Alternative Paths to Education and Careers

[MNomadic]

Most of us are already here on an alternative path to an education, however I wanted to share some info on some programs that I came across in recent years because I think many could benefit from such info. I wish I had known some of this when I was 19-20 on my own and had just dropped out of a traditional B&M university for the first time and lost my scholarship. With this knowledge, maybe I wouldn't have turned to the military at that time. I'm proud of my service, but there were other programs that I was wholly unaware of that could have steered me in a positive direction without giving up 6 years and risking my life and health. Many on this forum(and some forum member's children) could be a great fit for these programs but also, the many more lurkers, anonymous browsers and such who find themselves here and will continue to in the foreseeable future, may find value in some of these programs as well. Many of these programs have structure and discipline without being the "military" and without the legal binding contract.

Peace Corps
https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/benefits/

• Provides training, transportation, living accommodations, food and a small living stipend
  
• Usually a 2 year commitment
  
• Low skilled positions and positions for college grads(and people with graduate degrees)
  
• International travel to where ever you are needed
  
• Various educational benefits(loan deferment, fellowships)
  
• Transitional assistance to a new career after your service and $8000 
  

Americorps
https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs...s-programs

• Similar to Peace Corps, but you mostly stay in the states
  
• Some local projects some travel projects to places where you're needed
  
• Positions for 17/18 and up with no experience necessary
  
• Team program for 18-24 year-olds
  
• 3-12 month commitment
  
• Can be short-term, part time, or full time
  
• Provides training, transportation, uniforms, living accommodations and food(and potentially a living allowance)
  
• Some ACE credit opportunities: http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseactio...ICE=300187
  
• Up to $6000 education award after service
  

Job Corps
https://www.jobcorps.gov/

• Focused on helping low income youth(16-24)
  
• Can get HS diploma while part of the program
  
• Varies by location but usually includes housing, food, child care, clothing, work/school supplies and living stipend
  
• Usually involves free apprenticeships, OJT, courses, other vocational training 
  

Yearup
https://www.yearup.org/

• Similar to Job Corps, but for ages 18-24 and requires you already have HS diploma or GED  
  
• 1 year long: 6 months of classes http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseactio...CE=1008396 and 6 month internship
  
• Earn a stipend throughout the program
  
• Only available in some states
  
• Alumni of the program have access to the same free college program that many unions offer https://freecollege.yearupalumni.org/faqs/
  

Local Programs

• May be funded by government, employers, non profits or unions
  
• They're all over, you just have to look!
  

Military, Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard

• These options aren't for everyone, but they are good for some people
  
• A very real commitment with consequences if you separate under dishonorable circumstances
  
• Potential benefits are far too many to list here
  

[dfrecore]

I'm going to give the caveat that the Peace Corps and Job Corps have had major rape allegations running rampant throughout the programs. I would never advise a woman to join either of those. Ever. They prey on the young and vulnerable.

[sanantone]

Job Corps varies by location, and some are non-residential. Some locations have a major gang problem. Rape, unfortunately, happens on just about every post-secondary campus whether it be Job Corps or a regular college campus. The biggest problem with Job Corps is that the average graduate doesn't do much better than if he or she never attended Job Corps in the first place. A lot of locations offer worthless vocational programs such as CNA and medical assisting. Maybe "worthless" is harsh, but most CNAs where I live make minimum wage to $12 per hour.

[sanantone]

The reason why Job Corps is so awful is because the Department of Labor doesn't run any of the centers. They're all contracted out to private entities, and most of them are for-profit. The highest performing major operator of centers is a non-profit organization, so it's a mismanagement of taxpayer dollars to keep awarding these contracts to for-profit companies just because they bid low.