What’s Next After High School?

A collage featuring the state of Texas, a high school student looking stressed about the future, and the Roadtrip Nation green RV parked near the Dallas Bronze Longhorns Statue.

A high school grad smiles while wearing her cap and gown.

Education is changing—fast

That’s why it’s time to take a fresh look at your options after high school.

Get a new perspective through conversations led by Texas students like you. See what’s driving their decisions, and listen in as they get real advice from young people who went to community college, took the four-year college route, did apprenticeships and work-based learning, and more.

Their stories will bust myths you may have heard about life after high school, and show you what kinds of education opportunities are out there—so you can find the path that will support your goals, your vision, and your growth.

Have you heard…?’You need a four-year degree to be successful.’’College is a waste of money; you should just get a job.’’You’ll have to take on tons of debt.’

Myth: ‘You need a four-year degree to be successful.’ Truth:’ Everyone’s version of ‘success’ looks different! But here’s a cold, hard stat: In Texas, 54% of jobs require some training beyond high school…but not necessarily a four-year degree.**Source: National Skills Coalition, 2018

Myth: ‘College is a waste of money, you should just get a job.’ Truth: It’s not an either/or choice! But if full-time school doesn’t feel like the right next step, you can still continue your education through certificate programs, apprenticeships, job training, and more.

Myth: ‘You’ll have to take on tons of debt to continue your education.’ Truth: We won’t sugarcoat it: Some education paths are expensive, and may require you to take on debt. But if your heart is set on a path that feels out of reach financially, there are funding and resource options that can help. Plus, there are always paths that cost less—and can lead to careers that are just as rewarding.

What are my options after high school?

High school graduation can feel like a huge fork in the road. In one direction, there’s college. But...that’s certainly not the only path! So, what else is out there? And is a college degree still worth it?? In this video, we’re exploring more possible paths—including job training and community college. Because from here, you can go in any direction; you just have to find the road that’s right for you!

Which path could be best for you?

Hear advice from three recent high school grads—who’ve made the same decisions you’re facing right now!—and get a snapshot of their education paths.

Johanna Kuehne

Medical Coordinator Assistant, Grand Companions Humane Society

"I literally told people, 'I’m gonna go work at the animal shelter instead of going to college.'”

SNAPSHOT

Johanna’s Road

Vet Tech Training & Certification

15%
Projected job growth for vet techs through 2030
21.8%
U.S. jobs requiring pre-employment job training

What They’re Studying

Johanna has been working with animals since she was 13, but hadn’t pursued higher education—until now. She recently enrolled in a vet tech certification program.

Career Aspiration

Veterinary Technician
$37,270/yr Average U.S. salary

Why do students choose certifications—and how do they pay for them?

Job training and certifications can work hand-in-hand

Certifications help prove you have the skills or knowledge needed for a certain career. Many high-growth careers in fields like healthcare and construction will require you to do job training and earn a certification.

Grow your skills and learn—on a schedule that works for you

Many community colleges offer certification programs, but you can also earn certifications at technical or career schools across Texas. These schools often help you get hands-on experience while you learn.

Time is money

Certification programs often take two years or less—and you can usually work and earn a wage on the side, or as part of your training. This is especially helpful if you want to start financially supporting yourself or your family after high school.

Possible Paths: Conversations led by Texas students

Listen in as Texas students ask near-peers what their education path is really like, why they chose it, how they’re paying for it, and more.

How are other students deciding what comes next?

If you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, you’re not alone! Hear how fellow Texas students are trying to figure it all out.

What can you do NOW to get a job in Texas after school?

The answer is…find an education path that helps you get real work experience! It’s called work-based learning.

Work-based learning helps you: learn about careers and test different paths; build workplace experience and skills; apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting; make connections with people who could hire you.

Another bonus of work-based learning? You can earn while you learn. In most programs, you’ll get paid, get school credit, or both.

If you’re in high school in Texas: See if your school offers Career and Technical Education. Or check out youth apprenticeships or pre-apprenticeships built for high schoolers.

If you’re graduating or already out of high school: Look for apprenticeships, internships, or cooperative education options. To find more opportunities in Texas, check out the resources below!

Resources & aid to help you take the next step

No matter which path you choose to take after high school, these resources can help connect you with the education, training, and funding you need.

Search scholarships for Texas students

Check out a curated list of scholarships, specifically for Texans who want to continue their education.

Find the apprenticeship for you

Use Apprenticeship.gov's search tool to explore all the available apprenticeships in your community.

Learn how to connect with a mentor

The Roadtrip Nation Experience is a free online course that helps you connect with potential mentors.

This project was created by Roadtrip Nation, a career exploration nonprofit that aims to help everyone define their own roads in life.

Through our award-winning public television show, our bestselling book, and our online tools and resources, we use storytelling to help people explore and choose the path that’s best for them.

Made possible by:

These stories are made possible through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the goal of elevating the voices of young people and shining a light on their needs and experiences.