Currently, two of my kids are in high school. One is taking dual-enrollment courses through a local Christian university. The other is not. One has college aspirations after graduating high school. The other has his sights set on the military. One entered her teen years not knowing exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. The other decided his long term goal before turning four. (No joke.)
They are very different teens with very different personalities. Consequently, their career paths will be quite different.
When creating each of their 4-year high school plans, I could not cookie-cutter my way through. I had to design a unique educational experience for both of them. I had to create plans that would not only ensure they met my state's high school graduation requirements but that would prepare them for their post-secondary years.
With the exception of general courses like Algebra and Grammar & Composition, I wanted to help them select electives and extracurricular that would not only produce a quality high school transcript, but ones that would better prepare them for whatever God had for them in the future.
Admittedly, it was easier creating a 4-year plan for my son who knew exactly what path he intended to take. After doing some basic research online and crowdsourcing from his current CAP commanders, I came up with a list of classes that would be beneficial for a soon-to-be-soldier and that would help him step into the military at a higher tier.
It was a tad bit more difficult to create a plan for my daughter. Obviously, since she was my first teen to enter the high school years, I experienced a slight learning curve. Couple that with the fact that she, like most teens her age, had not yet decided which college to go to or what to study when she got there. Much of my initial planning efforts were spent helping her discover her hidden passions and uncovering career possibilities.
My two teens exemplify both ends of the college and career spectrum. Those who have a clear and present vocational plan and those who do not. To be clear, having a plan is not right or better. Actually, it's quite natural for teens to not know exactly what they want to do in life. And what's more, statistics show that 80% of college students change their major at least once before graduating; and only 27% of graduates end up actually working in their field of study.
A high schooler does not have to have a ten-year-plan. Golly, I'm 40-years-old and I barely have a one-year-plan. But it's helpful for them to have a little bit of direction. And that's where we come in, Homeschool Moms. We can help our indecisive ones figure out the college or career path that is right for them.
Here is a list of the best homeschool resources for planning a college and career.
Print Resources
Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling High School- From the author of my most favorite homeschooling book, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, this high school edition is a reference style guide that tackles all the unique struggles of homeschooling high schoolers, from preparing your middle schooler for more independent learning to applying for college scholarships. This is the book I keep coming back to for practical tips and step-by-step instruction.
Brave High School Record-Keeping for Homeschoolers- In this 22-page digital pack, you'll have everything you'll need to keep a 4-year record of grades for your homeschooling high schooler in order that you can curate a paper trail, tabulate grades, award credit, and create a fail-proof transcript that can be submitted to any post-high school admissions office.
HSLDA Homeschooling Through High School
The Complete List of High School Classes
The Ultimate List of High School Credit Courses- homeschoolers in mind
Homeschool for High School Pinterest Board
Aptitude Tests
Career Aptitude Test
123 Test- Picture oriented
Career Fitter
Career Direct- not Free; from Crown Financial ministries; takes spiritual gifts into account
Personality Tests
Myers-Briggs 16 Personalities
Enneagram Test
Spiritual/Ministry Tests
SHAPE Test
Spiritual gifts test
College Search
Occupational Outlook Handbook-Bureau of Labor Statistics
Provides a summary of the job including the average salary, work hours, employment rate, and entry-level educational requirements.
Career Profiles
What can I do with my degree?
Dual enrollment policies state-by-state
http://ecs.force.com/mbdata/mbprofallRT?Rep=DE15A