Educational Resources for Students and Young Adults Ages 16 – 24
When you’re getting ready for your next step after high school, it can be hard to know where to start. Choosing the correct college, university, training programs, and career schools can be overwhelming. Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas is here to help you navigate the waters and feel secure in your higher education decisions.
We can fulfill our vision of a world-class competitive workforce for Southeast Texas by helping you and other young adults prepare for postsecondary education.
Preparing for College
As you prepare for college, you must identify your career interests and calculate the costs of the lifestyle you wish to lead. One way you might be able to do that is by attending the Youth Career Expo to explore local Southeast Texas careers.
Once you have identified possible careers, use the resources below to prepare for tests and find what college or training you need.
Petersons – Test prep and practice test resources
College Board – SAT testing registration and information
GCF Global – Learn and develop necessary skill sets
TXCrews – Compare colleges and universities with majors and potential earnings
TexasOnCourse– Your source for college and career prep
Southeast Texas Colleges, Universities, and Training
As a long-standing partner with Southeast Texas Workforce Solutions, Lamar University is one of the leading higher educators in our local community. Lamar University maintains one of the lower tuition rates in the Texas University System and strives to help students create personalized educational plans.
Explore all programs offered at Lamar University.
Other local colleges and universities include:
Career Schools and Training Resources
While some choose to attend a college or university, others may prefer a career field that needs a certificate or license from a training or vocational school. Successful jobs such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, cosmetologists, dental hygienists, and many other careers require licenses obtained through training programs.
Licensed Career Schools and Colleges Directory – Search for licensed career schools
Choosing a Vocational School – Information and advice for choosing a vocational school or certificate program
State Training Inventory – Texas education and workforce training providers
Resources for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Three key things to remember when applying for financial aid:
- You only have to complete one financial aid application (FASFA or TASFA) to start the process.
- The financial aid office at the school you plan on attending will be responsible for awarding financial aid.
- Deadlines matter! The earlier you submit your forms, the more likely you are to get a good financial aid package.
Federal Pell Grant – Pell Grants are federal grants that do not have to be repaid to pay for college.
FinAid – Go-to guide for college financial aid
Financial Aid – US Department of Education resources for financial aid
FastWeb – Free scholarship searches and database
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board – Resources for applying for college, scholarships, and financial aid
College Scholarships – Online colleges, scholarships and degree programs
WIOA Youth Scholarships
WIOA-eligible individuals can qualify for training or courses offered by certified training providers and other support services such as:
- Childcare
- Books
- Transportation
- Work clothes
- Other financial assistance