Paths Forward
Every door is open – college, work, travel…LIFE!
Measuring Success in the Present Tense
At Embark Center we measure success not only by what members go on to do, but also how they experience the present. While preparation for the future is certainly important, we believe that the best preparation for a meaningful and positive future is a meaningful and positive present.
For young people at our center, life starts now, not later. Doing things you find interesting and useful is the ideal learning experience.
College, work, entrepreneurship, travel….what’s next?
These may all be in your future, but they can also be part of your present.
College — everyone who wants to can go
Admissions
Millions of students in the United States don’t go to high school, yet most of them continue on to higher education. Colleges have specific admissions procedures for homeschoolers and “non-traditional students” who have not attended high school. Colleges are interested in a student’s ability to do college work and their intellectual passions, not whether you attended high school. If you have specific colleges in mind, we encourage you to contact the admissions department to find out their admission requirements. We offer support and coaching throughout the college admissions process.
Starting at Community College
Many of our members take community college classes. They can earn an associate’s degree or enough college credits to transfer to a four-year program as a sophomore or junior when their peers are just graduating high school. This path is simple, affordable, direct, and a proven success.
Applying directly to a 4-year institution
It is also possible to apply directly to a 4-year college for admission as a freshman after building up a portfolio of work. Most colleges have special applications for homeschoolers and non-traditional students which may or may not require standardized tests. In many cases being a non-traditional learner is a great asset in college admissions. In our experience, it has not proven to be a hindrance. Staff mentors are available to help with the creation of application materials.
Work, Entrepreneurship, Travel
Many of the young people we work with decide to get jobs, start their own business, travel or take a gap year when their time with us is over. Some of the best learning comes from direct experience and just doing it. Often, our members continue on with interests they developed during their youth such as film, writing, electronics or art.
Many Paths Forward
People who choose to self-direct their own education can live empowered and interesting lives, whether it is attending college or university, running their own business, working at their first full-time job, or traveling and volunteering somewhere else in the world.
Young people who learn how to learn, who develop interests and passions, who are treated with respect and treat others accordingly, can make things happen for themselves.
Self-direction, self-advocacy, communication skills, and critical thinking: these are the qualities most in demand in the working world, and these are the attributes that young people develop at our centers.
Respect + autonomy + guidance + support = the freedom and the ability to create the future of your choice.
