Colleges, schools, and training institutes readily reply to requests for information about their programs. When contacting these institutions, you may want to keep in mind the following items:
Admission requirements
Courses offered
Certificates or degrees awarded
Cost
Available financial aid
Location and size of school
Placement rate of graduates
Check with professional and trade associations for lists of schools that offer career preparation in a field in which you are interested. High school guidance offices and libraries usually have copies of the directories listed below, as well as college catalogs that can provide more information on specific institutions.
The U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) program has an interactive school search system. You can search for any postsecondary school, focusing your search for a school based upon many factors: Number of students, type of school (2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, trade schools), public or privately funded institutions, instructional programs and fields of study (majors), accreditation, and geographic location. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, the site provides more detailed information on specific schools, including contact information. There also are links to other helpful sites. Internet: http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/index.asp.
The Directory of Private Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, put out by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, is a helpful resource. Be sure to use the latest edition because these directories and catalogs are revised periodically.
Information about home or correspondence study programs appears in the Directory of Accredited Institutions. Send requests for the Directory and a list of other publications to:
Distance Education and Training Council, 1601 18th St. NW., Washington, DC 20009-2529. Phone: (202) 234-5100.
Internet: http://www.detc.org
Information about apprenticeships is available from local labor unions, school guidance counselors, and State employment offices or from:
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration , 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 693-3812. Internet: http://www.doleta.gov.
Completing an internship is an excellent way for students and others to learn about an occupation and to make valuable contacts. Many employers offer internships that provide short-term or part-time job experience that can lead to a permanent position. Contact your school’s career guidance center or employers directly regarding internship opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
Suite 2135
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
