Post-Secondary Options Booklet:
Alternatives to a Four Year University
Westlake High School
2013-14
To research college and/or career options:
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Read and review the WHS College Handbook: http://www.conejousd.org/whs/Counseling.aspx
Visit the College and Career Center
NAVIANCE!
o http://connection.naviance.com/westlake
o School id # is your registration code/password and your email address is the username.
o Explore colleges using the SuperMatch tool
o Take the Career Profiler quiz
o Read the bulletins
o Sign up for college rep visits
o Search for financial aid and local scholarships
o See your counselor or go to the College and Career Center for Naviance help
Other Career Resources:
o Occupational Outlook Handbook: The Nation′s premier source for career information! The
profiles featured here cover hundreds of occupations and describe What They Do, Work
Environment, How to Become One, Pay, and more www.bls.gov/oco/
o California Career Zone: Self assessments and career resources to help you find your
perfect career match: http://www.cacareerzone.org/index.html
o Job search engine: www.monster.com
Other College Resources
o California Vocational Schools Database: http://www.california-vocational-schools.com
o California Community Colleges: www.californiacolleges.edu
o Transfer Information: www.assist.org
o Financial Aid: www.icanaffordcollege.com/
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.fastweb.com
Local Community Colleges:
Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
(805) 378-1400
www.moorparkcollege.edu/
Oxnard College
4000 Rose Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 986-5800
www.oxnardcollege.edu/
Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA
(805) 654-6400
www.venturacollege.edu/
Pierce College
6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills CA 91371
(818)719-6448
www.piercecollege.edu
Santa Barbara City College
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara CA 93109
(805)965-0581
www.sbcc.net
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica CA 90405
(310)434-9220
www.smc.edu
CONEJO VALLEY ADULT EDUCATION
1025 Old Farm Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 277-2121 http://www.conejoadultschool.org/index.htm
Adult Education offers a high school diploma program, GED preparation and testing, as well as
professional CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS in a variety of fields, including careers in the medical
field, computer applications and information technology.
Military
www.todaysmilitary.com
“Every day, many thousands devote themselves to protecting freedoms, maintaining peace, providing
relief and supporting policy around the globe. For many young Americans, the benefits of serving can
be tremendous…However, military service is not for everyone. It requires self-discipline, intense
physical work and time away from family and friends while protecting America and its citizens at
home and abroad. For some, these commitments impose too great a burden. Each decision- to serve
our country or not to serve- is personal, vital and honorable.”
Regional Occupational Program
www.venturacountyrop.com
“The Regional Occupational Program (ROP), is committed to providing students the skills necessary
for successful employment. ROP is also committed to providing business and industry immediate
access to a productive pool of skilled employees. Students in the ROP program are taught by
industry-experienced credentialed teachers. Business leaders regularly review curriculum to ensure
training programs meet the needs of the local labor market. All ROP classes address work ethics,
applied academics, and job seeking strategies, in addition to career specific competencies. Classes
are held at the ROP Center, on high school campuses, and at industry sites. The ROP serves over
4300 high school juniors and seniors, and a limited number of adults, providing training for entry level
jobs in over forty different fields.”
Equivalency Exams
1. California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
www.chspe.net
“The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) is a testing program established
by California law (Education Code Section 48412). If eligible to take the test, you can earn the
legal equivalent of a high school diploma by passing the CHSPE. Passing the CHSPE does
not, by itself, exempt minors from attending school. Minors who have a Certificate of
Proficiency must also have verified parent/guardian permission to stop attending school. Many
students who pass the CHSPE continue to attend school. State law provides that, if you leave
school after passing the CHSPE and are no more than 18 years old, you may reenroll in the
district in which you were registered with no adverse consequences. If you do reenroll you may
be required to meet new or additional requirements established since you were previously
enrolled. If you reenroll and then leave school again, you may be denied re-admittance until
the beginning of the following semester. Contact your guidance counselor or school
administrator for further information and details about leaving school after passing the
CHSPE.”
2. General Educational Development Test (GED)
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/
“The GED test is for adults who do not have a high school diploma. Those who pass the test
receive a California High School Equivalency Certificate. In California, persons who are 18
years of age or older may take the GED test. Some 17-year-olds who meet specific criteria for
testing may also take the test. Testing centers throughout California give the test many times
during the year. The GED test covers five subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social
studies. There is a fee to take the test. For additional information about the GED, you may
contact your counselor or your local adult school or testing center.”
Job-Specific Search Engines:
Automotive:
http://www.autoschoolguide.com/
Construction:
http://www.rwm.org/rwm/cal_con.html
Cosmetology:
http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/
Computers:
http://www.computerschools.com/
Culinary Arts:
http://www.culinaryschoolguide.org/faqs/culinary-schoolrankings-what-are-the-top-cooking-school-programs/
http://www.cordonbleu.edu/lcb-usa/en
Fashion:
http://www.fashion-schools.org/
Firefighting:
http://www.educationcenters.com/schools/CA-California/firescience-firefighting-schools-322.php
Volunteering:
www.volunteermatch.org
Log on to Naviance or visit the College and Career Center to explore these and other exciting
opportunities! There is something out there for everybody!