Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Mercer County Technical School offers a variety of non-traditional vocational programs, including night classes for students who have obtained or are are working toward obtaining their general equivalency diploma (GED). Students may select from an assortment of programs, including nursing, marketing and law enforcement, and are educated through hands-on instruction and traditional classroom lectures. The school also offers shared-time programs for students who are currently attending high school and are in their junior and senior years.
Job Corps is a government-sponsored program operated by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program, designed for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, provides vocational and occupational training at no cost. Job Corps operates at campuses throughout the country and provides student housing, healthcare and a monthly stipend to all participants. Programs are offered in fields such as computer repair, medical assisting and business technology. Students may also receive help in obtaining their GED and driver's license.
Americorps is another government-sponsored program that offers vocational training in an non-traditional environment. Participants between the ages of 17 through 24 receive hands-on training in a variety of occupations, including computer repair and child development, through voluntary service to their communities. They may serve full time or part time and programs typically last 12 months or less. Americorps offers healthcare, housing and childcare assistance to young parents in addition to a monthly stipend. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive $5,350 to pay for college.
Benchmark Transitions in Redlands, California is a residential program designed for teenagers and young adults who have experienced behavioral problems or drug addiction. The program offers an alternative academic and vocational training program designed to prepare students to enter the work world. In addition to daily living and budgeting skills, students may select from courses such as business and information technology, culinary arts, crime scene investigation, and automotive repair. High school diploma programs are also offered. Benchmark Transistions is accredited by the National Private Schools Association Group (NPSAG) as an accepted educational facility.