5 Alternatives to College Every Teen Should Know About

College isn’t the only path beyond high school. At Teen Action and Support Center, we want to provide a variety of post high school options that support them on their journey to be the best version of themselves. Here are 5 alternatives to college every teen should know about.

1. Trade and Technical Schools – Specific skills are in high demand and can be quicker options than a four-year college path. Many trades pay well too and allow you to work in a field you enjoy.
2. Apprenticeships and Paid Training Programs – You can think of apprenticeships as “learn and earn” models. Teens can acquire experience in certain fields without college debt.
3. Entrepreneurship – Teens can start their own business and learn how to meet a specific need in their community while earning money. Businesses can start small and grow into something larger over time. There are lots of teen run businesses such as starting a YouTube channel, to selling art, to babysitting or nannying.
4. Service Year Programs – Programs like AmeriCorps or City Year allow teens to serve their communities, build leadership skills, and earn money for future education or training. These programs can be very fulfilling by giving of oneself to others while earning money.
5. Certificates, Boot Camps and Online Courses – There are several fast-track options to learning a technical skill and acquiring a certification which can be used to get a job after high school.
Information about some of these options and much more will be available at our Alternatives to College Night on August 29 th ! Come check it out.

What Teens Really Want from Adults (And How We Can Truly Show Up)

Teens aren’t just growing—they’re becoming. And every step of that journey is shaped by the adults around them. Parents, teachers, mentors, coaches—your influence matters. At TASC, we know that when adults commit to whole teen wellbeing through a positive youth development approach, young people don’t just survive—they thrive. Teens are asking for more than advice. They’re asking for connection, trust, and space to grow into their best selves.

Teens Want to Be Heard, Not Fixed
Listening is one of the most powerful tools in a youth development framework. Teens thrive when adults make space for their voices. One teen said, “Thank you for everything. This space allowed me to feel safe and interact and create connections with many amazing people.” This
was simply because they felt genuinely heard—not corrected.

Consistency Builds Emotional Safety
Whole teen wellbeing means meeting emotional, social, and developmental needs. That starts with adults showing up regularly. In 2024, 84% of teens attending after school programs felt comfortable at TASC and 89% reported enjoying their time at TASC and with staff. When adults are consistent, teens learn they’re worth that reliability.

Respect Fuels Growth
A core principle of positive youth development is competence and confidence in positive decision making. At TASC, we see transformation  when teens have ownership. In our programs, participants design community service projects and structured activities—and grow their confidence in the process.

Misconception: Teens Are “Too Much”
Let’s flip the narrative. Teens aren’t too emotional or rebellious—they’re figuring out who they are. We nurture whole teen wellbeing through outlets like art therapy, identity workshops, life skills and teen-led events, which support emotional expression and personal agency.

Support the Whole Teen, Not Just the Problems Teens don’t need to be “fixed” ; They need support that sees the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Through the 5 C’s of a positive youth development model – confidence, competence, connection, character and caring– we create spaces where teens can explore, grow, and thrive. You can be part of that story. Volunteer your time. Invest in our mission. Let’s build a community where every teen knows: I matter. I belong. I’m becoming.

Navigating the Stresses of “Back to School” and What We Can Do

In a reflection following one of our summer programs, a teen shared that “fear keeps great opportunities from happening!”

We know fear is at the root of anxiety, and as the school year begins, many of our teens are anxious about what opportunities the new year might hold.

Beginning new classes, interacting with new peers, and navigating the expectations of new teachers,

can be hard transitions for teenagers. When adults ask provoking questions, they promote problem solving skills and build resiliency in adolescents.

Instead of “Don’t worry about it.” try “How could you think about that differently?”

Instead of “You will be fine.” try “How have you handled that concern before?”

Instead of “Everyone has to deal with stress/anxiety/change.” try “What strengths do you have that can help you manage your stress?” Or “Is there any way I can help you?”

If we tell them what to do instead of allowing them the opportunity to face challenges and overcome them, we reduce their self-confidence. Believing a teenager has the ability to manage fear and stress, helps them believe in themselves and look forward to the great opportunities that await them!