Options After Graduation
There are many ways to pursue education and training after high school. Here are some options:
- Colleges and Universities: You can earn a four-year, bachelor’s degree in your area of interest and increase your opportunities in finding employment in your chosen career field. You may decide you want to pursue post-graduate work beyond a four-year degree for either a master’s degree or a Ph.D. (doctorate degree).
- Community and Junior Colleges: You can earn an associate’s degree if you complete a two-year program of study. Also, many classes taken at a community or junior college will transfer to a four-year college or university.
- Technical Training and Certificate Programs: Many community colleges and technical schools offer six-month to one-year programs which lead to certification in a specialized field. Additional job skills will raise entry-level salaries, improve working conditions and allow for more advancements and promotions.
- A Military Career: Joining the military allows you to do several things at once. You can serve our country, earn a salary and receive training by entering the military, whether you choose to make it a life-long career or not. You can also earn a college degree while in a military program or receive financial help from the government after you leave the service.
Texas First Early High School Completion Program
During the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021, Senate Bill 1888 established the Texas First Early High School Completion Program (Opens in new window) to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school.
The purpose of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program, in conjunction with the Texas First Scholarship Program, is to promote efficiency in the state public education system and incentivize the enrollment of high performing students at eligible institutions within the state of Texas.
For the 2022–2023 school year, each public high school must provide a written notification to each high school student and the student’s parent or guardian listing the eligibility criteria for the Texas First Early High School Completion Program and Texas First Scholarship Program.
The Texas First Diploma does not guarantee automatic admission for students. Students can apply to any college or university they choose. However, the scholarship will only apply toward participating universities.
Texas First Diploma Flyer
Links To Help You Plan For College
- Texas Career Check - College and career exploration tool provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
- College for All Texans - information about choosing a college, finding the right schools, costs, etc.
- Compare College TX - compares colleges side-by-side on key measures like tuition and fees
- GenTX Make it Happen - handy checklists for planning for college from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Links To Help You Find a Career
- Start Here Careers - this Amarillo College offering provides the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings, etc.
- Career OneStop - offers a look at the fastest growing occupations.
Links To Help You Apply to College
- Apply Texas - a one-stop shop fir applying to a public university or community college in Texas.
- Online Schools Directory - a directory of online colleges and distance learning opportunities at traditional colleges.
Links To Help You With College Admissions Testing
Information On Various Military Careers
Links To Help You Pay for College
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