Education
Planning Your Future After High School
You have options when it comes to planning your future!
Whether you want to attend college, learn a trade, start a career, or serve
your community, there are resources available to help you reach your goals.
Use the resources below to explore your interests, discover
career opportunities, and learn about financial assistance and training
programs that may be available to you.
1. Self-Exploration: Discover Your Strengths and
Interests
Before deciding what to do after high school, take time to
explore your strengths, interests, talents, and goals. Understanding what you
enjoy and what you do well can help you identify careers that may be a good fit
for you.
Assess Yourself: Find Your Strengths, Interests and
Talents
- What
Is Your Learning Style?
Explore different approaches to learning and consider which study strategies work best for you. - Interest Profiler
Discover your interests and how they connect to different careers. - Skills
Assessment
Identify your skills and explore occupations that may match your strengths.
Explore Career Paths: Find Your Next Opportunity
- Explore
Careers
Learn about different careers, including job responsibilities, education requirements, and training opportunities.
More Career Planning Resources
- My Next Move
Explore careers based on what you already know you want to do, what interests you, or what you are still trying to figure out. - How to Become
Explore career paths and learn about the education, training, and steps needed to enter different professions.
2. College Preparation: ACT Fee Waivers and Test Prep
Preparing for college entrance exams can help you take the
next step toward your educational goals.
ACT Fee Waivers and Free Test Preparation
Eligible high school students, including qualifying students
in foster care, may receive fee waivers for up to two ACT tests and free access
to The Official ACT Self-Paced Course, powered by Kaplan.
Contact your high school guidance counselor to determine
your eligibility and learn how to request a fee waiver.
Learn more: ACT
Fee Waiver Program
3. College Financial Resources
College and training costs can feel overwhelming, but
financial assistance may be available to help you pursue your goals. Explore
the resources below and contact the appropriate program to determine your
eligibility.
Kentucky Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children
The Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children covers
tuition and mandatory student fees for eligible students attending Kentucky
public postsecondary institutions, including four-year universities and
colleges and Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
institutions. It may be used for eligible undergraduate or graduate programs.
Important information:
- Students
may attend full-time or part-time.
- Students
must meet the institution's admission requirements and maintain
satisfactory academic progress.
- Students
must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The
waiver must generally be initiated within four years of high school
graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.
- Eligibility
is limited to 150 earned credit hours or until age 28, whichever comes
first.
- The
waiver does not cover every college expense, such as housing, books, and
certain additional charges.
How to apply:
- Complete
the FAFSA.
- Complete
the DPP-333
Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children.
- Submit
the form to your college's financial aid office, preferably at least six
weeks before classes begin.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The Kentucky Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
provides eligible young adults with up to $5,000 per year to help cover
the costs of college or qualifying vocational training. Participants may also
receive educational guidance and other support services.
You may qualify if you:
- Are
under age 26 and meet Kentucky's foster care eligibility requirements.
- Exited
foster care at age 18 or older, were adopted from foster care on or after
your 16th birthday, exited to subsidized permanent custody on or after
your 16th birthday, or are currently on extended commitment in Kentucky.
- Are
enrolled in an eligible degree, certificate, or other accredited
educational program.
- Meet
applicable financial need, citizenship or eligible noncitizen, and
academic progress requirements.
Learn more or apply: Kentucky ETV Program
— Foster Success
Work Ready Scholarship
The Work Ready
Scholarship helps eligible Kentucky residents pay tuition and fees for
approved short-term certificates, diplomas, and Associate of Applied Science
(AAS) programs in eligible high-demand workforce sectors.
This may be a good option if you want to gain job skills and
enter the workforce without pursuing a traditional four-year degree.
Review the eligible programs and requirements to determine
whether your chosen training qualifies.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA provides employment services, career guidance,
education, and skills training to eligible job seekers. Depending on your
eligibility and approved training plan, assistance may be available for
tuition, books, supplies, and other training-related expenses.
Youth ages 14–24 are a designated population of interest for
certain WIOA youth services.
Contact your local Kentucky Career Center to
ask about eligibility, available funding, and approved training programs.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment
opportunities to eligible students with financial need who attend participating
colleges and other educational institutions.
Work-study positions allow students to earn money while
continuing their education.
To explore eligibility, complete the FAFSA and ask your
college's financial aid office about available positions. Funding and job
availability vary.
4. Alternatives to Traditional College
A four-year college degree is not the only path to a
successful future. You can explore technical training, career certifications,
paid service programs, apprenticeships, and other opportunities that help you
gain skills and work experience.
Technical Training Opportunities
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career training program
for eligible young adults ages 16–24. Depending on the center and program,
participants may receive vocational training, academic instruction, assistance
earning a high school diploma or equivalent, housing, meals, and access to
health services.
Job Corps can be a good option if you want to develop career
skills in a structured environment.
Explore available programs and eligibility requirements on
the Job Corps website.
Year Up United offers career-focused training designed to
help young adults develop professional and technical skills and connect with
employment opportunities.
Depending on the program and location, participants may
receive hands-on training, professional development, access to college credit
opportunities, and work-based learning experiences.
Program eligibility, age requirements, and available
training pathways vary. Visit the website to explore current opportunities.
Paid Service Opportunities
Service programs can help you gain professional experience,
build leadership skills, contribute to your community, and explore future
career interests. Some programs provide a living allowance and additional
benefits.
FEMA Corps is a team-based national service program focused
on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants support
emergency management efforts while gaining experience in teamwork, leadership,
and public service.
The program offers a 10-month service term for eligible
young adults ages 18–24. Housing, meals, transportation, and other benefits are
included.
Check the website for current recruitment status,
eligibility, and benefits.
AmeriCorps State and National connects participants with
service opportunities in areas such as education, public health, environmental
protection, and community development.
Members receive a living allowance, professional
development, and an education award after successfully completing their
service.
Explore available positions, age requirements, and benefits
on the AmeriCorps website.
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a
team-based national service program for eligible young adults. Members work on
projects involving disaster response, environmental stewardship, infrastructure
improvement, and community development.
Program benefits may include housing, meals, transportation,
a living allowance, and an education award upon successful completion of
service.
Visit the website for current program details and
eligibility requirements.
AmeriCorps VISTA offers full-time service opportunities
focused on helping communities address poverty. Members work with nonprofit
organizations and public agencies on projects involving education, public
health, economic opportunity, and community resources.
VISTA positions generally involve a one-year service
commitment. Eligible members receive a living allowance, training, and an
education award or other end-of-service benefit, depending on the selected
option.
Review current openings and benefits on the AmeriCorps
website.
Military Service
Military service offers career training, educational
benefits, leadership development, and employment opportunities.
5. Take the Next Step
You do not have to figure everything out at once. Start by
exploring your interests, identifying a few career options, and learning what
education or training each one requires.
Your next steps:
- Explore
your interests and identify careers that appeal to you.
- Decide
whether college, technical training, an apprenticeship, employment, or a
service program interests you.
- Research
financial assistance and eligibility requirements.
- Talk
with your school counselor, Independent Living Specialist, or another
trusted support person about your plans.
- Create
a plan with achievable goals and a timeline for getting started.
Your future is yours to shape. Explore your options, ask
questions, and take the next step toward your goals.