U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Take Charge of Your Future

Get the Education and Training You Need

Take Charge of Your Future

Get the Education and Training You Need

Prepared by

Donna Fowler

Michelle Tolbert

MPR Associates, Inc.

Berkeley, Calif.

Prepared for

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

July 2012
This report was produced under U.S. Department of Education Contract No. 

GS-10F-0348U/ED-VAE-10-0-0102, Task Order 6, with MPR Associates, 

Inc. Sheryl Adler served as the contracting officer’s representative. Mention 

of trade names, commercial products, or organizations in this report does not 

imply endorsement by the U.S. government. This publication also contains 

URLs for information created and maintained by private organizations. This 

information is provided for the reader’s convenience. The U.S. Department 

of Education is not responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, 

relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Further, 

the inclusion of information or URLs does not reflect the importance of the 

organization, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed.

U.S. Department of Education

Arne Duncan

Secretary of Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

Brenda Dann-Messier

Assistant Secretary

July 2012

This report is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or 

in part is granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, 

the citation should be: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational 

and Adult Education, Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need, Washington, D.C., 2012.

To order copies of this report, 

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publication Center, U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304; 

or fax your request to: 703-605-6794; 

or e-mail your requests to: edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov; 

or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). Those 

who use a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter 

(TTY), should call 1-877-576-7734. If 877 service is not yet available in your 

area, call 1-800-872-5327 or 1-800-USA-LEARN (TTY: 1-800-437-0833); 

or order online at: http://www.edpubs.gov.

This report is available on the Department’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/

about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/correctional-education.html#4.

On request, this publication is available in alternative formats, such as Braille, 

large print, or CD. For more information, please contact the Department’s 

Alternate Format Center at 202-260-0852 or 202-260-0818.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need iii

CONTENTS

PAGE

Abbreviations.....................................................................................................iv

Acknowledgments .............................................................................................v

Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

About This Guide.........................................................................................................1

Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice................................................................... 3

Learn How to Use a Computer and the Internet .......................................................4

Find Helpful Services in Your Community...................................................................5

Chapter 2. Create a Game Plan: What Are Your Goals? ................................ 9

Step 1. Take Stock and Make Lists ............................................................................10

Step 2. Check Job Restrictions .................................................................................10

Step 3. Find Out More................................................................................................11

Step 4. Set Your Goals ...............................................................................................12

Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized ..................................... 15

Step 1. Gather Important Documents......................................................................16

Step 2. Get Organized...............................................................................................22

Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential................................................ 23

Step 1. Know Where to Start......................................................................................24

Step 2. Find the Education Services You Need ........................................................26

Step 3. Take the GED Test or Earn an Adult High School Diploma...........................27

Chapter 5: Choose and Enroll in a College Program................................... 31

Step 1. Some Important Things to Consider.............................................................32

Step 2. Choose a Career and Technical or Academic Program............................34

Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College ..................................................... 43

Step 1. Be Smart About Paying for College..............................................................44

Step 2. Apply for Federal Student Aid.......................................................................45

Step 3. Get and Complete the FAFSA ......................................................................48

Step 4. Review Your Student Aid Report....................................................................50

Step 5. Seek Other Financial Aid ..............................................................................50

Glossary ........................................................................................................... 53

Appendix A: Sample Resume ........................................................................ 57

Appendix B: Correspondence Courses ........................................................ 58

Appendix C: Incarcerated Individuals and Eligibility for Federal 

 Student Aid, a U.S. Department of Education 

 Information Flyer........................................................................ 59
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need iv

ABBREVIATIONS

ABE adult basic education

ASE adult secondary education

B.A. Bachelor of Arts (degree)

B.S. Bachelor of Science (degree)

CTE career and technical education

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FSEOG Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

GED General Educational Development (test) or general 

equivalency diploma or credential

GPA grade point average

JAN Job Accommodation Network (U.S. Department of Labor)

Ph.D. Doctorate of Philosophy (degree)

PIN personal identification number

SAP satisfactory academic progress

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test 

SAR student aid report

VR vocational rehabilitation
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need v

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank the following individuals for providing 

feedback on this Guide:

Diana Bailey

Career and Workforce Development Coordinator 

Juvenile Services Education Program

Maryland State Department of Education, Baltimore, Md. 

Marcus Eppers

Intern

Five Keys Charter School, San Francisco, Calif. 

Scott Marshall

Program Staff at San Bruno Jail

Five Keys Charter School, San Francisco, Calif. 

Glenn Martin

Vice President of Development and Public Affairs

Director of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy

The Fortune Society, New York, N.Y. 

Bradley Reiss

Manager, In-Custody Drug Treatment Program (at a county jail)

Five Keys Charter School, San Francisco, Calif.

Nicole White

Mentor Coordinator

College Initiative, New York, N.Y. 

Javier Zaragoza

Programs Division Coordinator

Allen County Community Corrections, Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 1

INTRODUCTION

About This Guide 

This Guide is designed for people who are incarcerated and for those 

on community supervision (probation and parole). It will help you get 

started—or continue—on the path to further education and training. 

Earning a high school credential, getting a certificate or license in a career technical field, or earning an associate or bachelor’s degree will help 

you advance in your career, and, ultimately, life. You’ll have more to offer employers, and you’ll improve your chances of getting and keeping a 

good job—and earning promotions. You’ll increase the amount of money you can earn, gain new skills, and make new contacts. In fact, 2010 

U.S. Census figures show that people with higher levels of education 

earn more money. On average, people with four-year college degrees 

who worked full time earned $57,026 a year, compared to $44,086 for 

those with an associate degree, $34,197 for high school graduates, and $27,470 for high school dropouts.1

 Continuing 

your education and training also can help strengthen your 

role in your family and community.

1

 Julian, Tiffany A., and Robert A. Kominski. 2011. “Education and Synthetic 

Work-Life Earnings Estimates.” American Community Survey Reports, ACS-14. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed on March 5, 2012. 

http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-14.pdf.

This Guide is designed so that you can go through it from 

start to finish, or just read or print out the chapters that you 

need most. It covers the steps involved in setting goals, getting organized, finding employment, and pursuing your education, from a high 

school credential to a college diploma. It also provides advice about 

getting money to pay for your education. It won’t answer every 

question, but it will direct you to resources where you can get your 

questions answered and get more information. The Guide does 

not provide information on services in specific states, but, wherever possible, it suggests a way to find that information.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 2

NOTE: Although every effort has been made to ensure the links in this 

Guide are up-to-date, some websites may contain inaccurate information because they are not updated regularly. When available, look for 

the date the website was last updated (often located at the top or bottom 

of the screen) or when an online document was published. Knowing 

the date will help you determine how current the information is. You 

also may want to verify the information by contacting the organization 

directly or seeking information from other sources.
CHAPTER

1 Some Practical 

Advice

Throughout your reentry transition, you’ll encounter many 

new people and opportunities. Although this process can be 

exciting and rewarding, it also can be challenging and stressful—and sometimes frustrating. You will have to deal with 

forms, applications, and procedures that may be new and confusing. You may encounter people who could be helpful, but 

don’t take the time to help you. The following are some ways 

to remain calm and focused on your all-important goal: getting 

the education or training you need to build a successful life.

Ask for help. Get advice from counselors, probation or parole 

officers, or other people familiar with the process of getting an 

education. Trust your instincts about who to ask and when to 

approach them; that is, try to be sure that they have the 

time and experience to be able to offer help. Consider 

seeking help from the education department, counselors, 

or religious programs at your correctional facility. You 

also can find help at reentry, social services, and other 

community service programs in your area. 

Do your research and make informed 

decisions. Some people and organizations offering education services 

may take advantage of people who 

don’t examine their options carefully 

and gather as much information as possible. 

You could lose money and end up with poor-quality 

services. Find out as much as possible about programs 

you are considering. Ask questions. Take the time to 

make an informed decision. 

Show your appreciation. One way to make it easier to navigate through all the procedures you encounter is to get to know 

the staff at offices that you deal with regularly. Remain friendly 

and understanding, even if you’re feeling frustrated. Be sure to 

thank people for their help, and when someone goes out of 

their way to help, hand-deliver a thank-you note to them. 
Some Practical Advice

1 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 4

Learn How to Use a Computer and the 

Internet 

The Internet is a vast source of information and help. Even more 

important, today many applications—for jobs, for services, to obtain 

important documents, and to enroll in education programs—are submitted mostly or only through the Internet. You will see that most of 

the resources this Guide recommends are Internet resources. To get 

access to them, you’ll need to use a computer or a cell phone with Internet service. To submit an application or other important documents, 

though, you should use a computer. The larger screen 

size on computers will help you check your work. Also, 

some online applications or other resources may not 

open properly on a cell phone.

If you don’t yet know how to use a computer or the 

Internet, it’s very important to learn. Many public 

libraries and the Department of Labor’s One-Stop 

Career Centers (see next page) offer free classes on 

using computers and the Internet. You also can use 

computers and the Internet for free at your local public 

library. Keep in mind that you don’t need to try to 

become a “computer expert” and learn everything a 

computer can do. After you learn to use the computer 

and Internet to help with getting a job and enrolling in 

an education program, you can decide whether or not 

you want to gain more computer skills. 

Also remember that although many employers and 

schools may conduct a lot of their business online, not everything is 

done online. Depending on the employer or education program, various 

documents can still be sent and received by regular mail.

TIP:

Using the Internet on your cell phone

Many cell phones allow you to access 

the Internet. Although you should use a 

computer to submit job applications or 

other important documents, your cell 

phone can help you search for information about jobs and education programs. It can be used to read websites 

or find an organization’s phone number, hours of operation, and location. 

You also can use your cell phone to 

check your email when replying to or 

following up on job leads and looking 

up definitions and other information for 

class once you start your courses.
Some Practical Advice

1 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 5

Find Helpful Services in Your 

Community

You’ll be able to find many services free or for a small charge in your 

own community. Some suggestions follow.

Public Libraries

Your public library is an important gateway to other services and resources 

in your community. In addition to offering free access to computers and 

the Internet, libraries often offer adult education classes (see Chapter 4, 

p. 26, for more information about these classes) or resources and 

government forms that you may need. Librarians can help you find the 

information you need. To find the public library closest to you:

•	Look up the words “library” or “public library” in the city government 

section of your phone book or search the Internet using those words 

and the name of your city or county. You also can find your community’s phone book on the Internet. Search using your city or county 

name and words like “yellow pages.” 

•	On the Internet, go to http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/ to search for 

schools and libraries. 

One-Stop Career Centers

One-Stop Career Centers have many services in one location to help 

you prepare for and find a job. One-Stops can connect 

you to job openings, training, apprenticeships, and education programs related to the job you want. Most OneStop services are free, but there may be a fee for some 

specialized education and training programs. Some of 

the services provided by One-Stops include:

Skill assessment. Staff can help you identify the skills 

you need—and the skills you already have—as you get 

ready for education, training, and/or employment.

Career counseling. Counselors can help you identify 

jobs and occupations that you may be interested in, 

based on your skills, interests, and experience. They 

also can tell you about the types of jobs available in 

your local area.

TIP:

Accessing employment services

while incarcerated

In some states, One-Stop services are 

offered in correctional institutions. Also, 

most institutions have staff who can 

help you prepare for the job search 

before you are released. If you are still 

incarcerated, ask your counselor or 

case manager if these services are 

available to you. The more you can 

prepare for your release, the easier the 

reentry transition will be.
Some Practical Advice

1 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 6

Training or referral to training. Depending on your needs and interests, staff may provide training or refer you to training programs that 

can help you with:

•	“Hard skills”—the specific skills you need for a job in a specific field.

•	“Soft skills”— skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, 

that are important to career success.

•	Writing your resume. 

•	Preparing for interviews.

Referrals to other resources or services. Staff can direct you to organizations that can help you with such things as transportation, child care, 

welfare assistance, unemployment insurance, and veterans’ services.

You can find One-Stop Career Centers in your area by:

•	Calling 1-877-348-0502 or, on the Internet, going to 

http://www.servicelocator.org.

•	Going to http://www.dol.gov for a map of One-Stops in each state. 

Under the “Browse by Topic” header, click on “Training.” Next, in 

the second paragraph, click on “Clickable Map of One-Stop Centers’ 

Websites.”

Community Organizations

Community organizations provide many kinds of services. Most are free, 

but some may require a fee. These organizations can help with employment, education, health care, counseling, housing, substance abuse 

treatment, transportation, and child care. They also can provide referrals 

to other agencies. There are different ways you can find community 

organizations:

•	Go to 2-1-1 Information and Referral Search at http://www.211.org

on the Internet.

•	Dial 211 on your phone. Note that this phone service may not be 

available in all communities yet.

•	Go to the National H.I.R.E. Network website on the Internet at 

http://www.hirenetwork.org. This site lists organizations that provide 

services to people with criminal records. First click on “Individuals,” 

and then click on your state. Finally, click on “Local 

Service Providers” on the left side of the screen.
Some Practical Advice

1 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 7

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies help people with disabilities 

to prepare for, get, and keep a job. To be eligible for such services—often 

called “voc rehab” services—you must have a physical or mental impairment that is a barrier to employment. You also must be able to benefit 

from VR services and require such services to prepare for, get, retain, or 

regain employment. Disabilities can include physical limitations as well 

as learning disabilities, such as dyslexia (difficulty understanding written 

words) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, difficulty 

controlling behavior and paying attention).

Keep in mind that the government uses terms in ways that may be different from how we use them in daily life. For example, you may not think 

you have a “disability.” Because the regulations are complicated, you 

should not try to guess whether or not you may qualify for VR services. 

If you think VR services might help you, you should apply and let the 

local VR office determine your eligibility.

There is no cost to apply for VR services to see if you are eligible. But, if 

you are eligible, some states may require you to help pay for some services. 

Some states also may have a waiting list. Once you are determined to 

be eligible, you may receive assessments to identify your VR 

needs, vocational counseling and guidance, and referrals 

to other services at no cost.

To learn more about vocational 

rehabilitation services:

•	Look up “vocational rehabilitation services,” “employment services,” or “disability 

services” in the government 

section of your phone book. 

Keep in mind that different 

states may have different names 

for VR agencies. 

•	On the Internet, go to the U.S. 

Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) 

website at http://askjan.org/

cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902 to 

find the VR office closest to you.

CHAPTER

2 Create a Game Plan: 

What Are Your Goals?

Getting ahead in life means setting goals. But sometimes 

people don’t have a clear idea of the kinds of goals they’d like 

to reach. Start by asking yourself some practical questions:

•	What do I like to do? 

•	What kind of work do I want to do? 

•	What am I good at doing? 

•	What skills and experience do I already have?

•	What is the highest level of education I have completed?

•	Where would I like to see myself in five years? 

These kinds of questions can help you see what kind of education or training you may want and what kinds of jobs you 

might enjoy, and therefore do well in. This chapter provides 

suggestions for creating a game plan, a process that can begin 

while you are still incarcerated. The chapter is organized into 

the following steps: 

STEP 1 Take Stock and Make Lists

STEP 2 Check Job Restrictions 

STEP 3 Find Out More

STEP 4 Set Your Goals
Create a Game Plan: What Are Your Goals?

2 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 10

STEP 1

Take Stock and Make Lists

First, make a list of the skills and experience you already have, including 

your educational background, previous jobs, or just activities that you 

enjoy. For example:

•	Do you like talking and interacting with other people? You could be in 

sales, teaching, or social work.

•	Do you like being outside? You could be a landscaper, house painter, 

or highway worker. 

•	Are you good with tools and mechanical items? You could be a carpenter, construction worker, plumber, or auto mechanic.

•	Do you like math and numbers? You could work in science, technology, 

or finance.

•	Do you like sports? You could be an athletic coach or personal trainer.

•	Do you like reading and writing? Do you feel comfortable working on 

a computer? You might want to think about office jobs. 

Once you have made a list, think about what you like best, what your 

best skills are, and what education and training you already have or may 

need. This will help you begin to focus on your goals. 

STEP 2 

Check Job Restrictions

Although sometimes people with criminal records are forbidden by 

law from working in certain jobs and occupations, a number of states 

and the federal government have taken steps to prevent discrimination 

against those who were formerly incarcerated. Restrictions differ from 

state to state. Some states offer ways to overcome these restrictions. 

These include Certificates of Rehabilitation, which are orders given by 

a judge or parole board in certain states that pardons an ex-offender 

and restores his or her rights and removes such restrictions, as 

obtaining a license from a state industry licensing 

board. Once you have begun to focus on 

specific jobs you’d like, you need to make 

sure that your record will not prevent you 

from working in that field. Various resources 

for finding out about these restrictions include:
Create a Game Plan: What Are Your Goals?

2 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 11

•	If you’re still incarcerated, check with your correctional facility’s education department or ask your counselor or case manager.

•	The report After Prison: Roadblocks to Reentry describes barriers facing 

people with criminal records in all 50 states. It is available through the 

Legal Action Center at http://lac.org/roadblocks-to-reentry/. 

•	The National H.I.R.E. Network website has information on laws 

related to employment barriers for people with criminal records 

and contact information for each state attorney general’s office at 

http://www.hirenetwork.org. Click on “Resources and Assistance” and 

then select “Criminal Record Issues.” 

•	For more information about why an employer can not automatically 

bar people with criminal records from employment, go to http://

www.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/documents/0000/1082/

Reentry_Council_Mythbuster_Employment.pdf. This resource also 

provides information about the federal laws that protect you from 

discrimination. 

STEP 3

Find Out More

In Step 2, you may have eliminated some job possibilities because of 

restrictions on people with criminal records. Once you have narrowed 

your list down to a few jobs or careers, find out as much as you can 

about the jobs still on your list. The Department of Labor’s Occupational 

Outlook Handbook is a good source of information on many jobs and 

careers, including:

•	The training or education needed.

•	Earnings.

•	Typical work activities and responsibilities.

•	Working conditions.

•	Demand for workers in specific fields.

The Handbook is updated every two years. You can find information 

from the most current Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/. You also 

may be able to get the Handbook at the library in your correctional 

facility, a local public library, or the local One-Stop Center. The Career 

Guide to Industries (http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/home.htm) also may be 

helpful.
Create a Game Plan: What Are Your Goals?

2 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 12

STEP 4 

Set Your Goals

You’ve gathered important information and done some thinking about your 

future. Now it’s time to make a decision. Taking into account your interests, 

any previous education or training, skills and experience, and any restrictions on 

working in the types of jobs you are considering, you need to make some choices. 

Which job or career do you want to pursue? Make a list in order of priority and 

then choose the path you want to pursue. Once you have made that decision, you 

can find out about the education and training you need to succeed in that job or 

career by using resources that include the following:

•	One-Stop Career Centers. Almost every community has a One-Stop Career 

Center, sometimes also called Job Service Centers or Employment Services. OneStop Centers have many resources, all in one place, for people seeking work or 

further education. These include job search assistance, skills training, and referrals 

to support services, among others. For help in setting your goals, One-Stop 

Centers offer “interest inventories,” a tool to help you see which kinds of jobs 

might be right for you, and staff who can help you set some goals. To locate 

One-Stops in your area, go to http://www.servicelocator.org or call 1-877-348-

0502, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).

•	My Next Move. Go to http://www.mynextmove.org/ to research more than 900 

potential career areas. My Next Move offers information about the skills a job 

requires, the additional education or training you would need, and average salary. 

You can search for jobs by keyword or industry type. If you are not sure what 

kind of career you would like, you can answer a series of questions to learn more 

about the types of jobs you might enjoy. 

•	CareerOneStop. At the CareerOneStop website, you can identify your existing 

skills, explore career options, and learn about steps you can take to advance your 

education and career. Visit http://www.careeronestop.org/ and click on “Job 

Seekers,” under “CareerOneStop is:” on the left-hand side of the page. (Note: 

CareerOneStop is a website and is not the same as One-Stop Career Centers. For 

more information about One-Stop Career Centers, see Chapter 1, p. 5.)

•	The Occupational Outlook Handbook: The handbook gives you job search 

tips, information about the job market in your state, and advice on deciding if a 

job offer is right for you. Go to http://www.bls.gov/oco/. 

•	The Career Guide to Industries: This guide is organized by type of industry 

and provides information on different types of jobs within an industry, working 

conditions, training and advancement, earnings, and expected future job growth. 

Visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/home.htm. 
Create a Game Plan: What Are Your Goals?

2 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 13

STUDENT EXAMPLE

SETTING AND REACHING YOUR GOALS

Name: Luis Garcia 

Age: 38 

Educational goal:

Ed.D. in Education 

Date released:

September 1997 

Length of time between 

incarceration and 

going back to school: 

Two days 

Many people on parole have pledged never to return to prison. 

That’s what I pledged on Sept. 25, 1997, when I was paroled from 

state prison. I was a three-time loser, a parole violator returning 

home. 

When I was previously incarcerated in county jail, I attempted to 

complete my adult high school diploma and attend community 

college, but to no avail. Eventually, I was convicted of my first felony 

offense and sentenced to a three-year prison term. Pursuing an 

education became a distant goal. Years later, after a second felony 

arrest, I made a decision to complete my high school education. 

Just prior to being sentenced to state prison for a two-year term, I 

earned my adult high school diploma in the Los Angeles County 

Jail. However, I did not have enough desire to change my life situation, and shortly after release from my second prison stint I violated 

parole and was returned to custody. 

It was during this period that I began the process of transforming 

my life. After this release, I returned to community college and I 

developed a great relationship with an academic counselor who 

gave me the confidence to consider attending a university. In the 

fall of 1998, I transferred to Loyola Marymount University, and in the 

summer of 2000 I finally discharged my state parole number. In 

spring of 2001, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology 

and a minor in psychology. In May 2007, I earned my master’s in 

social work from the University of Southern California. 

In retrospect, the greatest support through this process came 

from the many professionals who assisted me by simply listening, 

motivating, and being guides. To be honest, many times I struggled and made personal choices that were not good for my 

well-being. However, today, nearly 10 years from my 

last parole date, I am pursing my 

doctorate in Education Social Justice Leadership. I believe education 

has the power to transform. I hope my 

experience provides inspiration and a 

message of hope to any person reentering society about the opportunities that will come your way 

if you make the decision to 

pursue an education.

CHAPTER

3 Gather Information 

and Get Organized

As you begin planning for further education or training 

or looking for a job, you’ll need to gather some important 

documents and other materials. You need to keep track of 

these materials carefully because you’ll be using them in your 

job search and applying for education or training programs. 

In addition, you need to learn about free resources, including 

the Internet, and how you can locate them. This chapter 

offers suggestions to help you get—and stay—organized and 

resources that can help you. It is divided into two sections: 

STEP 1 Gather Important Documents 

STEP 2 Get Organized 
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 16

STEP 1

Gather Important Documents

There are several documents you need to have as you look for a job, 

apply to education or training programs, and get other services. You can 

get some of these free; for others, you must pay a fee. Sometimes fees are 

waived if your income is below a certain level, so ask about waivers. 

It’s very important that you obtain these documents, but the process can 

be time consuming, so begin as soon as possible—even if you are still 

incarcerated. Gather the following documents and keep them in a safe 

place (for example, a filing cabinet or safe deposit box):

•	Social Security card.

•	Birth certificate.

•	State identification (ID) card or driver’s license.

•	Criminal record or rap sheet.

•	High school credential or high school transcripts.

•	Resume.

•	Letters of reference and list of people who will give you a reference.

Social Security Card

You’ll need your Social Security number to 

apply for jobs, enroll in education programs, 

and get access to many services. Social Security 

cards are free. Here’s how to get your Social 

Security card:

•	Contact the Social Security Administration 

at 1-800-772-1213, or go to your local 

Social Security office, and ask for an application for a Social Security card, otherwise 

referred to as the SS-5 form. You can find 

your local Social Security office by going 

to http://www.ssa.gov and then clicking on 

“Locate a Social Security office,” in the lefthand menu.

•	Fill out the SS-5 form. You also will need 

proof of identification, such as a driver’s 

Applying for a Social Security

card while incarcerated

The Social Security Administration will not accept an application for a Social Security 

card directly from a person 

in a correctional facility. If you 

are still incarcerated, ask your 

counselor or case manager 

for help in getting your Social 

Security card. You can ask your 

counselor or case manager to 

receive important documents 

in the mail for you and keep 

them in your file until you are 

released. 
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 17

•	license, passport, marriage or divorce record, or certification from your 

correctional facility. 

•	Mail the completed SS-5 form, along with a copy of your identification, to your local Social Security office. You also can take the SS-5 

form to your local Social Security office. Your Social Security card will 

be sent to you. If you do not have a permanent address, you can ask 

the Social Security Administration to mail the card to your local Social 

Security office; you will need to provide proof of identification when 

you pick it up.

Keep in mind . . .

If you have gone by other names 

in your life, or used an alias, remember always to use the name

that appears on your birth certificate when completing forms 

and applications.

Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate sometimes is needed when you apply for other 

forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card. You must 

pay a fee to get a copy of your birth certificate; fees vary by state. To get 

a copy of your birth certificate:

•	Write to the Bureau of Vital Records in the state 

where you were born and request a copy. The 

name of this office may be different in different 

states. Sometimes it is called Office of Vital Records or Division of Vital Statistics or something 

similar. To find the address for your state office, 

go to http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm. 

•	In your request, include your name as it appears 

on the birth certificate, your date of birth, the city and county where 

you were born, and your mother’s full maiden name. You also should 

include your father’s full name if it appeared on your birth certificate.

•	You also will need to include a copy of your proof of identification, 

such as a driver’s license or prison ID.

State Identification Card (ID) or Driver’s License

Procedures for how to apply for a state ID card or driver’s license vary 

from state to state. You will need some form of identification to apply, 

and you may have to pay a fee.

•	If you are still incarcerated, ask your counselor or case manager how 

to get a state ID or driver’s license. In some states, you won’t be able to 

get a state ID or drivers’ license while incarcerated.
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 18

•	If you are no longer incarcerated, go to the office in your state responsible for issuing driver’s licenses or visit the website for more information. This office is usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles, 

Department of Transportation, or Department of Public Safety. Search 

the Internet using one or more of these names, along with the name of 

your town or community and your state. The state website usually will 

have a list of local offices and their addresses and phone numbers. 

Criminal Record or Rap Sheet

You need to get a copy of your criminal record or rap sheet (record of 

arrest and prosecution) for several reasons. You need to make sure the 

information on it is correct. If the details of your offense have been 

sealed (record exists, but is only accessible with a court order) or expunged (deleted altogether), you need to make sure that the sealed or 

expunged information is not included. It’s important that the releasable 

information be accurate because employers and landlords will see it if 

they conduct a criminal background check. Colleges increasingly have 

begun to conduct criminal background checks as part of their application process. 

You can learn how to get a copy of your criminal record or rap sheet 

by going to the website of the National H.I. R. E. Network at 

http://www.hirenetwork.org. Click on “Resources & Assistance” and 

then on your state. Information about several resources in your state 

will appear. Locate the right agency by looking under “Criminal Record 

Repository.”

High School Credential and Transcripts

You will need copies of your high school credential and transcripts when 

you are applying for education programs and for jobs. 

•	If you are still incarcerated, ask the staff of the education department 

at your facility for help in getting these documents.

•	If you graduated from high school, contact the central office of your 

high school. To find your high school’s central office, search the 

Internet using the school’s name and city. Once you have found your 

high school website, look for the contact information. If you are still 

living in the same city where you went to school, you also can look 

for your high school in the phone book. Your high school should be 

able to provide you with a copy of your diploma and your high school
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 19

•	transcript, which is a list of the courses you took and the grades you 

received.

•	If you earned an alternative high school diploma, such as an adult high 

school diploma or GED credential,2

 contact the office where you took the 

test. For more information about these credentials and how to locate the 

office that served you, see Chapter 4, Earn Your High School Credential. 

2

 GED refers to the General Educational Development (GED) tests. These tests are 

offered by states and programs to measure skills and knowledge similar to those taught 

in high schools. If you passed the GED tests, you earn a GED credential. Depending 

on your state, the GED credential may be referred to as a diploma or certificate. 

Your resume is usually the first 

impression a potential employer 

will have of you. Make sure that 

it is accurate, neat, and that all 

words are spelled correctly. If 

possible, ask someone you trust 

(especially someone with experience working in a professional 

environment) to review your 

resume and give you feedback 

on it, including on grammar and 

spelling. Make sure your resume 

has no mistakes and presents a 

good image of you.

Keep in mind . . .

Resume

A resume is a document that lists your work experience, education, and 

any special skills you have. It also includes your contact information: address, phone number, email address. Your local One-Stop Career Center 

may offer advice on how to put together a good resume. You also can 

find guidebooks on developing resumes and applying for jobs online, at 

your local public library, or in the education department or library of 

your correctional facility, or for purchase in bookstores. Sample resumes 

and resume templates that let you enter your information into a standard structure are also available on the Internet. Your resume should 

include the following (see Appendix A: Sample 

Resume for a sample resume):

•	Work experience, including work experience 

while you were incarcerated.

•	Volunteer or community service experience.

•	Education, including diplomas or certificates you 

have received.

•	Licenses or certifications that you hold. Special 

skills, such as training in the use of specific computer software (for example, Microsoft Word and 

Excel).

•	Hobbies or skill related to the kind of work you 

are seeking.
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 20

•	References from people who can describe your qualifications and behavior as an employee (see Reference Lists and Letters on this page for 

more information).

Since many applications for jobs are online, you may be asked to “attach” 

or “upload” your resume with the application. To do this, you will need to 

save your resume as a Word document and follow the instructions provided 

in the job application. Some email services also have help centers that 

include instructions on attaching or uploading documents. You can ask 

for help from your case manager or counselor as well. 

Reference Lists and Letters

People who can speak positively about your abilities, skills, and experience are called references. You may be asked for the names of references 

when you apply for a job or to a college program. References should be 

people who know you well, such as former employers, teachers, religious 

leaders, or mentors. You should not use family members as references.

Make a list of references that includes names, titles, and contact information (such as telephone numbers and email addresses). Be sure that 

you always ask permission in advance of someone you want to use as a 

reference. You can include this list of references along with your resume, 

or send it when references are requested by an employer or college. 

Sometimes you may be asked to have your references provide letters of 

recommendation for you. Be sure that you ask them to do this several 

weeks before the letters are needed. Provide your references with information about the job or program to which you are applying and the 

name and address where the letter should be sent. 

For Males Only: Selective Service Registration

If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25 living in the United 

States, you are required to register for Selective Service. The federal government uses Selective Service registration to draft people for service in 

the military, when needed. Selective Service registration is very important, because without it, you may be prevented from getting some federal 

and state services, including federal student financial aid. If you have 

already registered, it’s a good idea to verify your registration by going to 

or calling 1-847-688-6888.
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 21

Registering for Selective Service

You can register for the selective service on the 

Internet and by mail.

•	On the Internet: Go to http://www.sss.gov. 

Click “Register Online.” Complete the form 

that appears on the page, and then click “Submit 

Registration” at the bottom.

•	By mail: Get a “mail back form” from your 

local post office. Complete the card and mail it 

to:

Selective Service System 

Registration Information Office

P.O. Box 94638

Palatine, IL 60094-4638

When you get ready to apply to 

college, you also might be applying for federal financial student 

aid, grants or loans that can help 

you pay for your education. You’ll 

need to fill out the Free Application 

for Federal Student Aid form, called 

the FAFSA. You also can register for 

Selective Service when you are 

filling out the FAFSA by filling in the 

circle by the following statement: 

“Most male students must register 

with Selective Service to receive 

federal aid. If you are male, age 

18-25 and not registered, fill in the 

circle and we will register you.” The 

U. S. Department of Education then 

will provide your information to the 

Selective Service System. More information on financial aid and the 

FAFSA is in Chapter 6.

Keep in mind . . .

Requesting an Application for 

Appeal

If you are over age 25 and haven’t registered for 

Selective Service, you may be able to go through 

an appeals process to gain access to federal programs and benefits, including financial assistance 

for college. You can request an application for 

appeal on the Internet or by mail:

•	On the Internet: Go to http://www.sss.gov and 

then choose “Men 26 and older” from the menu that appears. You 

will be required to attach documentation proving that you were 

incarcerated during the time you should have registered for Selective 

Service. You can use your release papers for this documentation.

•	By mail: Mail a written request asking for a “Status Information 

Letter” to the Selective Service System address above. In your letter, 

describe in detail what prevented you from registering and provide 

copies of documents showing any periods between your 18th and 26th 

birthdays when you were hospitalized, institutionalized, or incarcerated. 

You can use your release papers to document your incarceration. 
Gather Information and Get Organized

3 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 22

STEP 2

Get Organized

You’ll need to use or refer to these documents over time, as you look 

for jobs, change jobs, and pursue your education or training goals. It’s 

important to keep them in a safe place where you can easily find them. 

Use large envelopes or file folders to keep track of these documents and 

put them in a place where they won’t be disturbed. 

Set up a space where you will be able to store your documents, books, 

and other materials related to your job search, work, or education plans. 

When you enroll in an education program, you can use this space for 

doing homework, so it should be a place where you can focus, with no 

distractions. If you prefer quiet, for example, set up your space away 

from the television, radio, and other people.

Organizing your schedule is important, too, whether you are looking 

for work, applying for education programs, or enrolled in college or a 

training program. Setting and keeping a schedule is especially important 

if you are trying to balance work, education, and family responsibilities. 

Set up a weekly or monthly schedule for yourself. Find blocks of time 

that you can set aside to focus on your job search, on learning about further education or training, or on your homework. If you know you have 

difficulty focusing for long periods of time, set aside shorter periods, like 

20 minutes or so. If you know that you are more focused in the morning, 

use that time for your job search or for homework.
CHAPTER

4 Earn Your High 

School Credential

You already may have earned some high school credits or taken courses while incarcerated. If you have, now you can build 

on that experience by getting a credential that will open doors 

to work, training, and/or further education. According to the 

U.S. Census Bureau, a high school graduate working full time 

earns almost $7,000 more a year, on average, than someone 

without a diploma.3

3

 Julian, Tiffany A., and Robert A. Kominski. 2011. “Education 

and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings Estimates.” American Community 

Survey Reports, ACS-14. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. 

http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-14.pdf. 

If you don’t have your high school diploma, you can earn 

an alternative high school diploma. These include the adult 

high school diploma, often offered through distance learning 

programs, and the GED credential (GED stands for General 

Educational Development, which is a test, and general equivalency diploma. The GED credential can be a certificate or 

diploma depending on the state, but usually is called simply a 

“GED”). Earning one of these credentials is a necessary step 

on the path to a more stable, secure life. This chapter 

describes how to prepare to earn an adult high school 

diploma or take the GED test. It includes the following 

steps:

STEP 1 Know Where to Start

STEP 2 Find the Education Services You Need

STEP 3 Take the GED Test or Earn an Adult High

School Diploma
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 24

STEP 1

Know Where to Start

If you already have some high school credits toward a diploma, you may 

choose to work toward earning that diploma, rather than a GED. If you 

haven’t earned many high school credits, the GED is probably a better 

option. In any case, the first step is finding out which skills you need to 

improve. You don’t want to waste time re-learning things you already 

know or taking classes for which you are not prepared. The way to do 

this is through an education assessment.

Education Assessments

Several agencies provide education assessments. An education assessment 

is simply a way to find out what your basic skills are in English, reading, 

writing and math. You may be asked a series of questions about your 

experience and abilities on a form or in an interview. You also may take 

a placement test to determine which level of classes you need to take and 

to mark your progress over time.

To find agencies that provide assessments:

•	Check with the front desk at your local public library for information 

on local agencies that offer assessments.

•	Search on the Internet using words like “educational assessment” or 

“placement testing.” Include the name of your town or neighborhood 

in the search box.

•	Most adult education programs offer assessments 

and placement tests. To find a program near 

you, go to America’s Literacy Directory at 

http://www.literacydirectory.org/. 

•	Community colleges usually offer assessments and 

placement testing. Search for your local community 

college on the website of the American Association of 

Community Colleges at http://www.aacc.nche.edu. 

Click on “Community College Finder” at the top of 

the page. Once you find the website for your local 

college, search for “assessments” or “placement test.” 

Other community organizations also may provide 

help. For information about how to locate these other 

organizations, go to Chapter 1, p. 6.

TIP:

Preparing for the GED while incarcerated

If you are incarcerated and taking a GED 

course, ask your GED teacher about getting a “progress report” before you are released. This report will show where you are 

in the process of preparing for the GED. 

From this, you can figure out what kind of 

services you’ll need after release. Keep 

your progress report and any other information related to your education while 

incarcerated in a safe place (for example, 

you can ask your teacher or counselor to 

hold it for you in a filing cabinet).
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 25

There are several standardized assessments commonly used to determine 

the education levels of adults, including the Test of Adult Basic Skills 

(TABE) and the Comprehensive Student Assessment System (CASAS) 

tests. 

A number of other assessments also are available, some of which are 

offered by for-profit companies that charge fees. Contact a local adult 

education program, community college, or library to learn more about the 

types of assessments offered in your state and their costs. 

Learning Challenges

Everyone can feel challenged with some aspects of education and learning. 

Many people have learning differences—also known as “learning disabilities”—that can affect a person’s ability to read, write, speak, compute 

math, and reason. They also can affect a person’s attention, memory, coordination, social skills, and emotions. Some common learning differences 

include attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, dyslexia, and 

dyscalculia. Perhaps you have a disability that was identified during your 

schooling, but if not and you suspect that you have a learning difference, 

you can get help learning some strategies to cope with these differences. 

The first step is getting assessed by a qualified person who can identify 

your learning challenges and services that can be helpful.

Here’s how to find agencies that help with these types of assessments:

•	Visit the American Association of Community Colleges website at 

http://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on “Community College Finder,” at 

the top of the page, to find the college nearest you. Once you locate that 

college, search for the student services office or department.

•	Find a vocational rehabilitation office near you by following the instructions in Chapter 1, p. 7.

•	Search on the Internet using terms like “learning disability assessment” 

and including the name of your town or neighborhood.

•	Search for local literacy and adult education centers by going to 

America’s Literacy Directory at http://www.literacydirectory.org/.

•	Find your local community mental health center by going to 

http://www.samhsa.gov/. Click on “Treatment Locator,” in the 

right-hand menu under Find Help.” Next click on “Mental Health 

Services Locator,” which is about halfway down the page, and search 

for a center near you.
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 26

Once you have been assessed, you will receive a diagnosis, which is 

a description of your learning differences. The person providing the 

diagnosis will explain it and tell you about any support services you may 

qualify for, as well as make recommendations for appropriate jobs and 

education or training. Education programs often provide what are called 

“accommodations,” if you have a diagnosed learning difference. These 

accommodations are intended to support your efforts and enable you to 

participate in education activities, including testing. Testing accommodations, for example, might include extended time to take the test, a 

private room in which to take the test, or a large-print version of the 

test. Other types of accommodations might include counseling or assistance with reading and writing.

STEP 2

Find the Education Services You Need

Depending on what you learn from your assessment results about your 

skill levels, you may need to choose among several options offered by 

adult education programs. These services may include adult basic education (ABE), adult secondary education (ASE), and/or English literacy 

instruction: 

•	ABE: These courses help adults with basic literacy skills needed in 

everyday life, such as reading, writing, math, problem solving, and 

computer skills.

•	ASE: These courses help adults prepare for the GED tests or earn an 

adult high school diploma. 

•	English literacy: These courses help people who did 

not learn English as their first language to improve 

their skills in speaking, reading, and writing in 

English. Sometimes these courses also help prepare 

immigrant students to obtain their U.S. citizenship.

To locate these services in your community:

•	Search America’s Literacy Directory at 

http://www.literacydirectory.org. 

•	Visit your local public library or One-Stop Center for 

information on literacy and adult education programs 

in your area.

TIP:

Enrolling in adult education programs

while incarcerated

If you are incarcerated, adult education 

services may be available at your correctional facility. These programs are free, but 

may have a waiting list. Check with your 

education department or case manager 

to see if these classes are available in your 

facility and how to find adult education 

services in your community when you are 

released.
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 27

•	Find courses at your local community 

college through the website of the American Association of Community Colleges 

at http://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on 

“Community College Finder” at the top 

of the page. Once you find the website 

for your local college, search for “classes” 

or “adult education program.”

Keep in mind . . .

Be patient. Sometimes programs may 

have waiting lists or enroll students only 

at certain times of the year. You may not 

be able to start classes the first time you 

visit a program.

Prepare on your own. If you can’t sign 

up for a class right away or if your schedule doesn’t allow you to go to class, you 

can prepare on your own. Adult high 

school diplomas can be earned through 

online high school programs. Before 

enrolling, though, be sure the program is 

accredited (see Chapter 5, p. 33, to learn 

more about accredited programs). You 

also can find many books to help you 

prepare for the GED test at your public 

library or local bookstore. These usually 

include practice GED tests. You also 

can find sample GED tests online at 

http://www.gedtestingservice.com/

ged-testing-service (click on “TestTakers” and then “Take Practice Test”) 

or http://www.testpreview.com. 

Work with others. Getting together with 

others who are working toward a high 

school credential can help keep you 

motivated and offer you support as you 

go through the process. Think about 

joining or forming a study group. If you 

are on a waiting list with a program, ask 

the program if you can join an existing 

study group or if they can help you form 

a group. 

STEP 3

Take the GED Test or 

Earn an Adult High 

School Diploma

Take the GED Test

The GED test allows adults who did not 

complete high school to show that they 

have gained the knowledge and skills needed to earn a state high school equivalency 

diploma. Beginning in January 2014, an 

updated GED test will be released.

To find information about the GED test 

itself, or preparing to take the test visit 

http://www.GEDTestingService.com. To 

find a place where you can take the GED 

test:

•	Go online to http://www.GEDtest.org/

locator. Click on “Test-Takers” and then 

“Finding a Test Center.” Type in your zip 

code and you will get information about 

testing centers nearby.

•	In some states you can chose to take the 

test on paper or on a computer, but it is 

important to remember that the GED 

test cannot be taken on the Internet; it 

must always be taking in person at a 

testing center—any information you see 

otherwise is incorrect and could be a scam.
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 28

Earn an Adult High School Diploma

Instead of getting a GED, some people may prefer to get an adult high 

school diploma. Programs that offer these diplomas are more like a 

traditional high school program, where you earn your diploma by taking 

courses. Many of these programs are available online and offer programs 

through distance learning (see p. 34 in Chapter 5 for more information 

about online programs). Some adult high school diploma programs 

charge tuition and may require you to have some high school credits to 

enroll.

If you decide to enroll in an adult high school diploma program, check 

to see if the program is “accredited.” Accredited programs are those that 

meet certain requirements and have been reviewed by an accrediting 

organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited programs generally provide better services. Diplomas from programs that are not accredited may not be accepted by other education 

programs, colleges, or employers. For more information about accreditation, see p. 33 in Chapter 5.

To find an adult high school diploma program:

•	Search the Internet using terms like “adult high school diploma 

program” and include the name of your town or neighborhood in the 

search box.

•	Visit your local public library and ask the staff at the front desk for 

information on adult high school diploma programs.

•	Check your local community college for information about adult high 

school diploma programs through the website of the American Association of Community Colleges at http://www.aacc.nche.edu.
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 29

STUDENT EXAMPLE

MAKING USE OF A GED

Name: 

Amanda Seerattan 

Age: 22 

Educational goal:

Obtain a master’s 

degree and pursue 

a Ph.D. 

Date released:

October 2006

Length of time between 

incarceration and 

going back to school: 

Nine months

Why did you decide to continue your education? 

By the age of 16, I was a runaway, selling drugs and hustling to survive. I dropped out of high school and moved to the upstate area. 

I started to see that my friends had jobs during the summer and 

their parents were so proud of them. So I went and applied for jobs 

at the mall, but no one would hire me. Until one day a woman told 

me the reason why I wasn’t hired yet. She said, “Amanda, you need 

to have that diploma to do anything, girl!”

In October of 2005 I took and passed the GED test. However, my 

past caught up to me and unfortunately less than two months 

after receiving my GED credential, I was incarcerated, looking at a 

sentence of two to six years. 

What are your educational goals? 

At the age of 20 I was a convicted felon with a charge of criminal 

sale of a controlled substance. I was sent to an alternative-to-prison 

military boot camp as a first-time offender. While there, fellow prisoners always asked how to handle personal situations with other 

inmates and I enjoyed giving the advice. It was like an epiphany! 

Upon completion of my GED, I wanted a career in social work, and 

it wasn’t going to stop there. I wanted to have my own business, 

and become a director of my own nonprofit organization. 

How has earning a GED helped you achieve your goals? 

With my release from prison, I was ready to use my GED to further 

my education and start my career in social work. So far it has been 

a challenge, primarily because I didn’t know where to get a copy 

of my GED. That’s when I started to seek out agencies that 

could help me with my employment issues. I was chatting 

with a friend and he told me about The Doe Fund (a program 

that helps former inmates and homeless people learn to take 

care of themselves). After I was accepted into the program in 

March of 2007, I was assigned a case manager who has helped 

me get on the right path towards college with advice on higher 

education options. I will be starting college in the fall. 
Earn Your High School Credential

4 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 30

STUDENT EXAMPLE

MAKING USE OF A GED —CONT.

What challenges have you experienced in pursuing your 

education? 

The application process was a little frustrating, but it taught me a 

great deal about patience. So it was a challenge, but nothing that 

you can’t overcome. My education advisor assisted me in filling out 

the application. This helped me see a flicker of light at the end of 

the tunnel. 

I am not going to say that things have been easy because without 

the help of my case manager and all the other staff at The Doe 

Fund I don’t know where I would be today. Some of my old friends 

who have been in the streets are still there or dead or sick. I can’t 

save them but I can lead by example.
CHAPTER

5 Choose and Enroll 

in a College Program

Once you have your adult high school diploma or GED, you 

can think about next steps in preparing yourself for a successful career and secure future. Do you want to go to college? 

If so, do you want to go to a two-year or four-year college? 

What are you interested in studying? Research shows that 

people with a college education earn more money than those 

without and are more likely to be steadily employed. In 2010, 

for example, according to the U.S. Labor Department, the 

unemployment rate was 5.4 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, 7.0 percent for those with an associate 

degree, 10.3 percent for those with a high school diploma or 

GED credential, and 14.9 percent for those with less than a 

high school diploma.4

4

 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Education Pays.” 

Last modified May 4, 2011. http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm.

This chapter discusses options for further education and training after you have a high school credential. There are many 

programs available, and you’ll need to think about the goals 

you set for yourself and what type of education or training 

can help you reach them. This chapter also includes information about applying to college or training programs. It is 

organized into the following steps:

STEP 1 Some Important Things to Consider

STEP 2 Choose a Career and Technical or Academic

Program

The next chapter, Get Money to Pay for College, describes 

the various ways you can pay for college, including getting 

financial aid.
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 32

STEP 1

Some Important Things to Consider

Many adults must balance education, work, and family responsibilities. 

This can be challenging, so it’s important to find a college program that 

works well for you. You want to pick a program that can be balanced 

with your other responsibilities and fits your learning style, finances, and 

career goals. To help you with that, here are a few things to think about:

Full-time or part-time enrollment. Many colleges 

allow students to attend either full-time or parttime. Full-time students usually take four or more 

courses (12 credit hours) at the same time, while 

part-time students take fewer courses. Part-time 

enrollment is often the best option for students 

who must work and take care of their families, too. 

Many schools offer classes in the evening and on 

weekends, however. This allows students to work 

full-time and still be able to attend school. Keep 

in mind that to receive financial aid (discussed in 

Chapter 6), you must be taking at least two courses 

(6 credit hours) each semester.5

 Some schools may 

be able to assist you with a campus job as part of 

a financial aid plan, and if you are able to work in 

a job that is related to your program of study, you 

may find that you are able to advance in your field 

by combining classroom and “hands-on” learning. 

You also may want to ask about internships (see text 

box for more information).

5

 U.S. Department of Education. 2011. “Volume 1 - Student Eligibility.” 2011–2012 

Federal Student Aid Handbook. Washington, DC: Author. 

http://ifap.ed.gov/ifap/byAwardYear.jsp?type=fsahandbook&awardyear=2011-2012.

Large or small colleges. Colleges can range in 

size from fewer than 2,000 students to more than 

20,000. Small and large colleges each have advantages and drawbacks. In general, small colleges 

have smaller class sizes, making it easier for you to get to know your 

professors. They can offer fewer types of classes, however. Large colleges 

usually offer a wide selection of classes, but class sizes often are large as 

well. In this case, getting to know your professors may take more time. 

Keep in mind . . .

Internships can be a good way 

to learn whether you will enjoy 

working in a certain field. Internships are part-time jobs (usually 

between five and 15 hours a 

week) that give you real-world 

experience in the field you are 

studying. Some internships are 

paid, but others are unpaid or 

can be used to earn school 

credit. If you want to work at a 

specific company or organization, an internship can help 

you “get your foot in the door.” 

Internships also help strengthen 

your resume with experience in 

your field. For more information, 

contact the internship office (often housed in the career development office) at your college. 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 33

Public or private colleges. In general, public colleges and universities 

will be less expensive than private schools. Community colleges are 

usually the least expensive option, and many have an open admissions 

policy, meaning that anyone can attend classes there. Costs can be offset 

by various types of student financial aid, as described in Chapter 6. 

Accreditation. If a college or university is accredited, this means it 

meets certain standards for the quality of education and services it 

provides. Accredited institutions must be approved by an organization 

(called “an accrediting organization”) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some schools may say they are accredited, but they 

don’t meet this standard. Many institutions offer a degree or certificate, 

but not all are of high quality. Some institutions are really scams pretending to be schools and just graduate as many people as possible to 

increase their profits. Some even offer degrees without requiring you to 

take any courses! Here’s why accreditation is important:

•	Employers generally respect credentials from an accredited institution 

with a good reputation and view job-seekers with such credentials 

more favorably. 

•	If you earn credits from a nonaccredited school, you won’t be able to 

transfer those credits to an accredited school.

•	You must attend an accredited school to be eligible for government 

financial aid.

To learn more about accreditation and find out if the school you are 

interested in is accredited, visit the following websites:

•	The Council on Higher Education Accreditation at http://www.chea.org. 

•	The U.S. Department of Education at 

http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. 

You can also call for information: 1-888-247-8269.

•	The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs 

at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ provides a searchable database of 

accredited programs. 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 34

Online courses and degrees: Many colleges now offer classes and 

programs through the Internet. This is called “distance learning,” and it 

can be a good alternative to regular classes, if you have difficulty attending regular classes at the college. Classes are taught by an instructor at 

the college, and you submit assignments through the Internet. Online 

courses and degrees often are offered by nonaccredited schools, so be 

sure to check the accreditation of the college before you enroll. Online 

courses have both benefits and disadvantages:

•	You need to be motivated, self-directed, and skilled 

at using computers, Web browsers, email, and 

word-processing programs.

•	You may need continuous access to the Internet.

•	You may miss some of the benefits of classroom 

attendance, such as getting to know the instructor 

and other students, and being able to discuss your 

views and opinions fully.

TIP:

Enrolling in college courses while 

incarcerated

If you already have a GED or high school 

diploma and have some time before your 

release from prison, you might consider 

earning college courses while incarcerated. If you are housed at a prison that does 

not provide college courses, your only 

option for earning college credit is through 

correspondence courses. To learn more, 

see Appendix B: Correspondence Courses. 

STEP 2

Choose a Career and Technical 

or Academic Program

Many colleges, especially community colleges, offer both academic and 

career and technical programs. Career and technical education (CTE) 

programs provide you with specific skills needed for specific jobs, for 

example, automotive repair or medical technician. Some of these programs also can be referred to as “occupational training” or “vocational 

education.” They combine classroom learning with practical, hands-on 

training. Academic programs generally don’t prepare you for a specific job 

or profession. Instead, they are designed to give you broad knowledge 

and skills that can help you succeed in many different jobs or careers.

CTE Programs

CTE programs combine technical and academic training to prepare you 

for a job. They are offered by public community and technical colleges 

and private trade schools. Depending on the program, you can enroll 

for several months to a year to earn a certificate, or up to two years to 

earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Sciences (A.S.) degree. 

Some programs will prepare you to earn a state or national certificate 

or license, such as a license to be a registered nurse or contractor. Costs 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 35

for CTE programs vary widely, depending on the location, school, and 

program. Community and technical colleges usually are the least expensive option.

Many CTE options

CTE is offered in the following areas, among others:

Arts, media and communication; business, management and 

finance; consumer services, hospitality and tourism; construction and development; environmental, agricultural and natural 

resource systems; health and biosciences; human resource services; information technology; manufacturing, engineering and 

technology; and transportation technologies.

Finding CTE Programs

Here are some ways to find out about programs offering CTE certificates 

and degrees:

•	To find out more about CTE, go to 

http://www.careerinfonet.org/ and click on 

“Explore Careers.” You can take a self-assessment to learn more about 

your interests and jobs that might be a good fit. You also can browse 

jobs in different fields and find out what jobs are more available right 

now.

•	Search for your local community college at 

http://www.aacc.nche.edu by clicking on “Community College 

Finder” at the top of the page. Once you find the community college 

in your area, search for CTE programs offered there.

•	One-Stop Career Centers can help you find 

CTE programs. See Chapter 1, p. 5, for 

information on locating your local One-Stop 

Center.

•	Search on the Internet using terms like 

“career and technical education” or the 

field you are interested in studying, such as 

“plumbing” or “computer repair.” Be sure to 

include the name of your town or neighborhood in the search box.

TIP:

Find CTE programs while you are incarcerated

If you are incarcerated, CTE programs may be 

available at your correctional facility. Some of 

these programs require students to have a high 

school credential and many have waiting lists. 

Check with your education department or case 

manager to see if these programs are available 

in your facility and, if not available prior to your 

release, how to find these programs in your community when you are released. 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 36

Enrolling in a CTE Program

Community and technical colleges as well as four-year colleges offer 

CTE programs. If you want to enroll in a CTE program at a community and technical college, and don’t have a high school credential, you still 

may be able to enroll. Most community and technical colleges will have 

classes and support to help you earn your high school credential, and 

completing some CTE programs will require you to do that. To enroll 

in a CTE program at a community or technical college, you will usually 

need to fill out an application and register for classes. These programs 

generally have “open admissions,” meaning that if you meet the education requirements, you will be admitted automatically if space is available. For programs that are very popular, like nursing, you may have 

to submit an application for admission to the program. To learn more 

about program requirements and enrollment policies, call your school or 

go on its website. 

If the CTE program you are interested in is offered at a four-year college 

or university, you usually will need to have a high school credential to 

apply. These colleges generally require you to submit an application 

for admission before you can register for classes. Applications often are 

available online (and can be submitted online), or call the school’s admissions office and ask them to send you an application by regular mail 

or email. There is usually a nonrefundable fee for applying, but, if you 

do not have enough money, check to see if you qualify for a waiver of 

this fee. Be sure to keep a copy of your completed application and any 

related paperwork in a safe place.

Other Options for Career and Technical Training

Apprenticeships: Usually offered through trade unions, apprenticeships 

pay you a salary while you learn a specific trade or profession. 

Apprenticeships allow you to gain knowledge and hands-on 

experience in your chosen field, under the guidance of more 

experienced employees. For more information on apprenticeship 

programs, go to http://www.careeronestop.org. Click on “Education 

+ Training” and then click on “Apprenticeship” under “Find.” Another 

resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship at 

http://www.doleta.gov/oa/. You also should ask your counselor or case 

manager for information about apprenticeships in your community.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational rehabilitation programs help 

people with physical or mental disabilities to prepare for, get, retain, or
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 37

regain employment. Vocational rehabilitation services can include learning new skills to find jobs and live independently. Addiction may qualify 

as a disability. Services offered by these programs include counseling, job 

training, health-care services, and others. To learn more about vocational 

rehabilitation programs, see Chapter 1, p. 7.

Job Corps: Job Corps offers young people aged 16–24 the chance to 

get a free education and training while being paid a monthly allowance. 

Usually Job Corps participants live at a Job Corps residence while 

getting their training. To learn more about Job Corps and find the Job 

Corps center near you, call 1-800-733-5627 or go to 

http://www.jobcorps.dol.gov. 

Academic Programs

Academic programs are offered by community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. The schools have a wide variety of programs that 

offer broad knowledge and skills that can apply to many types of careers. 

You can choose to seek an associate degree (usually two years of full-time 

course work or 60 credits) or a bachelor’s degree (usually four years of 

full-time course work or 120 credits). 

Academic programs are offered in many fields. Here are some of 

the most common: accounting, biology, business administration, 

chemistry, economics, education, English literature, ethnic studies, 

history, legal studies, music, philosophy, physics, political science, 

psychology, religion, sociology, urban studies, art, women’s and 

gender studies.

Many options for academic study

Schools Offering Academic Programs

Community Colleges 

Many students, especially those who haven’t been in school for awhile, 

begin their academic study at community colleges. Because of their low 

cost and wide variety of programs, community colleges can be the ideal 

starting place for a college education. Costs vary by state. In the 2011–12 

school year, for example, the average tuition and fees charged for a full 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 38

school year by community colleges was $2,963, 

according to the College Board.6

 Generally, they are 

among the least expensive options for higher education, and they offer extensive remedial courses for 

students needing extra study in the basics or those 

who have learning disabilities. Many community 

colleges allow you to earn a high school diploma 

or GED at the same time you are earning college 

credits.

Community colleges offer both academic and CTE 

programs. You can earn an associate degree at a 

community college and then transfer to a four-year 

college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges 

have agreements with four-year colleges and universities guaranteeing that you can transfer credits to 

those schools. 

Search for your local community college at 

http://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on “Community 

College Finder” at the top of the page. 

Many academic programs at community college require you to have a high school credential to enroll. 

Community colleges generally have “open admissions,” meaning that if you meet the education 

requirements, you will be admitted automatically 

if space is available in your chosen program. You 

need to fill out an application for admission, which 

usually is available on the college’s website. You also 

can contact the college admissions office and ask 

them to send you an application by regular mail or email. Most colleges 

charge a nonrefundable fee for your application, but, if you do not have 

enough money, check to see if you qualify for a waiver of this fee. Keep 

a copy of your completed application and any related paperwork in a 

safe place.

6

 Baum, Sandy, and Jennifer Ma. 2011. Trends in College Pricing. New York: The College Board. 

http://trends.collegeboard.org/downloads/College_Pricing_2011.pdf

Even if you have a GED or high 

school diploma, you may need 

to take placement tests before 

entering community college, to 

determine your basic skills levels 

and ensure that you are enrolled in the right classes. Based 

on your scores on these tests, 

you may be required to enroll in 

remedial courses (also called 

developmental courses) to 

improve your skills in English and 

math. These courses can take 

time and cost money. Don’t be 

discouraged if you have to take 

remedial courses. It is important 

that you work hard to do well in 

them so you are prepared for 

the college-level courses. Some 

community colleges allow students to take remedial courses 

and college-level courses at the 

same time. Ask your academic 

counselor or staff at the college 

about this option. 

Keep in mind . . .
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 39

Four-Year Colleges and 

Universities

Four-year colleges and universities are both public 

and private institutions offering Bachelor of Arts 

(B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Costs 

vary by school, with private colleges and universities 

generally being more expensive than public colleges 

and universities. Admission to these schools can 

be more difficult because many students are competing to enroll. Public colleges and universities 

usually have a guaranteed number of openings for 

students transferring from community colleges. You 

may have a better chance of being admitted to one 

of these schools if you transfer from a community 

college.

For a list of four-year colleges and universities near 

you, go to http://www.collegeboard.com. Click on 

“College Search” and then search for a college by 

type of school, location, and other criteria.

To enroll in a four-year college or university, you must submit an application and pay an application fee. You generally can find applications 

on the school’s website or call the admission office and ask them to send 

you one by regular mail or email. Along with your application, you may 

be required to submit the following: an official copy of your high school 

or GED transcript (a record of the courses you took and the grades you 

received); a personal statement about what you want to study and why; 

letters of recommendation; and immunization records (papers signed 

by your physician indicating you have received vaccinations that are 

required by the school where you are applying). Keep a copy of your 

completed application and all related paperwork in a safe place.

If you are applying to a four-year 

college or university as a regular 

first-year student (not as a transfer student from a community 

college), you may be required 

to submit test scores for college 

entrance tests, such as the 

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or 

ACT test. You will need to take 

these tests before you apply for 

admissions. You can find more 

information on the SAT at 

http://www.collegeboard.com

and on the ACT at 

http://www.actstudent.org. 

Keep in mind . . .

TIP:

How to earn college credit while incarcerated

If you earned college credit while incarcerated, 

make sure to ask for a copy of your transcript. You 

will need this transcript when applying to schools 

after you are released.

Transferring Credit

Credit for prior education: Some schools will 

give you credit toward your degree for CTE 

or academic credit you earned while incarcerated. Each school has different policies about 

applying these types of credit to your degree 

program, so you will need to check with the 

registrar’s office at your school. Generally, 
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 40

however, you must have earned a C or better in the 

course for credit to be transferred. Also, you cannot 

transfer credits from a non-accredited program to an 

accredited program (see Chapter 5, p. 33, for more 

information on accreditation).

The school you are applying to will ask you to provide official transcripts—a list of the courses taken 

and grades received—from colleges you attended in 

the past. Contact the admissions or records office of 

your previous college to ask for an official transcript. 

Schools usually charge a small fee ($2–$10) to provide transcripts. Keep copies of your transcripts in a 

safe place (for example, in a filing cabinet). You can 

get an unofficial transcript—usually free—to keep 

for your own records from the registrar’s office of the 

schools you attended.

Credit for life experience: Some schools also grant 

credit for your experience outside the classroom, such as certain kinds 

of employment or volunteer work or certain skills you may have. For 

example, native Spanish speakers can take a test for Spanish ability that 

can allow them to get credit for a college’s foreign language requirement without taking a course. The College Level Examination Program 

(CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Credit-By-Exam are tests that allow certain college 

requirements to be waived. Some colleges will allow you to demonstrate 

life accomplishments through a portfolio—a collection of documents 

and other evidence of activities and experiences 

related to your degree program. Contact your 

school’s advising office to find out about these 

types of credit.

It is difficult to know which courses may be accepted for credit 

by the school to which you are 

applying. It’s best, therefore, to 

send all official transcripts for 

them to review. If you owe any 

money to your previous school, 

they will not send your transcripts until you have paid. Contact the admissions or records 

office at your previous school 

to see if you owe money, how 

much, and if you can set up a 

payment plan. 

Keep in mind . . .

TIP:

Earning an advanced degree

Some careers, such as social work, require a 

degree beyond a bachelor’s degree, that is, a 

doctorate (Ph.D.) or master’s degree. These graduate degree programs are offered in a variety of 

fields by universities. If you want further education 

beyond your bachelor’s degree or seek a career 

in a field that requires an advanced degree, you 

can find more information about graduate degree 

programs through such websites as The Princeton 

Review at http://www.princetonreview.com.
Choose and Enroll in a College Program

5 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 41

STUDENT EXAMPLE

ADJUSTING TO SCHOOL LIFE

Name: 

Marvin Calvin

Age: 50 

Educational goal:

Master’s in Social Work

Date released:

July 2005

Length of time between 

incarceration and 

going back to school: 

Six months

Why did you decide to continue your education? 

After doing 10 years in prison and drugs for three years before that, 

no one was going to give me a decent job, and I did not want to 

return to prison. Instead of remembering those prison numbers, I 

decided to replace them with Marvin R. Calvin, M.S.W. 

What were your goals when you started your education? 

My goal was to earn an associate degree in Behavioral Science. 

Have your goals changed as you’ve continued your education? 

I began to like school and decided to obtain a master’s degree. 

Also, I found that with my job, I could not move any higher than an 

assistant case manager. In order to become a case manager, I 

had to have at least an associate degree. And if I wanted to make 

any real money, I must obtain a master’s degree. 

What obstacles did you face when you returned to school? 

I wanted to quit the first day the professor asked me to write an 

essay. My writing was so terrible. Nonetheless, I did it, and when the 

professor gave it back to me, I thought he painted the paper red. 

I am still not where I want to be; however, I am still learning and 

writing is becoming easier. I knew that once I was able to write well 

and articulate my ideas, the world would be mine. 

Also, in the beginning, finding time to study was very hard for me. 

My time management was completely off. I sought help from 

one of my professors and he told me how he made the time to 

study. He would study going to work and coming home, and 

sometimes on his lunch break. When I added this time up for 

me, it gave me at least three hours a day of studying. Then, 

instead of going home right after class, I would give myself at 

least one hour of study time in the school library. Now I have at 

least four hours of study time a day which is a great benefit to 

me. For two consecutive semesters I made the dean’s list. 

What advice would you give to someone who is 

thinking about pursing an education? 

The benefits of an education are beyond measure. Not 

only can you obtain your dreams but you can have 

fun doing it. My advice to anyone returning to school 

is to not be afraid. There are people around ready and 

willing to help. You do not have to do it by yourself. Find 

a positive support group and you will do just fine. 

CHAPTER

6 Get Money to Pay 

for College

A college education can be expensive, so you need to investigate your options for paying for college carefully. Costs 

should be one important consideration in choosing where you 

would like to study. Be aware that grants, loans, or scholarships that sound “too good to be true” can be scams. There are 

companies that take advantage of students seeking money for 

college, so do your research thoroughly. 

Most students combine money from several sources 

to pay for college. These include your own funds 

(wages from work, savings, or family assistance) and 

several types of financial aid. In some occupations, 

employers will help pay for college study or training.

Financial aid can include grants (which do not need 

to be repaid), loans (which must be repaid), and 

work-study (part-time work, often at your college). 

Students often combine all of these types of financial 

aid to meet their expenses. You can apply for federal 

student aid for free.

This chapter provides an overview on ways to pay for college. 

It is divided into the following five steps:

STEP 1 Be Smart About Paying for College

STEP 2 Apply for Federal Student Aid

STEP 3 Get and Complete the FAFSA

STEP 4 Review Your Student Aid Report

STEP 5 Seek Other Financial Aid
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 44

STEP 1

Be Smart About Paying for College 

Unfortunately, not all schools and colleges are what they seem to be, especially some of those offering career and technical education programs. 

Some schools—often called “diploma mills”—are more interested in 

taking your money than in providing a good education. Online education programs can be diploma mills, too, though many are legitimate. 

The same is true for colleges or schools based in foreign countries but 

offering education in the United States. Some 

are legitimate; some are diploma mills. 

You need to do your research to be sure the 

school you want to attend is an accredited institution that will deliver on its promises. Otherwise, you may spend a lot of money—your 

own or your financial aid funds—for very little 

result. According to the Better Business Bureau 

(http://www.bbb.org), the following should be 

considered “red flags” for diploma mills:

•	Offering degrees that can be earned very 

quickly, for example, a bachelor’s degree that 

you can earn in a few months.

•	Offering programs that place too much 

emphasis on providing credit for “real-world 

experience” or that require very little work 

from students to obtain college credit. 

•	Requiring tuition payments on a per-degree 

basis, or offering discounts for enrolling in 

several degree programs, as accredited institutions charge by credit 

hours, course, or semester.

•	Providing little or no interaction with professors.

•	Using names similar to those of well-known reputable universities.

•	Having addresses that are box numbers or suites. The “campus” may 

very well be a mail drop box or someone’s attic.

The U. S. Department of Education website has helpful information 

on identifying and avoiding diploma mills. Go to 

http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/index.html. 

TIP:

Determining if you are eligible for financial aid

Don’t assume that your criminal record or credit 

history will prevent you from getting financial aid. 

Students on parole and probation can qualify for 

Federal Pell Grants, state grants, work-study, and 

loans. Also, students are eligible for financial aid if 

they have rehabilitated any loans they have defaulted on in the past. The amount of financial aid 

you can receive depends on your needs. 

Some restrictions do apply to those with criminal 

records, particularly for drug convictions. Refer to 

Appendix C, an informational flyer, Incarcerated 

Individuals and Eligibility for Federal Student Aid, 

that the U.S. Department of Education developed 

in 2010. For updates and additional information, go to http://www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 

1-800-4-FED-AID. 
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 45

Some organizations also engage in scholarship scams—that is, promising 

scholarship money that never arrives, guaranteeing a scholarship in exchange 

for your bank or credit card information, or charging money to provide a 

scholarship. As with diploma mills, the goal of these organizations is simply 

to cheat you. The Federal Trade Commission website has information on 

avoiding scholarship scams. Go to http://www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams. 

STEP 2

Apply for Federal Student Aid

Applying for financial aid can seem complicated. You’ll need to pay 

attention to a lot of details. Take your time in filling out forms carefully 

and ask for help from someone knowledgeable about the financial aid 

process. To qualify for federal student aid, you must:

•	Demonstrate financial need (for most programs).

•	Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.

•	Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students 

from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau). 

•	Register (if you haven’t already) with Selective Service, if you’re a male 

between the ages of 18 and 25.

•	Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program. 

•	Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program 

funds (loans that the U.S. Department of Education funds directly 

rather than a bank or other organization).

•	Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school (generally this means that you must maintain a C average and take enough 

courses to complete your program within a specific amount of time).

•	Sign certifying statements on the FAFSA stating that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal grant, 

and you will only use federal student aid for educational purposes.

•	Show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education 

by having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, such as 

a GED, or by completing a high school education in a homeschool 

setting approved under state law.
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 46

Financial aid is intended to help you pay 

the cost of attendance at your college. 

Cost of attendance includes tuition and 

student fees as well as room and board, 

transportation, books and supplies, and 

other education-related expenses as determined by the college. Money from grants 

and loans is sent directly to your college. If 

money is left after expenses on your school 

bill have been paid, you will receive that 

money to cover other costs. Avoid using 

loan refund checks to pay for anything 

other than costs related to school. It’s not 

free money, and you have to pay it back.

Keep in mind . . .

If you have been convicted of possessing or 

selling illegal drugs, you will need to fill out a 

worksheet to determine whether you are 

eligible for federal student aid. This worksheet is updated each year. To view and 

download the most recent version, go to 

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/

students/english/aideligibility.jsp. 

There are three possible eligibility results 

after filling out the worksheet: 

1. Your conviction has no effect on your 

eligibility. 

2. You were convicted for the possession 

or sale of illegal drugs for an offense 

that affects your eligibility for aid 

during the current school year. You 

can regain eligibility, if you complete 

an acceptable drug rehabilitation program or pass two unannounced drug 

tests administered by an acceptable 

drug rehabilitation program.

3. You were convicted for the possession 

or sale of illegal drugs for an offense 

that occurred while you were receiving 

federal student aid, and you are not 

eligible for federal student aid during 

the school year for which you have 

applied. You can re-gain eligibility if 

you complete an acceptable drug 

rehabilitation program or pass two 

unannounced drug tests administered 

by an acceptable drug rehabilitation 

program.

The FAFSA and Types of Aid

The starting point for applying for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid, called the FAFSA. You use 

the FAFSA to apply for several types of 

federal student aid (for a complete list of 

student aid, go to http://www.studentaid.

ed.gov/needmoney):

•	Pell Grants for low-income students. 

•	Direct Loans, low-interest loans that can 

be taken out by students or their parents. 

•	Federal Supplemental Educational 

Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), which 

provide merit-based grants to lowincome undergraduate students.

•	Work-Study, part-time work available to 

full- and part-time students, sometimes 

at the college or university.
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 47

The amount of federal student aid 

you receive also depends on whether 

you are considered “dependent” on 

your parents for financial support 

or “independent,” meaning that you 

support yourself. The FAFSA will 

ask several questions that determine 

whether you are dependent or 

independent. If you are dependent, 

you must provide the information 

listed in the box above for your 

parents as well. You can find out 

whether you are considered dependent or independent by going to 

http://studentaid.ed.gov/pubs and 

reading “Am I Dependent or Independent?” under “Fact Sheets.”

You also can call 1-800-433-3243 

for help or discuss this with someone at your college’s financial aid 

office. 

Keep in mind . . .

You’ll need to gather a lot of personal information for the FAFSA. Depending on your circumstances (for instance, what tax form you 

filed or when you filed taxes), you might need 

the following information or documents:

•	Your Social Security number (it’s important

that you enter it correctly on the FAFSA).

•	Your parents’ Social Security numbers if you

are a dependent student. 

•	Your driver’s license number if you have one.

•	Your Alien Registration Number if you are not

a U.S. citizen.

•	Federal tax information for the previous year

or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, 

for you (and your spouse, if you are married), 

and for your parents if you are a dependent 

student:

•	IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040 EZ;

•	Foreign Tax Return; or

•	Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam,American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the 

Marshall Islands, the Federal States of 

Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.

•	Records of your untaxed income, such

as child support received, interest income, and veterans noneducation 

benefits, for you, and for your parents if 

you are a dependent student.

•	Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, 

including stocks and bonds and real 

estate but not including the home in 

which you live; and business and farm 

assets for you, and for your parents if you 

are a dependent student.
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 48

STEP 3

Get and Complete the 

FAFSA

You can fill out the FAFSA, in English or Spanish, online or on paper. 

To fill out the FAFSA online, go to http://www.fafsa.gov. For a paper 

copy, call the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243 or 

write to Federal Student Aid Information Center, P.O. Box 84, Washington, DC 20044. 

Submit the FAFSA

On the Internet: If possible, it’s best to fill 

out and submit the FAFSA online. Your 

FAFSA will be processed more quickly, and 

you are much less likely to make mistakes, 

because the FAFSA website will not let you 

continue if it identifies a mistake. Go to 

http://www.fafsa.gov, click on “Start Here,”

and follow the instructions. As you fill out 

the application, you will be given the opportunity to apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN 

(personal identification number), which you’ll 

use to sign your FAFSA electronically before 

you submit it. 

By mail: You also can submit a paper FAFSA 

by mail. When you have filled out the form, 

you will need to sign the form, which shows 

that the information you have provided is accurate to the best of your 

knowledge. If you are considered dependent, one parent also must sign 

this form. Make a copy of all the forms you are submitting and send 

the original application by first-class mail to the address on the FAFSA. 

Your PIN will arrive by email, if you included your email address on the 

FAFSA, or by mail if you didn’t provide an email address.

Keep in mind . . .

Your Federal Student Aid PIN is 

important, so keep it in a safe place. 

You can use your PIN to correct your 

FAFSA information over the Internet, 

file a renewal FAFSA next year, and 

gain access to other U.S. Department of Education websites. For 

more information about the PIN, go 

to http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/

pubs and under “Fact Sheets,” read 

“What Is a Federal Student Aid PIN 

and Why Do I Need One?”
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 49

Deadlines for Submitting the 

FAFSA 

You can submit your FAFSA any time between 

Jan. 1 preceding the academic year when you’ll 

be enrolled in college and June 30 of the academic year. An academic year runs from July 1 

of one year to June 30 of the next. For example, if you are planning to enroll in college for 

the 2012–13 school year, submit your FAFSA 

between Jan. 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. 

Remember that you need to file a FAFSA each 

year that you want to apply for federal student 

aid. 

Deadlines for filing the FAFSA can vary and 

often require you to submit the form much 

earlier than the federal deadline above. State 

deadlines are listed on the FAFSA. To find 

out your college’s FAFSA deadline, check the 

college website or call the school’s financial aid 

office.

Some financial aid funds are “first come, first 

served,” so you should submit your FAFSA as 

soon as possible.

Keep in mind . . .

Check your FAFSA carefully before 

submitting it to be certain the information is accurate. There are serious 

consequences, including substantial 

fines and/or a prison sentence, for 

intentionally providing inaccurate 

information on the FAFSA. If, after you 

have submitted the FAFSA, your financial situation changes due to unemployment, injury, marriage or divorce, 

or a natural disaster, contact your 

college’s financial aid administrator. 

He or she may be able to upwardly 

adjust the amount of financial aid 

you receive. If your financial situation 

improves because of a scholarship 

or other financial resource, your loan 

amount may be lowered to reduce 

the amount you owe after graduation. 

If you transfer to a new college in the 

middle of the school year, have your 

FAFSA information sent to the new 

school and inform the financial aid 

administrators at both schools that 

you are transferring. You do not have 

to resubmit the FAFSA. 
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 50

STEP 4

Review Your Student Aid Report

Within three to 10 days after you file your FAFSA online (or two to 

three weeks if you file by mail), you will receive a Student Aid Report 

(SAR) by email or regular mail. The SAR lists all the information you 

provided on your FAFSA. Review the SAR to be sure that all your information is accurate. If you submitted by email and need to make corrections to the SAR, you can make them online at http://www.fafsa.gov. If 

you received your SAR by regular mail, make any needed changes on the 

form and mail it to the address on the form. 

The SAR will be sent electronically to all the colleges listed on your 

FAFSA. The colleges will use the SAR to determine how much financial aid you get; this total amount is usually called your “financial aid 

package.” Colleges listed on your FAFSA may contact you to verify your 

income. If you were incarcerated, you can use your prison release papers 

to show why your income was low during the previous year. 

If you haven’t received your SAR within 10 days (for an online FAFSA) 

or three weeks (for a mailed FAFSA), you can check on your application 

by going to http://www.fafsa.gov or calling 1-800-433-3243.

STEP 5 

Seek Other Financial Aid

States, colleges, and other organizations also offer student financial aid. 

This aid can usually be combined with federal student aid, so take the 

time to see if you can qualify. Be careful to check their deadline dates, 

however, since many are due earlier than the FAFSA. Again, beware of 

offers that sound too good to be true or that require you to pay a fee to 

apply. 

State Financial Aid

States often provide financial assistance to students who live in the state 

and are seeking help in paying for college. Because state financial aid is 

so varied and requirements can change, it’s not possible for this Guide 

to cover the application process for every state. To find out more about 

state financial aid in your state, contact your state grant agency. Contact 

information for these agencies can be found at http://www.ed.gov/sgt. 
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 51

Financial Aid From Colleges and Universities

Many colleges and universities offer their own financial aid in the form 

of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, including 

athletic scholarships. The eligibility requirements for this type of financial aid vary by school. Some aid is based on need, and some is not. For 

more information on the financial aid offered by the schools to which 

you are applying, contact each school’s financial aid office. 

If you are applying to private colleges, ask the schools whether you 

should complete the College Board CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE 

application. Many private colleges use this form to determine 

eligibility for nongovernment financial aid. You can get this form at 

http://profileonline.collegeboard.com or by calling 1-305-829-9793. 

Scholarships

Private organizations and agencies also offer scholarships, usually to students meeting certain qualifications or having certain characteristics. For 

example, the United Negro College Fund provides scholarships to qualified African-American students, and qualified Hispanic students may 

receive scholarships from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The financial 

aid office at your college can help you search for scholarships.

Other sources of information on scholarships include:

•	Catalogs, such as Scholarships, Fellowships, and Loans and Peterson’s 

Scholarships and Loans for Adult Learners, which can be found at your 

public library.

•	The following websites, which offer information on many types of 

scholarships:

–College Board: http://www.collegeboard.org

–CollegeNet: http://www.collegenet.com

–CollegeToolkit.com: http://www.collegetoolkit.com

– Fastweb: http://www.fastweb.com

– FinAid: http://www.finaid.org

– Go College: http://www.gocollege.com

– Sallie Mae Scholarship Service: http://www.salliemae.com
Get Money to Pay for College

6 Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 52

– Scholarships.com: http://www.scholarships.com

– ScholarshipExperts.com: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com

•	Websites offering information on scholarships for specific populations 

or purposes:

– Aspira: http://www.aspira.org

– Bureau of Indian Education: 

http://www.bie.edu/ParentsStudents/Grants/index.htm

–Coalition for Asian Pacific American Youth: http://www.capay.org/

–The Jackie Robinson Foundation: http://www.jackierobinson.org

– Minority On-line Information Service: http://www.molis.org

– Scholarships for Hispanics: http://www.scholarshipsforhispanics.com

– United Negro College Fund: http://www.uncf.org

– U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): http://www.gibill.va.gov

Free Resources

The following free resources can supply more details about the process of 

applying for federal student aid and offer tools to help you through the 

process.

•	Get comprehensive information on student aid from the U.S. Department 

of Education in Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid. 

You can get this guide at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide, order it 

from http://www.edpubs.gov, or by writing to ask for a copy at:

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Student Aid Information Center

P.O. Box 84

Washington, DC 20044-0084

•	Help completing the FAFSA is available on the FAFSA website 

(http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/), including help screens and live chats, 

or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. You also can get help at

http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa.

Find general information on paying for college and a pre-application 

worksheet for the FAFSA from the U.S. Department of Education at 

http://www.studentaid.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-433-3243. Find the 

worksheet online at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/worksheet.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 53

GLOSSARY

accreditation: Schools receive accreditation when they meet 

certain requirements and have been reviewed by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of 

Education. 

associate degree: A degree earned by an individual who successfully completed a two-year college or university program. 

Common associate degrees are Associate in Arts (A.A.), 

Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Nursing (A.N.).

bachelor’s degree: A degree earned by an individual who successfully completed a four-year college or university program. Common bachelor’s degrees are Bachelor of Arts 

(B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). 

career and technical education (CTE): A series of academic 

and technical courses that prepare an individual for further 

education and a career. These courses are offered in middle 

schools, high schools, community and technical colleges, 

and other postsecondary institutions. 

credit hours: The number of weekly instruction hours for a 

course. For example, a three-credit hour course will require 

you to participate in three hours of class time each week. 

default: Failure to meet an obligation, such as repaying a student loan. 

distance learning: Delivering education at a distance, usually 

through the use of technology, such as computers. 

Federal Perkins Loan Program: A low-interest loan provided 

by schools and available to undergraduate and graduate students. Perkins loans must be repaid to the school. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant 

(FSEOG): A federal grant to help low-income undergraduates pay for the costs of postsecondary education. 

four-year college: A public or private postsecondary institution 

that offers bachelor’s degrees. 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 54

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): An application that must be completed to receive federal student aid. 

States and colleges also use the FAFSA to award financial 

aid.

GED: GED stands for General Educational Development test 

or credential, or general equivalency diploma. The GED test 

allows adults who did not complete high school to show that 

they have gained the knowledge and skills needed for a traditional high school diploma. The GED credential is awarded 

upon successful completions of the GED test. It can be a 

certificate or diploma depending on the state, but usually is 

called simply a “GED.”

grants: Money available from public and private sources that 

does not have to be repaid. 

letter of reference: A letter written describing another’s qualifications and behavior as an employee or student and recommending his or her acceptance to a school, college, university, or job. 

One-Stop Career Centers: Almost every community has a 

One-Stop Career Center, sometimes also called Job Service 

Centers or Employment Services. One-Stop Centers have 

many resources, all in one place, for people seeking work or 

further education. These include job search assistance, skills 

training, and referrals to support services, among others. 

Most of these services are free, but there may be a fee for 

some specialized services. 

Pell Grants: The largest federal grant program in the United 

States. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the 

school based on federal guidelines. Individuals on parole or 

probation can qualify for these grants. With few exceptions, 

Pell Grants are available only to undergraduate students.

postsecondary education: Education beyond a high school 

credential, including vocational certificates and degrees, 

academic degrees, and advanced degrees. 

references: See “letter of reference.”
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 55

scholarships: Awards given to students based on academic 

performance or financial need. These awards are provided 

by public and private organizations and do not have to be 

repaid. 

Selective Service registration: Males between the ages of 18 

and 25 living in the United States are required to register 

for Selective Service. The federal government uses Selective 

Service registration to draft people for service in the military, 

when needed. Males who have not registered for Selective 

Services may be prevented from getting some federal and 

state services, including federal student financial aid. 

Stafford Loans: Low-interest loans available to undergraduate 

and graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or 

university at least part-time. Stafford loans are the most 

common form of financial aid. 

student loans: Allow students to borrow money for school. 

Loans are legal obligations that must be repaid with interest. 

Loan programs available depend on the school. 

tuition: A fee charged for instruction by a school, college, or 

university.

two-year college: A public or private college or university that 

offers associate degrees. 

undergraduate student: A student working towards a bachelor’s 

degree at a college or university. 

university: An institution of higher education that grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 

work-study: A federal student aid program that gives part-time 

or full-time students the opportunity to work up to 20 hours 

per week while enrolled in school.

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 57

APPENDIX A:

SAMPLE RESUME
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 58

APPENDIX B:

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES 

If you already have a GED or high school diploma and have some time 

before your release from prison, you might consider earning college 

courses while incarcerated. If you are housed at a prison that does not 

provide college courses, your only option for earning college credit is 

through correspondence courses.

Resources to turn to if you are interested in enrolling in correspondence 

courses include the Prisoners’ Guerrilla Handbook to Correspondence 

Programs in the United States and Canada by Jon Marc Taylor. This is 

a comprehensive handbook on correspondence courses that are available to people in prison. The handbook is a helpful tool that provides 

detailed program overviews and contact information. The most recent 

edition of the handbook is the 3rd edition published in 2009. You can 

search for it by the International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 978-

0981938509. 

If your correctional facility library or education department does not 

have a copy, you can find out more about ordering a copy by writing 

to the following address: Biddle Publishing Company and Audenreed 

Press, P.B.M. 103, Box 1305, Brunswick, ME 04011. 

Also, check with the staff in your correctional facility’s education department. They can help you research programs and make sure you enroll 

in an accredited correspondence course. See Chapter 5, p. 33, for more 

information on accreditation and why it’s important. 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 59

APPENDIX C: Incarcerated Individuals and Eligibility for 

Federal Student Aid

U.S. Department of Education Informational Flyer
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 60

The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global

competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

www.ed.gov