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Post-Secondary Opportunities

 

About

Our goal in Adams 14 is that all students will graduate prepared to successfully enter the postsecondary option of their choice. Whether planning to head straight into industry, or continue their education beyond high school, we are here to support. Throughout their high school experience students will have had the opportunity to explore career options, learn more about requirements to obtain their career goals, and develop a plan for future success. With the support of parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators our students are set up to succeed! 

Concurrent Enrollment

With the implementation of The Academies at Adams 14 came the alignment and partnership with several local colleges. Each of the eight career-themed pathways offer industry recognized credentials, concurrent enrollment, or in some cases, both. Students in many of our pathways are given the opportunity to enroll in one of our amazing local colleges and earn transferable college credits just by completing the courses they are already enrolled in as part of their program. Along with gaining additional skills and knowledge, students who take part in concurrent enrollment courses graduate with an advantage over others as they prepare for their future career.  

🎓 Academic Advantages

  • Earn college credit in high school – Get a head start on a degree or certificate.

  • Challenge yourself – Experience rigorous, college-level coursework.

  • Smoother college transition – Build confidence and skills for future success.

💸 Financial Benefits

  • Save money – Tuition is often free or significantly reduced.

  • Reduce time in college – Graduate earlier by completing credits ahead of time.

  • Lower student debt – Fewer classes needed after high school.

🚀 Career Readiness

  • Explore career pathways – Try out subjects like healthcare, business, or STEM.

  • Earn certifications – Some courses lead to industry-recognized credentials.

  • Stand out to employers – Gain skills and experience early.

🧠 Personal Growth

  • Develop independence – Learn time management and self-motivation.

  • Boost your resume or college application – Demonstrates initiative and ambition.

  • Access college resources – Use libraries, tutoring centers, and more.

Postsecondary Pathways

Apprenticeship

  • Earn while you learn – Get paid while gaining hands-on experience.

  • No student debt – Many programs are free or low-cost.

  • Direct career entry – Leads to in-demand, skilled jobs with a clear career path.

  • National credentials – Often ends with an industry-recognized certification.

  • Strong industry connections – Build relationships with employers from day one.

Industry (Direct Workforce Entry)

  • Immediate income – Start earning right after high school.

  • On-the-job learning – Gain experience while working.

  • Opportunity for advancement – Many companies offer training and promotion from within.

  • Employer-paid education – Some companies help pay for further education or certifications.

  • No student loans – Skip the financial burden of college.

Trade/Technical School

  • Shorter programs – Complete training in 6 months to 2 years.

  • Career-focused – Learn specific, hands-on skills tailored to a trade.

  • High demand – Many trades (electrician, HVAC, welding, etc.) have strong job prospects.

  • Licensing or certification – Graduate ready for the workforce with credentials.

  • Lower cost – More affordable than a traditional four-year college.

College (2-year or 4-year)

  • Broader career options – Required for many professional careers (e.g., teacher, nurse, engineer).

  • Higher earning potential – On average, college grads earn more over a lifetime.

  • Personal growth – Opportunities for leadership, research, travel, and campus life.

  • Access to internships – Many colleges offer connections to real-world experience.

  • Flexible pathways – Transfer options, dual majors, and graduate school possibilities.

Entrepreneurship

  • Be your own boss – Freedom to build something you're passionate about.

  • Unlimited income potential – Earnings tied to business success.

  • Innovation & creativity – Solve problems and introduce new ideas.

  • Flexible lifestyle – Set your own hours and work style.

  • Real-world learning – Gain skills in finance, marketing, leadership, and more.

Work-Based Learning

Please visit our Adams 14 Work-Based Learning page to learn more about opportunities students have while in high school to help better prepare them for their future. 

Work-Based Learning

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

While not all students may be planning to enter into a 2 or 4 year college/trade school program immediately after graduation, we in Adams 14 want to ensure every student has the opportunity available to them for if, or when, postsecondary education becomes the pathway of choice. By completing the FAFSA process students are matched with seceral opportunities to recieve financial support. There are many factors that play in to the types and amounts of support offered, but with so many funding sources available students may be surprised to see what options are avalable to them. 

In Adams 14 we strive to make this process as easy as possible for all families. Keep an eye out for communication throughout the year about FAFSA events where school, district, and college representatives come together to explain the process, answer questions, and help as you work together as a family to apply. Our goal is to have 100% of students complete the FAFSA process to determine their eligibility for financial aid. 

Not planning to attend college/trade school after graduation??? No problem, this process is still beneficial and can provide more opportunities later down the road if your career goals shift in the future. 

Please contact your school counselor, graduation coordinator, or college prep program for more information. 

Visit the FAFSA website to learn more: FAFSA Website

 

College Partners

Adams 14 currently works closely with several in-state colleges to provide concurrent enrollment, direct enrollment, and postsecondary opportunities. If you do not see your school of interest listed please reach out to a school counselor and/or graudation coordinator and they can assist you in making an initial connection and aid in learning more about additional programs, trade schools, and colleges offered.