Keep Learning. Keep Moving Forward.
You’re building your future right now. The more you learn, the more options you create for yourself. Whether your next step is a certification, career school, or college, learning beyond high school can open doors to better jobs, higher pay, and greater opportunity. Don’t get stuck with limited choices. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward. The future belongs to people who are ready to learn, ready to work, and ready to succeed.
Build Skills Now
Apply for Financial Aid
Grants & Scholarships
There’s More Than One Path.
Learning after high school doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. You can earn an industry certification that prepares you for a specific career, attend a trade or career school, complete a two-year associate degree, earn a four-year bachelor’s degree, or continue into advanced education. You can also build your education one step at a time with stackable credentials—earning skills and certifications now and adding more as your career grows. Every new skill gives you more proof of what you can do, and each level of learning can open another level of opportunity and earning potential. The goal isn’t to follow someone else’s path. It’s to find the path that helps you build the future you want.
Start Building Career Skills Now.
You don’t have to wait until graduation to start preparing for your career. Career and Technical Education—or CTE—programs available through your high school can help you explore careers, learn valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and even earn industry-recognized credentials before you graduate. From healthcare and advanced manufacturing to technology, agriculture, construction, business, public safety, and more, CTE can help you discover what you’re good at while building experience employers value. Talk with your school counselor or CTE director and find out what opportunities are available to you.
Financial Aid for Almost Everyone
Nearly $70 million in federal and state financial aid goes unclaimed by Hoosier students each year. Many just don’t know how or when to apply. That’s why one of the smartest steps you can take right now is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA helps you discover financial aid that may be available for you. Whether your path includes a career certification, trade or technical school, community college, or university, there may be financial assistance designed to help you get there. Make a plan, complete the FAFSA, and find out what opportunities are available to you.
Will You Be The First?
Being the first in your family to pursue college can feel unfamiliar—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We can help you explore two- and four-year degrees, career credentials, financial aid, scholarships, and other pathways beyond high school. Click here to find practical guidance for completing the FAFSA, locating funding through the Compass Fund Finder, and building credentials step by step. Your path may be new for your family, but the opportunities are real. Start exploring what’s possible—and take your next step with confidence.
Find Money for Your next step
The Compass Fund Finder is a free online tool to help you find financial aid. Search scholarships, grants, and funding that matches your personal goals. Create a profile, save opportunities, and track your application progress. Compass can send alerts about upcoming deadlines and newly added funding options. Whether you are thinking about college degrees, workforce credentials, or specific training programs, the Compass Fund Finder will help you find the resources you need.
LEARN MORE, EARN MORE
Northeast Indiana has opportunities for everyone who’s ready to learn, ready to work, ready to succeed. While you’re still in high school, take advantage of opportunities to build skills, earn college credit, complete certifications, explore careers, and gain real-world experience. Today’s good-paying jobs increasingly require proof that you have the skills to succeed. The time you invest in learning now can open more doors, increase your earning potential, and give you more choices throughout your career.
And after graduation, keep going! Don’t get stuck with limited options. Learning beyond high school creates opportunity at every stage of life.
I’m stuck. How do I complete the FAFSA?
Don’t worry! You don’t have to figure it out alone. There are simple, free resources that can help you move forward. You can download step-by-step instructions, get answers to common FAFSA questions, and sign up for encouraging tips by email or text message. We will help make the process easier, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward finding money for college or career training.
Don't Believe the Myths
MYTH: "You have to choose between college or the trades."
FACT:
Both have value.
- Many fast-growing, well-paying positions require certification, not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. For example:
- Healthcare technologists and technicians
- Occupational and physical therapy assistants
- Production workers in advanced manufacturing
MYTH: “College is only for wealthy families.”
FACT:
Tuition appears high, but what students actually pay is much lower.
- 97% of NEI students get financial aid.
- $70M in aid goes unclaimed yearly.
- Many aid programs are underutilized, especially by those who mistakenly believe they don’t qualify.
MYTH: “Student debt is crippling and should always be avoided"
FACT:
More than half of Indiana college grads took out loans.
- The average debt was $28,521—a manageable level for many.
- Many jobs for college grads pay well above the average wage ($34.28/hour).
- Students can avoid or reduce debt by using grants, scholarships, employer tuition programs, or starting with certificates and community college.
MYTH: “College isn’t worth the cost."
FACT:
The payoff is long-term, but very significant.
- Bachelor’s degree holders typically earn $1 million more over their lifetime compared to high school graduates.
- In northeast Indiana, jobs requiring bachelor’s degrees are far outpacing openings for high school-only workers.