Plan Your Next Steps
College and trade school aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s a good thing! Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a teacher, welder, artist, nurse, or anything in between, postsecondary education can help you build the skills, knowledge, and credentials to get there. BBRCTE is here to help you explore your options and create a plan that works for you.
What’s the Difference?
College typically refers to 2-year or 4-year academic programs:
- Associate Degrees (2 years, like at a community college)
- Bachelor’s Degrees (4 years, like at a university)
- Great for careers in education, business, healthcare, social work, and more
Trade School focuses on hands-on training for specific careers:
- Often shorter programs (6 months – 2 years)
- Includes certifications, licenses, and technical skills
- Great for fields like welding, electrical, medical assisting, or aviation
We Can Help You With:
- Researching programs that match your interests and goals
- Navigating the college/trade school application process
- Applying for FAFSA and scholarships
- Writing a personal statement or admissions essay
- Exploring options right here in Alaska and across the U.S.
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own, your Career Guide can help every step of the way. ◡̈
Paying for School
Postsecondary education is an investment, but there are resources to help:
- FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships: Local, state, and national options (many don’t require perfect grades!)
- Grants & Work-Study: Money you don’t have to pay back
- Native Corporation Support: Many regional and village corporations offer education funding
Start with FAFSA- even if you’re unsure! It unlocks access to tons of support.
Finding the Right Fit
We’ll help you compare programs based on:
- Location and cost
- Program offerings and outcomes
- Housing and campus life
- Cultural support services and student success resources
College and training should support you- not the other way around.