Life After High School

One of California PAL's most important programs is our "Life After High School" youth program. High school aged kids from various PAL's across the state come together at Fresno State University and begin an intense five day learning program designed to give them the knowledge they need for life after they graduate. One of the top goals of the conference is to provide the youth with as much of a "college experience" as possible. The kids all stay in the college dormitory and eat at the university cafeteria.

For many of the kids, this is their first visit to a university. The curriculum includes lectures about preparing for SAT's and ACT testing, what High School courses they need to be taking to have a better chance of getting into college, the difference between the UC and CSU system and applying for FAFSA. Other importants subjects that are covered include school grants and financial aid, taking AP and Honor courses in high school and how they should apply to various colleges. Representatives come in to talk about the benefits of going to a vocational or trade school, becoming an apprentice in one of the various trade unions along with other opportunities working in the AMERICORPS and the VISTA program.

One of the very important componants of our program includes teaching PAL youth about various "life skills" that they will need when the do graduate and move out on their own. Topics such as opening a checking or savings account at a bank, applying for credit and using it wisely, applying for a passport, registering to vote and applying for the Selective Service are all covered. A workshop on how to live on minimum wage is given to highlight the need to better themselves and earn higher wages. We also have various members of the United States Armed Forces come by to speak about careers in the military and what to expect when joining.

The "Life After High School"program directly helps PAL youth from all around the state and this program has directly contributed to many PAL kids being able to attend college or better themselves as they transition into adulthood.