There are many ways to be of service and prepare yourself for a successful future.
Points to Consider Before Joining the Military:
- You May Be Killed
- You May Kill Others
- You May Be Injured
- You May Not Receive Proper Medical Care
- You May Suffer Long-term Health Problems
- You May Be Lied To
- You May Face Discrimination
- You May Be Ordered To Do Things Against Your Beliefs
- You May Find It Difficult To Leave The Military
- You will not have the same Constitutional rights
- You Have Other Choices
From the book, “10 Excellent Reasons Not to Join the Military,” edited by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, 2006
Considering enlistment?
Take another look at your options!
There are many ways to be of service and prepare yourself for a successful future.
Find a job:
Two sources of general career information are available online, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor:
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- O*Net: https://www.onetonline.org/
The National Career Development Association (NCDA) provides professional development, publications, standards, and advocacy to practitioners and educators who inspire and empower individuals to achieve their career and life goals.
Go to college:
- All high school graduates within the Santa Barbara City College’s district can attend free of cost for two years. www.sbccpromise.org
- Allan Hancock College in North Santa Barbara County offers 1 year free tuition to high school graduates. hancockcollege.edu/promise
- Most students qualify for financial aid. Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation gives scholarship based on need and merit. www.sbscholarship.org
- California Student Aid Commission; www.csac.ca.gov.
- Fill out a FAFSA form during your senior year. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Talk to financial aid staff at the schools you want to attend.
Consider an Americorps program:
Americorps volunteers earn a living stipend plus an educational award toward college. www.americorps.gov
Travel
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider biking, lodging in youth hostels, hiking the Appalachian Trail or participating in service/learning opportunities abroad. Peace Works Travel offers students an invitation to witness a people’s journey from war to peace. www.peaceworkstravel.com
Job training
Santa Barbara County Workforce Resource Center https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.
Service Opportunities
View volunteer opportunities in Santa Barbara County: https://www.countyofsb.org/1884/Volunteer-Opportunities
Get connected for Jobs & Internships through the Non-profit Resource Network https://nprnsb.org/.
Pursue your interests
You have a unique combination of skills and talents. When you become proficient at your own discipline, you benefit your family, your community and the world.
Truth in Recruitment 