College & Career Readiness

Two-thirds of all new jobs require some level of postsecondary education, whether it’s training credentials, an associate degree, a four-year degree, or higher. Students must be ready to launch into a rapidly changing workforce immediately upon graduation, so Autauga County Schools is preparing them for whichever path they choose to take beyond high school in accordance with legislative policy changes.

Beginning with the Class of 2026, “the Alabama High School Diploma - General Education Pathway shall be issued to students who earn the required credits and earn one or more of these college or career readiness indicators.”

Earning a benchmark score in any subject area on the ACT college entrance exam: English 18, Reading 22, Mathematics 22, Science 23
Earning a qualifying score of three or higher on an advanced placement exam
Earning at least one college credit while in high school through dual enrollment opportunities
Earning a silver level or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Exam
Earning a career technical industry credential offered through one of the Autauga County Technology Center's 14 career clusters
Enlisting in the military before graduation
Being a Career & Technical Education Completer by passing three CTE courses in one pathway with an average of 70 or above in each course

To help students understand these graduation requirements, secondary counselors are speaking with classes to share additional information and answer any questions in a group setting as well as meeting with individual students to address specific needs ahead of senior year.

BE COLLEGE & CAREER READY IN SEVEN STEPS

Step 1: Explore & Define
Here’s a guide to career planning for high school students. This guide offers in-depth information in several areas, including:

How to identify skills and interests and match them with potential careers
How to get work and volunteer experience to prepare for a career
A discussion of several career areas and the kinds of jobs found in each Resources you can use to prepare for your desired career

Step 2: Learn & Grow

Enroll in courses to help your career path
Grow your resume and knowledge
Get credit through dual credit, advanced placement courses, CTE certification, and ROTC

Step 3: Investigate & Decide

Tour Campuses
Set up appointments with recruiters
Decide on your dream school or military branch

Step 4: Evaluate & Assess

Register to take the ACT, SAT, TSI, ASVAB
Study for exams
Assess your scores

Step 5: Apply & Acceptance

Apply to your dream school
Send transcripts/resumes
Meet with military recruiters

Step 6: Finance & Secure

Apply for FAFSA
Apply for scholarships

Step 7: Take the Next Steps

Apply for housing
Leave your mark
Meet with college to finalize

Graduation Requirements