Options Other than College


Volunteerism

Gap Year, Taking Time Off, Study Abroad, Travel

Military Service

Summer/PreCollege
GED, Job Corps


Volunteerism

  • Local Volunteer Opportunities abound on CUVolunteer.org. A partnership with the United Way, U of I, and others, this site will help those looking for volunteer opportunities. Remember that more and more employers, colleges, and scholarship agencies are asking what volunteer service an applicant has done. This is a factor with growing importance, and this site will help you locate service opportunities.

Summer and Pre-College Programs



Gap Year, Taking Time Off, Study Abroad, Travel

  • Phillips Andover Academy (one of those East Coast boarding schools boasting of alums who are U.S. Presidents and such ) has a very lengthy list of links to Interim (Gap) Year Programs.

  • Interested in giving some time in order to pay for education? AmeriCorps is for people at least 17 years of age who wish to learn new skills, acquire leadership, and gain a sense of satisfaction from taking on responsibilities that directly affect peoples' lives. Members receive a modest living allowance and health coverage while in the program. After a year of service, they may receive education awards of nearly $5,000 to finance their education.

  • City Year is one of over 1,000 local and national AmeriCorps programs across the country. City Year brings together young adults, ages 17 to 24, from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement to meet the nation's critical need in areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human services in cities throughout the United States.

  • Looking to participate in a study abroad program? There are many, and the Rotary Youth Exchange program is open to students ages 15 - 19. It's an active program in Urbana, with UHS students being regular participants.

  • Another exchange program, AFS Intercultural Programs offers student exchange programs and community service programs in foreign countries.

  • Spend a summer, a semester, or a year with a family abroad with Youth for Understanding. Programs are available in 35 countries.

  • StudyAbroad.com is a commercial site (paid advertising and such), but it has a lot of value as a resource for the high school student looking for a summer, semester, or year-long educational program in another country. The site allows students to select a country (and even a few major foreign cities) for study programs. Programs listed are connected with non-profit organizations, businesses, and colleges/universities. There's a lot of information here, but one to be sure to peruse is the StudyAbroad Guide, an online handbook which gives information on what can be gained from study abroad, selecting a program that fits your needs, planning, making adjustments in a new /different culture, and so on.

  • Volunteer to spend your summer providing public health services to our neighbors in Latin America with Amigos de las Americas. Young people from the US develop leadership skills and an understanding of other cultures while participating in this unique program.

  • Habitat for Humanity has a goal to build simple, decent, affordable, houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Various opportunities for service exist. There is a local chapter of Habitat for Champaign county (217) 355-6460 and another for U of I (217) 244-5370.

  • Earthwatch Institute offers a wide variety of opportunities for people to become involved in scientific/environmental expeditions. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and most expeditions last one to three weeks. Opportunities exist both in the U.S. and in more than 40 foreign countries.

  • Lasting from one to a few weeks, Outward Bound offers a variety of physically challenging outdoor experiences. Challenge and adventure, character development, experiential learning, compassion and service, and social and environmental responsibility are the organization's core values.

Military Service

  • Some people choose the Illinois National Guard (either the Army Guard or the Air Guard) as a way to develop themselves, serve others, and/or pay for furthering their education. This page offers some information on these options. This area is served by the Peoria Air National Guard.

  • If you are considering a commitment to the U.S. military as a possible career move, you may link to the home pages of all of the armed services through DefenseLINK. The Military Career Guide Online is a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information and is designed for use by students desiring to explore the military world of work. Some basic information on each branch of service, including its enlistment, training, advancement, and education programs is also provided here.

GED, Job Corps

  • Students who are age 16 or older and have withdrawn from high school are eligible to enroll in the Lincoln's Challenge Program in Rantoul. This is a 5-month residential program which leads to a GED, followed by a 12-month post-residential phase which is community based and provides money for further education.The local contact person for our area is Ms. Tanya Johnson at 217 892-1328.

  • The Job Corps is the nation's largest residential education and training program. It is primarily for low income youth 16 to 25 years of age. The program offers occupation exploration and vocational education at its 30 civilian conservation centers. Occupational trades offered include construction, auto mechanics and repair, business and clerical, retail trades, health occupations, computer occupations, and culinary arts. The program's goal is to guide young people toward brighter futures filled with self-confidence, independence, and productive employment.

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Last updated: Mon, March 23, 2009

Urbana High School (www.usd116.org/uhs)
1002 South Race Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801
217-384-3505 | fax 217-384-3532