• College Exploration and Pathways

     

    At DeJean Middle School, we support academic success and college/career preparation. Please read and explore the resources below.

     

    There are various pathways to college and career options after high school:

    • 2 Year Community College
      • Earn a 2-year associate degree or transfer to a 4-year college
    • 4 Year University
      • Earn a 4-year bachelor degree and/or continue to pursue a graduate degree
    • Technical/Vocational School
      • Receive training and education to prepare you to work in a specific career or trade
    • Work
    • Military

     

    California State University (CSU)

    CSU csu2

    • 23 Campuses

     

    University of California (UC)

    uc uc2

    • 10 campuses

     

    Independent Colleges and Universities

     

    California Community Colleges

    calcomm

     

    Contra Costa Community College (CCC)

    ccc

     

     

    HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

     

    Vocational/Technical School

     

    Out of state or international education opportunities

     

    Financial Aid to Pay for College

    How can I afford college?

    There are many financial aid opportunities including:

    • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
      • This is a free application that high school seniors and college students must complete in order to qualify to receive money to pay for college.
    • Work Study
      • Work a part-time job either on or off campus to help you to pay for college
    • Grants
      • Money that you do not have to pay back
    • Loans
      • Money that is given to you for you to use for college. You pay it back when you are able to, after finishing college.
    • Scholarships
      • Awarded based on your academic, other achievement or background

    What are some ways to help prepare me for college while I am in middle school?

    Maintain healthy study and classroom habits

    Perform your best academically (keep up your grades)

    Talk to your school counselors and teachers

    Participate in school activities (clubs, electives, sports, etc.) or volunteer to complete community service

    Attend my middle school classes. Being on time to all classes daily, helps to prepare you for academic success now and moving forward.

     

    Useful links and resources

    • Take a college tour! Would you like to explore college campuses and find out what student life and activities are like? Take a virtual tour online! 

    • Take a look at an early college-planning checklist 

      College Planning: 9th/10th Grade

    • View a step-by-step college planning guide for parents
    • Parent Guide
     

    Sports 

    Are you interested in exploring sports? Check out information from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

     

    Visual and Performing Arts

     

    Career Exploration and Pathways

     

    Try the Interest Profiler, to learn how your interests relate to careers and pay.

     

    What kind of student are you?

    Answer questions about your study and classroom habits to find out more!

    Then, use this helpful worksheet to help match your skills to careers.

    Which careers match your skills?

     

    What is your learning style? Find out how you learn best.

     

    Search and learn about careers. Visit O*NET, which is The Occupational Information Network.

    Find occupations at