Options
Other than College
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.
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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Options Other than College
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UHS Guidance and Counseling Home Page
Last updated:
Tue, October 9, 2007
Urbana High School (www.usd116.org/uhs)
1002 South Race Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801
217-384-3505 | fax 217-384-3532