serving just a summer semester do not need a degree. Volunteers receive room and board, and some programs offer a modest monthly stipend. Not all programs are fully funded, so depending on the country, volunteers may need to pay $1,000 to $5,990 toward program costs. The fully funded programs that are available require submission of a deposit, which is held until the service term has been completed.
TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS
Technology certifications are testaments to your skills and proficiently in designated areas. Getting certified will give you access to resources such as expansion of your professional network, online forums, and various training materials.
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Examples of technology certifications:
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Apple Certified Associate
Technician
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Project Management
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To get certified, you must pass one or more certification exams- typically a combination of multiple choice and stimulated real-world challenges.
GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR
Global Citizen Year recruit and train a talented and diverse corps of high school graduates from across America and beyond and support them through a school-year long immersion in communities in India, Brazil, Ecuador and Senegal. As Fellows, they live with a local family and work as apprentices supporting efforts in education, health, and the environment. Through training, coaching and structured reflection Fellows develop skills and perspectives that guide their education, shape their character, and inform their leadership.
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The application takes about an hour to complete. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Global Citizen year – applications@globalcitizenyear.org
GLOBAL GAP YEAR | PROJECTS ABROAD
The Global Gap program is designed for high school graduates taking a year off before university. The program consists of a four week orientation and Care program in Ghana, followed by one-to-two month programs in each of South Africa, Peru, Nepal and Thailand. In each of these countries, volunteers will work closely with our local staff members on projects that lend insight into important issues in developing countries like housing, education, environmental conservation, and human rights.
JOIN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
In Boston, the firefighter exam is given every two years. You must be between 19 and 32 to apply. Successful candidates receive 16 weeks of training and are assigned to a firehouse with a starting salary of $60,000/year.
Boston Fire Department offered to Boston Public School students.
THIEL FELLOWSHIP
Founded by technology entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel in 2011, the Thiel Fellowship is a two-year program for young people who want to build new things. Thiel Fellows skip or stop out of college to receive a $100,000 grant and support from the Thiel Foundation’s network of founders, investors, and scientists. There are between 20-30 fellows selected each year and anyone aged 22 or younger is eligible to apply.
TRADE SCHOOLS
Trade schools offer specific vocational training for a wide variety of skilled careers. Most trade schools offer programs that typically last between two and four years. Some trade school programs cater to personal service and entertainment careers others have programs in business administration or paralegal studies.
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Example of trade programs:
Construction
Health Care (Nursing, Radiology Technology)
Landscaping
Photography
Electrical work
Commercial art (graphic, web design)
AMERICORPS
AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a unique, highly adventurous branch of AmeriCorps. Serving full-time on a team of 18- to 24-year-olds, members travel the country for 10 months performing a variety of intense, multi-week projects.
Program expenses are provided, to include transportation (no car required), housing, meals, health benefits, uniforms, job training and more. Members also receive $4,000 for living expenses and, most importantly, an education award worth more than $6,000 to pay student loans or future tuition. NCCC campuses provide assistance to members with writing competitive resumes, learning job interview skills and finding the next step in their education or career.
CITY YEAR
City Year helps to close gaps in high-need schools by supporting students' academic and social-emotional development while also providing schools with the additional capacity to enhance school culture and climate.
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Requirements:
Have a college degree or have attended some college, have a high school diploma or GED
Be able to dedicate 11 months to full-time service
Be between the ages of 18-25
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Have served no more than 3 terms in another AmeriCorps, NCCC, or VISTA program
Agree to background or security check
ELECTRIC POWER UTILITY TECHNOLOGY (EPUT) PROGRAM WITH EVERSOURCE
The EPUT program is an accredited Associated of Science degree program offered through a partnership with Bunker Hill Community College.
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The program offers:
The starting salary after successful completion of 2 years is $60,000
Two years of academic, technical, onsite training, and mentorship
Tuition assistance and 12 weeks of paid cooperative work experience on-site at Eversource
Potential future employment opportunities at Eversource for successful graduates who meet all program requirements