For Families and Students

Featured Resource: Xello

Most middle and high school students in Wisconsin have access to an online program called Xello that can be used for virtual career exploration and college planning. If your child does not know how to access his/her Xello account, contact a school counselor.

Additional resources for families from Xello include:

• Empower your students to explore career options through take-home assignments
• Keeping students engaged outside the classroom: Using Xello on mobile

Other Virtual Career Exploration Resources

• Junior Achievement Program Resources
• Wisconsin Labor Market Information (LMI) Guide
• Department of Workforce Development Skill Explorer
• Virtual field trips by Discovery Education
• Careers in Engineering and Technology by PBS LearningMedia

Students have many options for postsecondary education and training. It’s important to find the right fit!

Click on the topic of your choice:

• Parent Guides
• Employment Options
• Two- and Four-Year College Options
• Registered Apprenticeship Options
• Military Options

Parent Guides

• Guide to Continuing Education After High School: Sorting Through the Options
• A Parent's Guide to Selecting a College the Wisconsin Technical College System

Employment Options

• Article: 20 jobs you can get with a high school diploma
• Article: Jobs That Pay Over $55k, and You Only Need a High School Diploma
• Transition planning for students with disabilities (DPI)
• Department of Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Transition Services

Two- and Four-Year College Options

• Wisconsin Technical College System
• University of Wisconsin System
• Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (private colleges)
• Wisconsin Tribal Colleges
  • College of Menominee Nation
  • Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College

Registered Apprenticeship Options

• Wisconsin Technical Colleges - Apprenticeship Information

Military Options

• Military.com
• Selective Service System
• Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program
• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marines
• National Guard
• Navy

Whether your child is looking for a summer job or a full-time ongoing job opportunity after high school, some industries are hiring.

In-Demand Jobs

• In-Demand Jobs from the Job Center of Wisconsin - Note: you may need to create a free account to search for jobs in your specific area.
• Job Center of Wisconsin Youth Employment Resources

Remote Jobs for High School Students

• Remote Jobs for High School Students on Indeed.com
• Best 30 Online Jobs for Teens – Work from Home (18 and Under)

Job-Seeking Resources

• Job Center of Wisconsin
• CareerOneStop Job Search Resources
• Free Resume Builder: LiveCareer
• Free Resume Builder: Resume.com
• Article/database: 100 Top Job Interview Questions—Be Prepared for the Interview
• Special Education Resource: Opening Doors to Employment

This is an effective way to develop new skills, explore careers, and make a difference!

• Points of Light Engage
• DoSomething.org
• Catchafire
• United Nations Volunteers
• Smithsonian Digital Volunteers
• Amnesty International Decoders
• Translators without Borders
• Crisis Text Line

Click on the topic of your choice:

• Virtual College Tour Resources
• College Entrance Exams
• System and Campus Updates
• Impact of COVID-19 on College and Course Decisions
• What to do when your financial situation has changed
• College Transition Resources

Virtual College Tour Resources

• Xello: Most students in Wisconsin have a Xello account. Go to "Explore Schools" and find the college you wish to explore. Scroll down to the campus map located on the school profile. Drag the peg man onto the map to open the street view. Use your mouse to "walk" around the campus!
• eCampusTours.com
• You Visit College Search
• United States Air Force Academy

College Entrance Exams

• SAT
• ACT

System and Campus Updates

Resources may include information on changes regarding final transcripts, admission deadlines, admission review, placement testing, and summer orientations due to COVID-19.

• University of Wisconsin COVID-19 admissions updates: This site includes information regarding final transcript requirements.
• Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities: Scroll down to "COVID-19 Resources."

Impact of COVID-19 on College and Course Decisions

• Universal Transfer Agreements between Wisconsin Technical Colleges and UW Colleges: This is for students who may need to start at a college closer to home but eventually plan to transfer to another Wisconsin school.
• Gap Year Resources
• Article: Which College Majors May Be Influenced by the Pandemic?
• Article: Here's How to Pick a College During Coronavirus

What to do when your financial situation has changed

• NACAC application fee waiver: For students experiencing significant financial hardship
• Free Resource: Contact a UW Extension Financial Educator
• Article: How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

College Transition Resources

• Set To Go
• Special Education:
  • Opening Doors to Postsecondary Education & Training
  • WI Transition App
  • UW campus contacts for students with disabilities
  • Private college contacts for students with disabilities
• Homeless Youth: Five Strategies to Help Homeless Youth Transition to College During COVID-19
• Foster Youth: Youth Services Paying for College