What You Get With GPS Ed
This program is about more than just getting through school. It’s about setting you up for real life in a smaller, comfortable environment where you actually fit in.
Technical Skills
Learn high-paying trades like manufacturing, automotive, and construction.
Workplace Habits
Master communication, teamwork, and the professionalism employers look for.
Life Skills
Learn real-world basics like budgeting, money management, and independence.
Confidence
Build self-awareness and figure out what you are actually good at.
Problem Solving
Learn to think on your feet and handle real workplace challenges.
Direct Support
Learn in a smaller, low-stress environment where you won’t get lost in the crowd.
Explore Careers Before You Graduate
You don’t have to wait until after high school to start figuring out what kind of work fits you. This program gives you the chance to explore career pathways while you’re still in school.
“My mentors have taught me more than I ever expected to learn. I’ve been given great academic advice and also learned the ins and outs of being a maintenance technician.”
– Javier, GPS Ed Graduate
Automotive
Building & Construction
Cooling & Heating
Electric & Plumbing
Fabrication
Manufacturing
Welding
and more
How To Get Started
Getting started should feel clear, not overwhelming. Here’s what the process looks like, from exploring the program to taking your next steps.
1
See if it feels like a good fit
Start by learning what the program offers, where the locations are, and whether this feels like the kind of high school experience you want. If you’re looking for a more hands-on path, paid work experience, and a clearer connection between school and your future, this is a good place to start.
2
Apply
The program is open to juniors and seniors. We accept applications year-round, and you can find our recruitment timeline here. If you want the fullest experience, it’s best to apply in the spring of your sophomore year so you can start as a junior. When you’re ready, you’ll submit an application and complete a records release form so the GPS Ed team can begin the review process. From there, the next steps may include an interview, an admissions decision, registration, and orientation.
3
Learn and work
You’ll attend a local GPS Ed Education Center for academics and also take part in paid work-based learning with an employer partner. A typical day may include classroom time in the morning, followed by travel and workplace training later in the day.
4
Graduate with more options
You’ll stay on track for a high school diploma while building work experience, skills, and, in some cases, industry-recognized credentials or technical college credit. From there, your next step could be full-time work, a registered apprenticeship, certification programs, attending a technical college, or pursuing a four-year degree.
Hear From Students Who Have Been There
Earn While You Learn
One of the biggest benefits of the program is the chance to get paid while you build real experience. Students can earn $15–$17 an hour and have the opportunity to earn up to $20,000 or more while still in high school.
There is no registration fee to join the program. School and business partners, grants, and donors cover most of the experience.
What you can earn
- Paid work experience
- Opportunity to earn up to $20,000+
- High School diploma
- Youth Apprenticeship certificate
- Industry-recognized credentials
What families should plan for
- Transportation to class and work
- Some extra student expenses
- Additional uniforms
- Field trips
- Work-related gear
Ready To See if GPS Ed is Right For You
96% of our students graduate on time. Most leave our program with a guaranteed full-time job offer, an official youth apprenticeship certificate, or a clear path straight into technical college.
Whether you're ready to apply or just want to look around, your next step is simple.
Helpful Resources For Students
Ed Center and Youth Apprenticeship Brochure
New Student Recruitment Timeline
Wage Increase and Progression Sheet
Example Academic Calendar
Questions Students Ask
Here are a few of the biggest questions students have when they’re deciding whether this program is the right fit.
Where do I attend class?
You attend class in a local GPS Ed Education Center at one of our partner businesses. Some students stay there for work experience, while others commute to another business. You do not attend classes at your home high school during the school day.
Can I still be involved in sports or activities at my home high school?
Yes. Students remain enrolled at their home high school and keep the same privileges as other students there. GPS Ed works with students and employers to try to accommodate school activities when possible.
Do students get paid?
Yes. Paid work experience is part of the youth apprenticeship model. Students can make between $15–$17 an hour up to $20,000 or more.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day may include classroom time in the morning, followed by travel and workplace training later in the day. Schedules can vary.
What kind of work will I do?
Students may move through different job rotations, beginning with exposure to career areas, then building deeper experience and, in some cases, working toward credentials or technical college credit.
Who handles transportation?
Transportation to the classroom and workplace is generally the responsibility of the student and family.
Do students get time off?
Students generally follow the calendar of the business where they work and have most major holidays off. GPS Ed also has a program calendar, and there may be times when the Education Center is closed, but students will still need to work.
Will I still graduate from high school?
Yes. The program helps you stay on track for graduation while gaining work experience and building career-ready skills. Students remain enrolled at, and graduate from, their home high school.
Can I still go to college after GPS Ed?
Yes. The program can still prepare you for college, and GPS Ed staff can help support that path if that is what you choose after graduation.