Preparing Your Child for a Brighter Future

Your family plays an important role in preparing your child for the future. No matter what path your child takes. You can support them by helping them explore their options for the future. You can ask them about what paths or careers they are interested in. You can start by asking them about their dreams and goals.

You may also explore what help is available at your child’s school and in your community. There are often programs available to help students explore their options. School staff members like the school counselor may also be able to help.

This family roadmap also has some information about how you can help your child explore their interests and career options. 

These are just some examples of the different paths your child may take. You may read about each one to learn about how you can support your child as they explore and pursue these options.

Select each topic to learn more.

• Getting a College or University Degree
• Going to a Career Preparation Program
• Working After High School
• Joining the Military or Armed Forces

To take some of these paths, your child will likely need to have a high school diploma. They may need to continue their education at a university or a career training program. They may also need to train or get work experience under the supervision of a professional. Sometimes, this is called an apprenticeship or internship. Mentors may also be a good resource to guide your child as you both explore.

Help Your Child Learn About Money

While your child explores their job and career options, it may be a good time to talk about how they can manage the money they earn. You may also want to guide your child on how to make financial decisions as they explore their college and career options. You can learn more about helping your child learn about money on the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website.

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Explore Career Opportunities with Your Child

Help your child explore what they are interested in as they grow. It can be helpful if your child knows what career they are interested in and what options are available for them after they complete high school. Encourage your child by talking about their interests. Help them participate in programs where they can learn about different careers. Some careers require students to attend a career training program and obtain a certificate or license. Other careers may require your child to get a degree from a university or college. 

Here are some examples. Select each one to learn more.

• Talk about your child’s strengths and interests.
• Encourage your child to explore different careers.
• Talk with your child about different career options.
• Find resources or programs available at the school.

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Talk About Your Child’s Strengths and Interests

Middle school or high school is a great time for young adults to learn more about themselves. They can explore their hobbies and talents. They can decide which activities they like and dislike. This can make it easier for them to choose a career in the future. You and your child may talk with a teacher or school counselor to ask about other ways your child can explore their strengths and career interests. You can have conversations with your child to help them think about their interests. Explore the examples below.

Questions to Ask Your Child

• What are some things you really enjoy? Why?
• What is your favorite class? Why?
• What have you enjoyed learning about recently?
• What do you think you are good at? How do you know you are good at it? What do you dislike?
• What do you think you are bad at? Why?
• What activities have you done in school that helped you learn about your interests, skills, or talents? What did you learn about yourself?

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Encourage Your Child to Explore Different Careers

Encourage your child to learn about different careers. Help your child find programs or opportunities to observe someone in a career or job in which they are interested. Sometimes this is called job shadowing, an internship, or apprenticeship.

Your child’s high school may provide resources to help your child explore job and career opportunities. High school counselors can also help students explore these options. Encourage and support your child to check what help or resources are available.

Help your child connect with people in fields they are interested in. Encourage them to join clubs or organizations at their school or in the community that are related to their career interests. Take your child to career fairs, workshops, or community events where they can meet with potential mentors and employers.

Some community organizations have programs that connect young adults with mentors who can help them learn about their career interests or develop the skills they need to find a job or career. Ask or research to find what opportunities are available in your community. Learn more in the Find Resources or Programs Available at the School and in Your Community section below.

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Talk with Your Child About Different Career Options

As your child learns about their interests and talents, they may learn more about careers that they might like in the future. Many schools help students figure out how to learn about different careers. Your child’s high school may provide resources to help your child explore job and career opportunities. School counselors may be able to help students explore these options. Encourage and support your child to check what help or resources are available. The USA Hello website has more information about different careers.

Questions You Can Ask Your Child

• Have you learned about any careers that sound interesting to you? What about them sounds interesting?
• Have you done any activities where you learned about some careers that seem interesting?
• What career do you think you might be good at? Why? What have you learned about this career? How does this career match your strengths or interests?
• Do you know someone who is in the career you are interested in? What do you think someone in this job does every day? How much education is needed to enter this career? What classes can you take in middle or high school that would help prepare you for this career? What would help you see if you like it?

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Find Resources or Programs Available at the School and in Your Community

Make connections with businesses and organizations in your community. Your child can get help to learn important skills or learn about careers they are interested in. Sometimes, this may be done through internships or programs where students learn about different careers. The programs can take place after school or over the summer breaks. For example, students may follow an adult around for a day at their job. This is called job shadowing. It can be helpful to ask your child’s school about what resources they have. At some schools, the school counselor helps students explore their career interests and options.

Some community organizations have programs that connect young adults with mentors who can help them learn about their career interests or develop the skills they need to find a job or career. Ask or research to find what opportunities are available in your community. Your community organizations may have programs that offer internships or workshops to support your child's career goals or prepare job applications. Other community programs provide information to help young adults learn about their career interests. They may also connect young adults to job opportunities or job training programs.

There are programs available to help young adults train for a specific career outside of college.

Questions You Can Ask the School

Ask school staff, like your child’s teacher or the school counselor, about what resources or programs are available. Here are some example questions.

• Are there any special programs or support services to help my child explore career opportunities? 
• Does the school provide internship or mentor opportunities? Where can I learn more about these opportunities?
• Are there any bilingual staff members available to provide additional support and guidance? 
• What are the classes or programs available to help my child see their career options?
• Where can I learn about what resources are available in my community?
• Are there any special clubs or organizations that can help my child explore different career paths or interests?
• Can you suggest any resources or websites where we can find more information? 

Questions You Can Ask Your Child

Your child may know about services or programs. It can be helpful to talk about these types of opportunities with your child.

• Have you heard of any activities going on outside of school that sound fun or interesting to you?
• Does your school offer any opportunities to participate in an internship or to learn from someone about a career in the community? If so, are you interested in this?
• Are your friends talking about their career interests or options? What are they saying about it?

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 Additional Resources 

• You can learn about different careers on the USA Hello website.
• Learn more about exploring your child’s strengths and interests on the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website.
• These organizations provide mentor programs for young adults:
  • Community Refugee and Immigration Services
  • Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services Youth Programs
• The Job Help page from the Columbus Metropolitan Library provides information about jobs and career help.
• The Franklin County Jobs and Family Services’ Achieve More and Prosper program helps young adults who are 16 to 24 years old connect with services to prepare for whatever path they want to take. This includes finding a job or career, going back to school, and much more.

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Getting a College or University Degree

If your child is interested in going to college, there are many ways you can support them. You can read this resource to get some ideas. You can help them research colleges and scholarships, encourage them to take challenging classes, and help them prepare for standardized tests. You can also help them stay organized and on track with deadlines. Additionally, you can help them explore their interests and passions, and encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities. By providing guidance and support, you can help your child achieve their goals and succeed in college and beyond.

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What college options are available?

Here are some examples of what college options are available:

• Community colleges are usually less expensive. They offer programs that can help students get a job quickly after finishing school. 
• Universities offer more advanced degrees and research opportunities. 
• There are also online colleges and career programs. 

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How do students go to college?

Going to college requires preparation. Your child will need to take tests and submit an application to the university they want to attend. Once they start attending a university, they can keep on learning and explore different careers and subjects that they like. Students select which degree they want to complete based on the subject or career they want to study. A school counselor or advisor can help students pick the career that best matches their strengths and goals for the future. It is important to pick a university that matches your child’s goals and what they find interesting. Going to a university can be a great chance to learn and prepare for the future.

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How do we pay for university? 

Going to a university is a great opportunity. But it can be expensive. Luckily, there are many ways to pay. Some options include financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.

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How can I help my child explore their options? 

Getting ready for college is a big step for students. You and your family can help make it a little easier.

Examples to Get Started

• Talk about college. Your child needs to know what college is and why it is important. You may talk about your own experiences if you went to college. Or explain how education can help them achieve their goals.
• Encourage good grades in high school and in college.
• College is all about learning. It is important for your child to do well in school. You may help your child stay on track by setting goals and providing support.
• Help your child develop good study habits and time management.
• Get involved. Help your child get involved in activities that will help them prepare for college.

• Encourage your child to participate in programs that can help them prepare for college. This includes internships, mentorship programs, or college preparation courses.
• Plan ahead. College requires planning. Help your child get ready by setting up a savings plan. Explore scholarship opportunities. Have them think about what they want to study.
• Support their dreams. Encourage your child to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve them. College can be a challenge. With the right support, your child can succeed and reach their full potential. You may feel like you want to decide for them or do not agree fully with their choices. But with your support and understanding, your child will go far.

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How can I talk with my child about college?

Even if you have not gone to college yourself, there are many ways to support your child. Talking with your child about college is one way to help them make better decisions about their future. Encourage your child to talk about college and their interests. Use these examples to start the conversation.  

Questions you can ask your child:  

• What do you think about college? Do you see yourself going?
• What excites you about going to college?
• Do you know what you need to go to college?
• Do you have any ideas about what you would like to study? What career or subjects would you like to study?
• What information has your school shared with you about universities?

Other tips:  

• Discuss the benefits of going to college. You may talk about the different careers and jobs that require a college degree.
• Discuss how having a degree can help your child get a better job in the future.
• Talk about how going to college can help your child learn more about themselves and the world around them.

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 Additional Resources 

• USA Hello provides a resource about attending universities. It is available in multiple languages.
• College information for immigrant students can be found on the New York City Schools website.
• The Student Aid website has information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is available in Spanish and English.
• On the Financial Aid Tool Kit website you can find more information about language assistance for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It includes a contact number for translation services.

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Going to a Career Preparation Program

In Ohio, your child can join a career program (or career-technical education program) that can help them get ready for a job or career. Some careers include nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, and cosmetology. There are many different programs to choose from. Some may even help your child be prepared for a college degree too.

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 Additional Resources 

• The Conversation Starters page on the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website has ideas for talking to your child about careers. The resource is available in six different languages.
• Resources on careers can be found on the OhioMeansJobs website.
• The Exploring Careers page on the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website has information about how to help your child explore their career interests.
• High school students can use the OhioMeansJobs’ Career Prep 101 to explore their career interests.
• You can learn about different careers on the USA Hello website. It is available in different languages.
• Discover how to find job opportunities on the USA Hello website’s Find a Job page. Learn essential tips for applying and preparing for job interviews.
• This OhioMeansJobs website provides information about the jobs available across the state.
• The Job Help page from the Columbus Metropolitan Library provides information about jobs and career help.
• The Franklin County Jobs and Family Services’ Achieve More and Prosper programs help young adults who are 16 to 24 years old connect with services to prepare for whatever path they want to take. This includes finding a job or career, going back to school, and much more.
• Explore careers with your student at MyNextMove.org.
• Guidance for choosing your path after high school can be found on the New York City Schools website.

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Working After High School

If your child wishes to start working after high school, it is important to understand how you may support your child as they explore their options.

Many jobs need applicants to have a high school diploma. Learn more about how to help your child graduate high school on our Supporting Your Child’s Graduation page.

Here are some ways you may help your child. Select each one to learn more.

• Connect with school and community resources. 
• Explore career interests.
• Set goals.
• Help your child build their career skills.
• Help your child apply to jobs and prepare.
• Help your child learn about money.

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Connect with School and Community Resources

Your child’s high school may provide resources to help your child explore job and career opportunities. High school counselors can also help students explore these options. You may also encourage and support your child to find what help or resources are available.

Help your child connect with people in fields they are interested in. Encourage them to join clubs or organizations at their school or in the community that are related to their career interests. You may also take your child to career fairs, workshops, or community events where they can meet with potential mentors and employers.

Some community organizations have programs that connect young adults with mentors who can help them learn about their career interests or develop the skills they need to find a job or career. Ask or research to find what opportunities are available in your community. Your community organizations may have programs that offer internships or workshops to support your child's career goals or prepare job applications. Other community programs provide information to help young adults learn about their career interests. They may also connect young adults to job opportunities or job training programs. Job training programs can help young people learn job skills for a certain job or career.

Organizations with Mentor Programs

• Community Refugee and Immigration Services
• Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services Youth Programs

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Explore Career Interests and Options

Encourage your child to think about their career or job interests. You may talk about different jobs and help them learn more by reading about different jobs or visiting workplaces. Together, you can research various career options and discuss how their unique skills could be used in different fields.

Examples to Help You Start a Conversation

• Have you learned about any careers that sound interesting to you? What about it sounds interesting?
• What jobs do you think you might be good at? Why? What have you learned about this career? How does this career match with your strengths or interests?
• Do you know someone who does this job? What do you think someone in this job does every day?
• How much education is needed to enter this career? What courses can you take in middle or high school that would help prepare you for this career or at least help you see if you like it?

Learn more about exploring your child’s career interests from the Exploring Your Child’s Career Interests and Options section of this page.

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Help Your Child Build Their Career Skills

Work with your child to identify the skills required for the careers your child is interested in. Offer support by helping them find training programs, internships, or apprenticeships that can teach them those specific skills. Encourage them to practice and develop their English language skills because it is important for career success.
You can learn about different careers on the USA Hello website.

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Help Your Child Apply to Jobs and Prepare

Help your child with creating a resume and cover letter. These materials demonstrate your child’s career skills for job applications. Your child should make their job application materials fit each job they apply to.

Teach your child about the importance of being on time, dressing professionally, and maintaining eye contact during interviews. Practice common interview questions and help them create good responses.

There may be other resources in your community available for your child. When you can, take your child to school or community events that help young adults prepare their job application materials or practice for job interviews.

While your child applies to jobs and prepares, help them set goals they can achieve. Break these goals into smaller steps that can be finished in a certain time. You can help your child make a timeline to achieve their goals and make sure to celebrate every milestone they reach.

• The Find a Job page on the USA Hello website provides more information about applying to jobs.
• This OhioMeansJobs website provides information about the jobs available across the state.

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Help Your Child Learn About Money

Learning about money is really important when young adults start working. Getting a job and earning may motivate your child to learn about money. You can learn on the Helping Your Child Learn about Money page of the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website.

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 Additional Resources 

• This Exploring Careers page the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center website has information about how to help your child explore their career interests.
• High school students can use the Career Prep 101 page on the OhioMeansJobs website to explore their career interests.
• Discover how to find job opportunities on the USA Hello website. Learn essential tips for applying and preparing for job interviews.
• This OhioMeansJobs website provides information about the jobs available across the state.
• The Job Help page from the Columbus Metropolitan Library provides information about jobs and career help.
• The Franklin County Jobs and Family Services’ Achieve More and Prosper programs help young adults who are 16 to 24 years old connect with services to prepare for whatever path they want to take. This includes finding a job or career, going back to school, and much more.
• You can learn about different careers on the USA Hello website.

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Joining The Military or Armed Forces 

Some young adults may want to join the United States armed forces or the military after they complete high school. To do this, young adults must have a high school diploma. They must also meet other requirements. Each branch of the armed forces may have different requirements. Usually, young adults must take a test that measures their strengths and skills. They may also need a certain level of health and physical fitness. You may learn more on the Military Enlistment page of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website.

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Programs at School: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

Some schools offer programs to prepare students who are interested in the armed forces. They are usually called Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, or JROTC. The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a program that helps students become better leaders. It is based on the values and practices of the United States military. This program is offered in high schools and colleges all over the country. In JROTC, students do things in the classroom and participate in activities to help their schools and communities. Students learn about leadership, working together as a team, and having self-control. You can learn more by asking a teacher or school staff member at your child’s school.

• Visit the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps page of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website.
• The U.S. Military Careers page of the OhioMeansJobs website provides more information about the careers available in the United States military.

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Access the Glossary to learn more about specific terms.

These resources aim to bolster academic, student wellness, and college and career outcomes for Ohio's English Learners. Resources were created through a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and The Ohio State University's Center on Education and Training for Employment along with a dedicated group of family advocates, community leaders, school district staff, and teachers.

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Last Modified: 10/25/2024 12:16:04 PM