Aldo Leopold Charter School
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Alternatives to College / Gap Year


Although ALCS strongly encourages its student to maintain academic standards that will make them eligible for attending college, we also realize that attendance at a four year college immediately after high school is not for everyone.
 
There are various alternatives to the standard four year college track 

 
Attending  Community College or Vocational School:
There are many careers out there that don’t require an academic degree from a college, but instead allow for a vocational track or have certification programs. 

  • https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/highest-paying-jobs-without-degree.asp
  •  http://online.wnmu.edu/offerings/certificates/new-mexico-transfer-ready-certificate/
 


Getting a Job:  
Many entry level jobs that do not require a degree will allow you to advance.  Look into any organization you apply to find out what the growth opportunities are.  Working at an entry level job can also give you the time, skills and motivation to continue you education at a later date. 
 


Volunteering:
Instead of wandering aimlessly, you can be of service and make a difference
  • Americorps: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps
  • Foodcorps: https://foodcorps.org/
  • Student Conservation Association:  https://www.thesca.org/



 
Taking a Gap Year:  
Some students do plan on going to college, but would like to take a break from academia.  There are many things to take into consideration when deciding upon a gap year, including the possibilities of losing scholarships (the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship is only available to students who go directly from High School into a college program) Always apply to schools first – once you get in you can ask for a deferment and find out about which scholarships can also be deferred..
 
    Articles About Gap Years
  • Time: http://time.com/97065/gap-year-college/
  • USA Today: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-06-18-gap-year_N.htm
 



Travel Programs:
  • Projects Abroad:  https://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-projects/gap-year/
  • Global Citizen Year:   https://www.globalcitizenyear.org/think-big/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyZLSBRDpARIsAH66VQKTDer-lXoa3CbQ08TZv5JEirA8voJYOWC6lg4ecJkBuR7CUHZ6vI8aAv5IEALw_wcB
 



Summer/Short Term Programs
  • Global Leadership Adventures: https://www.experiencegla.com/t2-gap-year-alternative/
 


Agriculture/Gardening/Food Programs
  • UCSC Farm and Garden: https://casfs.ucsc.edu/apprenticeship/index.html
  • USDA: https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/edtr/sustainable-agriculture-education-directory
  • WOOF:  https://wwoofinternational.org/
 


Outdoor/Adventure Programs
  • High Mountain Institute:  https://www.hminet.org/about-hmi-gap-programs
  • Outward Bound:  https://www.outwardbound.org/gap-year-semester-courses/
 
 
 
We will continue to update this page with links to more opportunities
so check back in periodically!!  

Aldo Leopold Charter School
410 West 10th
Street Silver City, New Mexico, 88061
Phone:  575-538-2547
Fax:  575-388-4970

Picture

-I have purposely presented the land ethic as a product of social evolution because nothing so important as an ethic is ever 'written' …      
     
              
~- Aldo Leopold,
               The Land Ethic, A Sand County Almanac
Aldo Leopold Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ALCS Overview
    • Capital Outlay Request
    • Faculty & Staff
    • FAQs
    • Governance >
      • Governing Council
      • Agendas & Minutes
      • Charter School Contract 2020-2025 .
    • Committees >
      • School Advisory Council
      • School Health Advisory Council
      • Risk Management
      • Policy
      • Development
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Salary Information
    • Sunshine Portal
  • Enrollment
    • Lottery
    • Registration Forms
  • for STUDENTS & PARENTS
    • Supply Lists
    • Student Handbook
    • Registration/ Permission Forms
    • Snow Delay and Early Release Schedule
    • AI Policy
    • ParentSquare
    • PowerSchool
    • Google Classroom
    • I want to report...
    • Internships and YCC
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • Donate
    • College & Beyond >
      • College Prep >
        • 11th Grade
        • 12th Grade
      • Scholarship Opportunities
      • College Guidance Resources
      • Dual Enrollment at WNMU
      • Gap Year / Alternatives to College
      • Transcript Requests
  • Calendar
    • Calendar by month
    • 2025/2026 Calendar
  • Lunch Menu
  • State Guidance
    • Budget Reports
    • School Designation
    • Public Charter Schools of New Mexico
    • McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act
    • Single-Source Notice
    • ENGAGE NM
    • Special Education
    • Anti-Racism Ant-Oppression Hotline
  • Experiential Education
    • ALCS High School >
      • High School Trips and Slips
      • Community Orientation
    • ALCS Middle School >
      • Middle School Fabulous Fridays