Planning Your Future

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Rather than seeing any college/career pathway as better than the other, we like to see as which pathway is the best fit for you. Check out the pathways below for a general overview. Then meet with a College Connect Advisor for more assistance on identifying and pursuing your pathway.

Early College Programs

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)): AVID is a non-profit program that enrolls students in classes that emphasizes writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. Find your AVID advisor here.
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment allows students to be enrolled in high school and college courses at the same time.
Advanced Placement (AP): AP courses allow students to take college level courses in high school and receive college credit for them. Over 25 AP courses are offered throughout the Tempe Union district.
Achieving a College Education Program (ACE): High school sophomores are recruited to participate in ACE during their junior and senior years. Once accepted into the program, ACE students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college courses, attending college classes during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year. ACE students can earn up to 24 college credits by the time they graduate from high school and can continue with Maricopa Community Colleges or transfer to a university to earn their bachelor’s degree. ACE students experience success!
Hoop of Learning: scholarship based, high school-to-college bridge program for American Indian students in high school.

International Baccalaureate (IB): Only available at Tempe High School, IB is a program which allows students to receive college credit in high school through an international curriculum.

Community College

Four-Year University

Colleges and universities that offer 4 year bachelor's degrees with in-person and/or online options. These degrees typically consist of 120-180 credit hours.

In State Public Universities:

In-State Private Universities:

Out of State Universities by State

Search for the best fit for you using the College Navigator.

Technical Certificate Programs

Military Service

AmeriCorps Service

AmeriCorps is a national government agency that engages individuals at national, state, and local levels to tackle pressing issues in America. High school graduates can apply based on their age.

AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA): Members, ages 18 and older, perform capacity building activities, over a course of a year, through private non-profit organizations and public agencies. VISTA members address issues related to poverty, such as public health, education, the environment, public safety, and employment, by developing and mobilizing resources that create long-term sustainable benefits at a community level.
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC): Members range from ages 18 to 24 and serve in a 10-month team-based residential program (teams usually include 10-14 individuals) to complete a variety of projects in the areas of education, disaster services, the environment, and other unmet needs. NCCC members often travel to projects throughout their region. You may either apply for the Fall Class, which begins in the September/October timeframe, or apply for the Winter Class, which begins in January.
AmeriCorps State and National: Members, ages 17 and older, serve in either teams or individually through national and community-based private and public organizations. Members help solve community problems through direct and indirect service, in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs such as health and housing.
Find AmeriCorps opportunities in Arizona.