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[whatsyourmajor]

I am an independent educational and career consultant with a desire to reach recent high school graduates (past one to five years) who didn't go immediately to college. I am considering starting a nonprofit business or affiliating with an established nonprofit agency.

High school administrators have told me that there are (maybe) 25% of graduates who don't go to college but didn't have vocational training. Many of these kids are the "unfocused, detached" students who slip between the cracks in high school and are (I theorize) unaware of and/or lack confidence in their academic skills and potential. Many may not believe that college is within their reach or have any knowledge about how to bridge up on their skills and prepare for higher education.

My goal is to provide career education and transitional coaching toward college enrollment to empower and motivate young adults. Many of these kids would easily qualify for transfer programs. There are adult vocational programs available but these students may not find their way to these programs easily. Often, the adults who use these programs were channelled there through layoffs and the services are focused on job search rather than career education.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on how to reach these potential college students, potential agencies that I could affiliate with, or your general thoughts on this unmet educational need.

[drillers1]

Start with the local school superintendent.

[zharkov]

It sounds (almost) that you want to work in community college admissions.

You might want to check out your local community colleges, maybe even proprietary career schools.

[matview]

1. Give speech in local high school
2. Post or give out ads in the entrance of public areas such as Walmart, Mall, ...
3. Host some local events periodically

[drdirt55]

Talk to an Army Recruiter - seriously.  They target the same population you describe and they get leads - not everyone just walks in to a Recruiting Office.  Ask them how they get info on the target population.  I suspect that your success will depend on marketing. 

Try Union Halls, manufacturing plants, warehouses, etc.