Discover your direction.
Arizona students have many post-high school pathways to explore.
Find your career path.
Arizona students have many post-high school pathways to explore and pursue based on their future career goals including apprenticeships, the military, trade school programs, community college, and universities. The idea of discovering these interests and career goals can often leave students feeling overwhelmed because they may not even know where to start. Below are free easily accessible tools and resources for students and families to start the career exploration process and to better understand the connection between different careers and the various education and training pathways after high school.
Pathway Guides
Postsecondary Options
Education and training options after high school in Arizona are designed to prepare students to achieve their career goals and provide them with the ability to earn family-sustaining wages. This document will help students and families better understand the various forms of high-quality opportunities that exist after high school graduation.
Download the PDF to learn more.
Multiple Paths to Success
In today’s economy, some form of education or training after high school is typically needed to find a good job. However, getting a high value certificate or degree is not always a straight path. Students do not always have to go to a four-year university right after high school to be successful or earn a bachelor’s degree. This document will help students and families explore different types of education, training programs, and work experiences and how they can map a route for their future career goals.
Download the PDF to learn more.
Sample IT Career Ladder
To highlight that there are various routes to a bachelor’s degree, this document will provide examples of the education and training options in the Informational Technology (IT) field. These different routes exist for many different career goals.
Download the PDF to learn more.
Helpful Career Exploration Links
A postsecondary planning dashboard through the College Board, offers students the opportunity to take a career interest inventory, explore careers, compile career lists, explore and plan for postsecondary education, and prepare for the SAT.
The military is also considered a post-high school pathway, as students who enlist are provided with high-quality industry skills and knowledge in addition to educational benefits to pursue higher education.
The free ECAP tool through the Arizona Department of Education offers comprehensive career exploration and postsecondary planning resources based on a RIASEC-driven career interest inventory.
A college and career exploration and planning resource produced by the Department of Defense in collaboration with the Departments of Commerce, Education, and Labor, is designed to provide students with comprehensive research and tools around careers, colleges, and the military.
A free college and career planning program where students and educators can explore college and scholarship matches, learn about careers, set goals, and track student progress.
A career development and exploration platform, is designed to create more pathways to in-demand Arizona careers.
College and Career Readiness Resource Centers
Regional college and career readiness resource centers across Arizona help high school students and their families by providing guidance and support for planning their futures. Some of the key services that students can get support with include:
Career exploration tools and information to help students explore different career paths and understand what’s required for various professions.
College planning assistance with the college application process, including help writing essays, applying for financial aid, and meeting deadlines.
Workshops and resources to help students build skills needed for success in college and the workforce, such as resume writing and interview techniques.
Access to important information about colleges, scholarships, and job opportunities for students and families.
Personalized one-on-one advising to help students make informed decisions based on their interests, strengths, and goals.
To keep in mind
The Regional College and Career Access Center
The Regional College and Career Access Center (RCCAC) is a partnership between the Metro Education Commission, City of Tucson, Pima County, Tohono O’odham Nation, and public and private K12 schools, colleges, universities, and community programs throughout Pima County. The RCCAC was developed to increase college access and success for all Pima County students and provides free 1:1 postsecondary advising in addition to the RCCAC Peer Coach Program in 25 high schools across Tucson and Pima County.
College Depot
College Depot is a free, full-service college access center located at the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, Arizona. College Depot hosts a team of college planning advisors and assistants that provide 1:1 appointments, as well as workshops related to college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, to students throughout the state.
College Connect Tempe
College Connect Tempe is a community collaboration designed to increase access to postsecondary opportunities for Tempe's youth. College Connect Tempe provides free 1:1 guidance and workshops on a variety of postsecondary exploration and planning topics.
The Northern Arizona College Resource Center
The Northern Arizona College Resource Center (NACRC) is designed to provide information, technical assistance, advising, and referrals to students and families regarding all aspects of the college admissions and financial aid process. NACRC services also include free workshops and community events to increase awareness of and access to education or training beyond high school.
