Where I Learn and Work
The “101”
You might not have given your education much consideration because it may feel like you don’t have much choice about where you go to school or the courses you take. The same goes for work. But there are aspects of your education or job over which you have some control, like showing up on time, working hard, and asking for help if you are struggling with a course or a concept being taught in class.
There are people who want you to be successful in your learning and your job. So if you find yourself struggling with a class or your job assignment or having a tough time getting to school or work regularly, let a trusted adult know.
Reflect On It
Write in your journal (download journal) any thoughts you have as you think about this topic, using the questions below:
Learn More
Tips on School Success Read or listen to articles on good study habits, completing homework, taking tests, dealing with school staff, and setting goals.
Use these three career exploration tools to discover what might be a good fit for you:
Get financially literate! It’s really important that as you plan your future, you prepare. Making the most of your money starts with five building blocks for managing and growing your money. Read about these five principles to keep in mind as you make day-to-day decisions and plan your financial goals. You can also check out more youth-friendly tips and tools for planning your financial future.
Take Action!
Ask for Subject or Task Assistance
If you are having a tough time with a specific subject or job assignment, let your teacher, instructor, or supervisor know, so they can help you get on track by arranging tutoring, training, or other extra support to help you succeed.
Let Your Adult Know of School or Workplace Difficulty
If you are having overall difficulty in school, let a teacher, instructor, counselor, or school leader know. If you feel nervous about bringing up something on your own, ask an adult you trust to raise your issue with the school leadership. If you have an issue at your workplace, think it through with someone else you trust and practice how you will talk about it with your supervisor or the person with whom you are having difficulty.
Know Your Education Rights
Various laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age in programs or activities that receive federal government money, which includes most public schools, public charter schools, public and private career and technical education programs, colleges, and universities.
Visit this resource by Know Your IX, which explains the “Title IX” law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities.
Title IX also protects students who are pregnant or parenting from discrimination at school. Visit these pages to learn more:
Know Your Workplace Rights
Visit the YouthRules! page of the U.S. Department of Labor website and the Youth@Work page the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to learn about your rights in a workplace.
Get Help if You Are Being Trafficked for Sex or Labor
If another person is using force, fraud, or coercion to control you for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against your will, that’s called “trafficking,” and it’s against the law. There’s help for you! Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit the hotline website.
Need Technical Training or Career Assistance
Contact the American Job Center nearest you. American Job Centers (AJCs) are one-stop locations across the country for job seekers. You can find one using this AJC service locator.
Plan Your Education Transition from Juvenile Justice Facilities
Youth who are exiting juvenile justice facilities have unique challenges when returning to school. The You Got This: Educational Pathways for Youth Transitioning from Juvenile Justice Facilities packet includes tips, checklists, and resources for justice-involved youth to plan their futures after leaving a juvenile justice facility.
Plan Your Transition from Foster Care
Youth who are exiting foster care have unique challenges. Fortunately, there are some resources developed specifically to support youth in foster care to understand and manage their foster care transition:
I’m Getting Ready for My Next Move—Into Adulthood provides information on aging out of the foster care system into adulthood. It reviews the development of a transition plan and key components, as well as the team that will help the youth prepare for
Telling Your Money What to Do helps youth assess their spending and provides tips for budgeting, cutting down on spending, and managing money resources.