High School Counseling Department
Hingham High School

17 Union Street · Hingham, MA 02043 · 781-741-1560 x1150 · 781-741-1515 fax · HHS CEEB Code: 221-000

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Hingham High School
17 Union Street
Hingham, MA 02043
781-741-1560
781-741-1515 fax

Alternatives to College

Many students graduate from high school with a great deal of uncertainty about their future.  If you are unsure of what to do or where to go after graduation, please look through the following list of resources to determine if one of these programs would be appropriate for you.  There are many advantages to selecting this alternative path.  First, student will have more time to define their academic or occupational focus.  Second, students will have the opportunity to improve their financial status by saving money.  Last, colleges do not discourage students from taking a year off: in fact, the school is often happy to receive a more mature, dedicated student the next year.  If you have any further questions about this option, please contact your counselor.

Volunteer Programs
LEAPnow has long been a leader in alternative education.  The program specializes in unique semester-long and full-year experiential programs in the U.S. and abroad.  All programs feature a balanced blend of language study, cultural immersion, service and environmental work, and outdoor adventure.

Idealist/Action Without Borders  Over 35,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 165 countries which can researched by name, location or mission. Thousands of volunteer opportunities in local communities and around the world, and a list of organizations that can help you volunteer abroad.  Idealist is the best Nonprofit Career Center on the Web, with hundreds of job and internship listings.

Global Volunteers  Global Volunteers' goal is to help establish a foundation for peace through mutual international, cross-cultural understanding.  As the preeminent private, non-profit, non-sectarian organization offering volunteer vacations worldwide, Global Volunteers mobilizes some 150 service-learning teams year-around to work in 19 countries on five continents.

The Center for Interim Programs  Founded in 1980, with offices in Massachusetts and New Jersey, the Center for INTERIM Programs is the first, and longest running, counseling service of its kind to be established in the United States. INTERIM offers individuals of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to explore different areas of interest via a personally tailored, experience-based format. Since its inception, INTERIM has designed creative "time on" for over 3,500 young people between the ages of 15 and 70, and has created an evergrowing database of over 4,000 options worldwide.
Americorps NCCC  This is a ten-month residential service program.  Participants live in one of five regional campuses and focus on environmental, public safety, or disaster relief issues.  Members will help to meet the needs of the community through individual and community efforts.  (800-942-2677)
Americorps VISTA  This program is similar to Americorps NCCC; however, participants live in the disadvantaged communities they serve.  (800-942-2677)
CityYear  This is a national service organization where participants devote one year to community service.  The program focuses on building leadership skills and civic responsibility.  Participants are paid a weekly stipend and receive health coverage.  Examples of service include coordinating after-school programs, renovating houses for homeless, or serving as a teacher’s aide.  (617-927-2600)
Class Afloat  This program is designed to have students work as crewmember aboard the S/V Concordia and sail the world for one academic year.  In addition to the responsibilities of being a crewmember, students also complete an academic curriculum.  It is open to students in grade 11, 12 and the junior college level.  (800-301-SAIL)
Crossroads  This is an experimental learning program for recent high school graduates who are delaying entrance to college for a year. Through carefully selected internships and community service experiences, Crossroads provides students with opportunities to explore their world and also receive career counseling, leadership seminars, and professional one-on-one assistance with college selection and application.  (781-280-3774)
Dynamy  This program is a full academic year beginning with three weeks of outdoor adventure followed by three nine-week internships in career fields of interest.  Interns live in one of three multi-apartment residences in Worcester, MA.  (508-755-2571)
GlobalQuest This program offers twelve-week semesters in international settings in Thailand that includes experimental learning, reading, individual research, writing and oral presentation, and experiencing and learning Thai culture.  It is open to high school seniors and graduates between high school and college.
Ithaka  Students complete an experiential and academic program in a work/study of Greek culture.  Two of the three programs are designed specifically for high school students and recent high school grads - the Mentor Program on Greek archeology and the Cultural Studies Program on Greek culture.  (617-868-8547)
Oxford Advanced Studies Program  This postgraduate semester is aimed at US high school graduates who wish to study in Oxford for a semester or a year, usually with a view to improving their chances of getting into a good college.  (203-966-2886)
Windsor Mountain International  This program offers an International Summer Camp and Student Travel program through which students gain experience in community service learning, leadership, environment and adventure, language learning, and visual and performing arts.

National Outdoor Leadership Students learn valuable outdoor experience learning outdoor skills, leadership, and wilderness values.  Participants may elect to register for the 10-day session or the semester program in national and international expeditions.  (307-332-6973)

Outward Bound  With outdoor courses in various parts of the United States and overseas, this program has students participate in activities of their choice: sailing, desert trekking, sea kayaking, etc.  (888-882-6863)

Sea Semester  This program consists of various options for high school students to college students offering classroom instruction and adventures at sea aboard a 125-foot schooner or a 134-foot brigantine.  Experience will be gained in oceanography, maritime studies, and nautical science through intensive research.  (800-552-3633)
Nature’s Classroom    Students work as interns teaching children ages 8-14 focusing on environmental education, cognitive learning and social dynamics.  Interns receive a small stipend and room and board.  (800-433-8375)
IVPA  The International Volunteer Program offers recent graduates the opportunity to volunteer/internships in one of over 30 countries.  You go as a group of 10-20 international volunteers, you will spend 2-4 weeks working and living in a community.  Must be 18 years old or older.  (800-407-8839)
Earthwatch  Students interested in science gain research and travel experience that expands their understanding of science and supports their personal growth and career development.  Most scientific research projects are 10-14 days long but there are one week, three weeks, and weekend opportunities available.  Students must be at least 16 years old, some projects demand that you be at least 18 or older.  (800-776-0188)
New England Aquarium  This volunteer program offers many different experiences from performing research to feeding the fish.   Many positions require commitment of at least one full day per week and some may pay a small stipend.  (781-973-5200)
The Road Less Traveled  This program offers students aged 13 –19 wilderness expeditions and community service in Western United States, New England, Alaska, Australia, Costa Rica, Canada and Nepal.  The expeditions vary in length from 8 to 39 days.  (800-939-9839)
The Student Conservation Association  Offers students and adults the opportunity to work on outdoor projects while learning about the environment along with the opportunity to travel and explore new areas of the country.  (603-543-1700)

Habitat for Humanity  Habitat for Humanity International Global Village trips offer participants a unique opportunity to support local communities.  Team members work along with the host community helping to bridge awareness of poverty housing and building decent, affordable housing worldwide.  Participants can register for one or three week experiences.  (781-843-9080)