Decade After High School: A Professional's Guide

The transition from high school into educational and occupational pathways is a bewildering process for many young people and their parents. From the time they start kindergarten to the day they graduate from high school, most youth travel down a relatively straightforward path. They proceed systematically from one grade to another. Everyone their age is doing pretty much what they are doing school-wise, and career decisions are something for the distant future. The intent of this guide is to help young people and those who guide them, whether parents or career professionals, to understand the challenges facing high school graduates and the multiplicity of possible pathways they may follow when continuing their education and finding employment.In the discussions of the research findings, direct voice is given, as much as possible, to the experiences of the participants. To that end, the guide frequently quotes participants. As well, it shares information from other sources which helps to bring some insight into the experiences participants have shared with the authors.