KnowHow2GO to College!

EducationQuest helps 8th, 9th and 10th grade students prepare for college and a future career through a program called KnowHow2GO*. This section is designed to guide you through four KnowHow2GO steps you should follow throughout high school.

What do we mean by “college?”

If you follow the four KnowHow2GO steps throughout high school, you can make it to college. But first, what do we mean by “college”?

The term “college” covers many types of educational opportunities after high school. These can include a four-year college or university, a community college, a trade school, or even the military.  As you explore your skills and interests – you can determine the type of college that will best fit your needs.

 Why should you start thinking about college NOW?

College may seem far off, but if you wait until your junior or senior year to start planning, it may be too late. To make it to college, there are things you need to do in 8th grade and during your freshman and sophomore years. For example:

There are specific courses you need to take beginning in 9th grade to qualify for admission into college.

And, because college can be very expensive, there are things you can do now that will help you pay for college later.

If you review this information with your parents or a mentor, you will know the steps you need to do take to make college possible!

Why is college important?

Here’s what a college degree will get you:

  •  Job opportunities. Did you know that by the year 2018, nearly 70% of the jobs in Nebraska will require education beyond high school?* If you have a degree, you’ll have a better selection of jobs and a good chance of finding a career you’ll enjoy. (*Source: Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University)
     
  • Important skills.  In addition to career-related skills, you’ll learn important communication and social skills.
     
  • Bigger bucks. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, graduates from a Nebraska four-year college earn about $14,000 more per year than a high school graduate, and about $18,000 more than a high school dropout.

 

*KnowHow2GO is a national college access program sponsored nationally by Lumina Foundation for Education, the American Council on Education and the Ad Council. EducationQuest sponsors the program in Nebraska.