This document provides guidance for high school students on their post-secondary options. It notes that while 90% of juniors hope to attend college, only 39% actually do. It emphasizes that a high school diploma alone is not enough for most modern jobs, which increasingly require some form of post-secondary education. It encourages students to take challenging classes, use available resources to explore financial aid and career options, find a post-secondary program that fits their interests and budget, and get support from others in pursuing their educational goals.

1. LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Your plan, Your future

2. RESEARCH SAYS:90% OF HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS HOPE TO GO TO COLLEGE…

3. REALITY SAYS:ONLY 39% OF STUDENTS ACTUALLY GO TO COLLEGE.

4. College bound?Of every 100 Indiana 9th graders, only…

5. Do you want a job or a career?The workforce has changed. Jobs have gone overseas, people have been replaced by computers and machines, and jobs require more advanced skills and training. A high school education alone will get you no where.

6. Jobs: Then and Now195020% of jobs required 4 years or more of college20% of jobs required 2 years of college or technical program60% of jobs required a high school diploma200020% of jobs required 4 years or more of college60% of jobs required 2 years of college or a technical program20% of jobs required a high school diploma

7. So, now what?How do I make my dreams my reality?

8. Continue your education.It doesn’t end with your high school graduation!2 YEARS OR LESSCertificate programAssociates degree4 YEARS PLUSBachelors degreeMasters degreeDoctoral degree

9. Follow my advice:Take the tough classes

10. Use your resources

11. Find the right fit

12. Test yourself

13. Money, money, money, money

14. Lean on me

15. Don’t be a wimp

16. It’s my life…Take the tough classesCore 40 gives you more:Career options

17. Skills for the jobs of the future

18. Preparation for college success

19. Opportunities for scholarships and financial aidState 4 year institutions will require Core 40 or equivalent for college admission starting 2011-2012Take courses that challenge youAdvanced Placement (AP) courses