RUNAWAY ALTERNATIVE CHOICES include, Americorps, Job Corps & the military, & others. Insights, resources, & opportunities for independence & help for the young person.

      Empower Youth

      Part of being an "adult" is getting out there and making a niche for yourself, and that involves working with people. And so to make your adult rights a reality there must be some personal interaction. Just be nice with people, and try to be courteous, and level headed. Think of someone you know who is reasonable, and nonchalant, or firm minded, and imagine yourself projecting some of those traits.

      Parent's position

      I have the right, and responsibility to "look out" for you, and you would be disrespectful to "upset the balance" by trying to change the rules.

      Your position

      I've been thinking about the statues quo and realize it is not fair. Well, that was only natural when I was a baby, and on up, when I did not know right from wrong and could not be respected enough to be responsible for myself, but I think that over the years I have gained enough knowledge to make the most honest choices I can for myself, like anyone. And, I understand that it's only fair to help out around the house, etc. because it's a benefit to have a nice place to live, but I wish the wonderful benefit of living here did not come with certain "strings attached".
      Note, you are asking up in a way to ask for a change in someone
      else's house when you are totally dependent. Hence, the
      phrasing of your desires in the most non-offensive
      language possible. Similar to the disarming smile that
      a person might flash when having a disagreement with
      their neighbor. Note, when you leave the front door
      control should not follow unless your actions cause
      negative consequences- which are unfair for others.

      In a way I want to be an "adult", but yet be able to enjoy my time here, and not have to endure unnecessary restrictions, like those a person must face eventually, like a boss, and control over your time, and actions, etc. Is it really necessary for me to be "trained" to see how life can be tough.

      Note, basically saying, "Am I just a way for you to feel like
      you have someone to "pick" on just like the pecking order
      in a chicken coup, or a controlling sibling who would treat the
      younger poorly because he is being treated poorly by the older
      sibling?

      I want to feel home is a positive place where I can enjoy life, when within my living space here, while I work (if you do really work). I do not think it is beneficial for me to endure more then I know I will have to endure in a job during this time of life.

      Note, idea, basic concept is "restrictions on are an
      unnecessary infringement on me".

      A more to the point analogy...

      I want you to put yourself in my shoes, and think if these restrictions would be acceptable if, and maybe when the roles are reversed. Say, hypothetically, I get a career and a wife and kids, and say he/she (other parent) has passed on, and you where to have an accident, that could happen to anyone, that was debilitating, and prevented you from working. Or, maybe you where fired based on a form of discrimination as I, myself, would face discrimination when attempting to support myself. Say the bills could not be paid and you needed to say with someone you could trust, and you stayed at my house for extended time, being supported by me. Would I have your blessing to treat you the same as you treat me? Examples: rules, restrictions, etc. (extending beyond the front door). And would you be willing to comply as this is truly your philosophy of life?

      Question:


      Would it be an acceptable risk
      to take a drug that makes you feel
      like your in heaven, and experience
      that feeling for 4 times, if you KNEW
      that a lifelong reduction in your quality of
      life (happiness) would occur?
      If your answer is no then consider this.
      One in four Americans are infected with a venereal
      disease, and having sex with four will probably give
      a person with V.D. Can you imagine yourself dealing
      with a venereal disease? Would you be willing to
      disclose with people you want to be intimate with,
      later, that you have a disease? Even more scary,
      many times a person can have something and have no
      clue themselves. Sometimes the world is cruel, and
      sometimes exercising a freedom will reduce more
      freedoms forever. Click here for a reality check.
      Note, The health information page on STD's is under
      construction, however do not be mislead into believing
      that condoms are sure prevention. One, condoms break;
      Two, they are mass produced and companies are allowed
      to sell a few condoms per thousand which contain holes;
      Three, the most transmittable diseases are transmited
      to the skin by contact, and are rampant among the
      sexually active. Also, in the interests of showing the
      truth, read about a Doctor who has
      inoculated himself with the HIV virus to prove that
      it is 100% harmless and does not cause Aids
      (as proven with scientific evidence).
      Also, here is a list of points about the
      false links between HIV and AIDS.


      Going to Camp

      Resident Camp

      Stay from five days to eight weeks. Sleep in many forms of shelter, and there are many supervised activities.

      Day camp for ages 5-15

      They are coed, and are basically resident camp, except without sleeping quarters.

      Travel and Trip camp

      Participants move themselves by horseback, or self- propelled means, and carry sleeping essentials with them. Nights are spent in group campsites, usually in a park.

      People with Disabilities can take advantage of special programs. Contact the American Camping Association, or a local social service agency, like the United Way, Easter Seal Society, etc.

      Session length can fit any schedule. Sessions may be from 5 days to 8 weeks. Some facilities operate all year, and some offer special seasonal programs.

      Fees vary from 15$-55$ per day for programs operated by non-profit agencies, youth groups or public agencies.

      This year's current guide to accredited camps can be ordered for $16.95 delivered to your home with a credit card at 1-800-428-CAMP.
      Or, previous years issues are readily available at the library.

      There is an entry level job opportunity for youth in a disadvantaged situation, who are from a low income family, who have dropped out of high-school, who do not have a history of serious behavioral problems, and who want to get started in life. It's for people age 16-24. It is a U.S. Department of Labor Program called the Job Corps.

      AmeriCorps programs have a diverse group of members numbering over 20,000. The AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) program is a one year program for people age 17-24 to live on one of four campuses housed on a military base. They are guided by former military, and civilian service leaders to perform community services, and after a year they receive an education benefit of $4725. One benefit during service is a modest living allowance (including health insurance and childcare for those needing them).

      These Infoseek Ultra search results show a promising list of training programs for at-risk youth.

      There are no doubt other youth programs out there. The links page on the Job Corps Homepage has a long list of resources, and potentially good programs.
      Also, interesting is a great Adjunct Clearinghouse on Service-Learning called the National Service-Learning Cooperative Clearinghouse. It has a constellation of pointers to lists of youth-oriented programs (mostly volunteer). There are to many too know if there may be programs which help youth to be on their own, but this is a good place to look.

      These structured programs, aside from the military, will offer a minor hope, but there may even be another opportunity for young people of all ages, who are willing to get a job to help support themselves, in an alternative home. See emergency shelters under Links. However, in the military a person can be a shining success in life, and lets face it you deserve that.

      How would you like a company bigger then any Fortune 500 company beg to give you any career you want, and offer a benefits package including some of the following: free medical, a months paid vacation each year, and financial stability, etc? Well, you can, and you can even try it out with no obligation.
      Are you 11 to 18 years old, and interested in trying out Recruit Training with no obligation? The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps may be just the program. It does cost money, but it gives graduates from the two week "boot camp" an edge if they enlist. It's, also, a good resume builder for an officer training school.

      The Sea Cadet Homepage has a 20 questions page, and a general information page.
      Also, they have extensive links to other services Cadet sites, and many excellent military sites.

      U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

      U.S. citizens who are high school graduates may become Merchant Marines. Your attendance is free. Must be appointed by Congressman, or Senator. Write to your Representative, or Senators and express interest. The minimum age requirement is age 16, and if under 18 the parent's or guardian's signed consent is required. An applicant must present acceptable evidence of citizenship, two photographs, evidence of a drug test, and pay application and issuance fees.
      See the U.S.M.M. information brochure, or a list of Maritime Education Schools.

      Could the Coast Guard be for you?

      The U.S. Coast Guard Academy gives these admissions requirements.

      A "Bulletin of information" is available by writing to:

      U.S. Coast Guard Academy
      New London, CT. 06320

      You will need to deposit $3000 to start, and to get accepted it's best to stand out with a special talent. They will decide and make official the results, and you see if you are chosen. No congress nominations are needed.

      If you're an overachiever, it might be worth trying to qualify to become an officer straight from High-School, but most people get a college degree first. Also, many get on the inside track by completing High-School in a military academy. Various books about military life and opportunities are at libraries.
      To get into officer training school for any of the armed services you will need a nomination from your congressmen, and you must sign up for 5 years after graduation. You receive 570$/month from which you pay misc. expenses, and you are set in life with all the advantages of the military. You must write to your Representatives or Senators and show interest to be appointed.

      See the U.S. Naval Academy web site.

      Or, write for an "Academy Information Kit":

      U.S. Naval Academy
      Annapolis, NY. 10996

      phone # 1-800-638-9156

      Academies of other branches of the armed services:

      U.S. Military Academy

      U.S. Military Academy
      West Point, NY. 10996

      phone # 1-914-938-4041

      U.S. Air Force Academy

      U.S. Air Force Academy
      Colo, CO. 80840

      phone # 1-719-472-2520

      Education

      Traditional education only faster

      For a free brochure of information about CLEP exams write:
      CLEP
      P.O. Box 6601
      Princeton, NJ. 08541-6601

      # (609)771-7865

      Or, pick up a copy at your local college.

      Credit by examination can have a number of benefits for your education. Of interest, is the fact that a young person could accumulate college credit (before he/she is eligible for college due to age requirement, etc.) and present college admission officers with, conceivably, transcripts proving up to about a third of the credit required for a degree.

      "The Official Study Guide for the CLEP Examinations" is available at many commercial and college bookstores, and will help you to prepare with the following: sample tests, preparation, and pointers to valuable resources. It can be ordered by calling 1-800-323-7155. Cost is $18.95. Order with credit card, or send check, or money order payable to the College Board to:
      College Board Publications
      Box 886
      New York, NY. 10101-0886

      Thinking of college as your senior year in high-school

      Tired of the "same old, same old" at high-school? Why not be an early bloomer in life, and start building your future in college, or even join the military. Anyone can be an "overachiever" to the extent that they can attend college at age 16 (or at almost any age). A person simply needs a letter from the school counselor approving of your attendance at a community college. A college has a better, more "adult", environment, and people are there to study.

      If we were only smart enough to be the wiz kid who can make it into Medical Doctor when he is still in single digits in age. Though, that's out of reach, it is quit possible for a person to start college at almost any age. If a person is smart enough to get a sufficient well rounded education, then depending on your state's law on the age a person may discontinue schooling (from 0-16), a person can discontinue High School for a year. Then, with the aid of various G.E.D. review courses, take the G.E.D. a year after discontinuing school, and once he/she passes he/she simply needs a letter of recommendation from the high-school counselor to take college classes early. CLEP exams may help greatly to show your competence at college studies. This choice of education may be one path a person joining the military might consider, however another unique choice may be to obtain a fully accredited High School Diploma through correspondence. In the case of a Diploma through correspondence it would seem as if the people giving the correspondence degree would need to send a letter recommending college classes early for a person under 18 (which they would surely be willing to do), instead of a previous High School, of which you would not be a student. But, it would be useful to check with your prospective college.

      Nashville Auto-Diesel College

      Good things can be said for the Nashville Auto-Diesel College. These "Greasemonkeys" can really make a living because of increased computerization of cars requires trained repair people. They will take people who have a H.S. Diploma, or a G.E.D. along with an acceptable high-school transcript. They help you put together a financial package to cover tuition (only). Their program is only one year and gives you valuable hands one experience. A person could work part time, while in training, to defer some of the costs of room and board. The job placement rate for graduates is very high, and you can come out with a career, not just a job. If you were homeschooled and have a G.E.D. then, maybe a letter signed by the person who taught the homeschool (the "principle") would be considered acceptable.
      You can request their information kit at:

      NASHVILLE AUTO-DIESEL COLLEGE
      1524 Gallatin Road
      Nashville, TN. 37206

      phone 1-800-228-NADC

      Bob is an admissions representative.

      Robert M. Fernandez
      Admissions Representative
      Nashville Auto Diesel College
      502 South 7th St.
      Oregon, IL. 61061

      Or, call Bob toll free at 1-800-343-5264

      See the free "Student Guide" to Financial Aid for college from the Department of Education at the Web site.

      Or, write to:

      Federal Student Aid Information Center
      P.O. Box 84
      Washington, DC. 20044-0084

      Non-traditional education that's fast

      Here are some real opportunities from LA SALLE UNIVERSITY for real degrees by correspondence. They guarantee the lowest tuition, and the cost is much less then a regular student would pay. It's around 2000$-2500$, and you may qualify for student loans. You can find out more by looking through their official catalog.

      Click to continue on with Job Opportunities...

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