Navigating Your Future: Resources for Young People!

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Struggling with a concept? Need to get organized? These tools can help you conquer your schoolwork!

• Khan Academy
• URL: https://www.khanacademy.org/
• What it is: Free, engaging video lessons and practice exercises for almost every subject – from math (algebra, geometry, calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, physics) to history, economics, and even SAT/ACT test prep. Think of it as a free, personalized tutor available 24/7.
• Why it's cool: Break down tough topics, catch up on missed lessons, or get ahead. It's totally self-paced!
• Quizlet
• URL: https://quizlet.com/
• What it is: Create your own digital flashcards and study sets, or use millions created by other students. You can turn notes into games, practice tests, and memorization drills.
• Why it's cool: Make studying more interactive and effective, especially for vocabulary, facts, and foreign languages.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
• URL: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/index.html
• What it is: The go-to resource for everything writing-related. Get help with grammar, punctuation, essay structure, research paper formatting (MLA, APA), and citing sources correctly.
• Why it's cool: Stop stressing about essays! This site helps you write clear, strong papers for school and beyond.
• Wolfram Alpha
• URL: https://www.wolframalpha.com/
• What it is: A powerful computational search engine that can answer factual questions, solve math problems step-by-step, generate graphs, and provide data across science, technology, and more.
• Why it's cool: Get instant answers and explanations for complex problems in math and science.

It's okay not to be okay. If you're feeling stressed, sad, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, these resources are here for you, confidentially. These youth resources can provide much needed help for kids.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• URL: https://988lifeline.org/
• What it is: A free, confidential 24/7 hotline for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. You can call or text 988 anytime, anywhere in the U.S.
• Why it's cool: Immediate support when you need it most. You'll connect with trained counselors who understand.
• Crisis Text Line
• URL: https://www.crisistextline.org/
• What it is: Free, 24/7 support for people in crisis. Text "HOME" to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, about any type of crisis.
• Why it's cool: Get help and support via text, which can feel more comfortable for many teens. It's completely confidential.
• The Trevor Project
• URL: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• What it is: The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people (ages 13-24). They offer a toll-free hotline, chat, and text services.
• Why it's cool: A safe and affirming space specifically for LGBTQ youth to get support without judgment.
• NAMI Florida (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• URL: https://namiflorida.org/ (and encourage visiting local NAMI chapters)
• What it is: NAMI provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Their Florida chapter offers local resources and support groups.
• Why it's cool: Connect with real people and find local support networks and educational resources for mental health challenges.
• Florida Department of Education - Resiliency & Mental Health Resources
• URL: https://www.fldoe.org/mental-health/
• What it is: This page from the Florida Department of Education offers a variety of mental health resources specifically for Florida's youth, including information on district mental health plans and suicide prevention.
• Why it's cool: State-specific information and direct links to support systems within Florida's educational framework.

It's never too early to start thinking about what's next! These educational resources can help you explore your interests, plan for college, or find a great career path.

•  It's not too early to start a business (talk to your parents ).
• FloridaShines - Explore Careers: Middle & High School
• URL: https://www.floridashines.org/careers-middle-high-school
• What it is: Florida's official resource for career planning. Discover your passions, explore different career clusters, and see what education and training are needed for various jobs in Florida.
• Why it's cool: It's specifically for Florida students and helps you connect your interests to real-world careers.
• CareerSource Florida
• URL: https://careersourceflorida.com/ (and encourage finding local centers)
• What it is: Florida's workforce development system. Your local CareerSource center can offer career counseling, job training, resume building help, and even connect you with local employers and youth programs.
• Why it's cool: Get personalized guidance for job readiness, internships, and finding work opportunities right here in Florida.
• The College Board (SAT, AP, College Search)
• URL: https://www.collegeboard.org/
• What it is: The official site for the SAT (college entrance exam) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs. It also has powerful tools to search for colleges, understand financial aid, and plan your application process.
• Why it's cool: Essential for anyone considering college. Get official test prep, send scores, and discover schools that are a great fit for you.
• ACT.org (ACT Test, College & Career Planning)
• URL: https://www.act.org/
• What it is: The official site for the ACT college entrance exam. Offers test prep materials, information on scoring, and resources for high school success and college/career readiness.
• Why it's cool: Another key resource if you're planning on going to college after high school.
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• URL: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• What it is: The application you need to fill out to get federal money for college (grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans).
• Why it's cool: It's the gateway to financial aid that can make college affordable. It's free to apply!
• Think College
• URL: https://thinkcollege.net/
• What it is: Provides resources specifically for students with intellectual disabilities who want to pursue higher education.
• Why it's cool: Shows that college is an option for everyone and provides support for a successful transition.

Want to make a difference in your community? Get leadership experience? Volunteer hours look great on college applications and help you build new skills!

• DoSomething.org
• URL: https://www.dosomething.org/
• What it is: Empowers young people to make social change. Find campaigns and projects you can join to tackle real-world issues, often from home or with easy-to-do local actions.
• Why it's cool: Find causes you care about and take action, even if you're busy! Many campaigns can count for volunteer hours.
• VolunteerMatch - Virtual Volunteering
• URL: https://www.volunteermatch.org/virtual-volunteering
• What it is: Searchable database of thousands of volunteer opportunities, including many virtual options you can do from home, covering various causes like health, education, and community building.
• Why it's cool: Find flexible ways to contribute, perfect for busy schedules or if you prefer online activities. Filter by cause or even by specific location.
• Children's Home Society of Florida - Volunteer
• URL: https://chsfl.org/volunteer/
• What it is: This Florida-based organization offers numerous volunteer opportunities, many of which are remote, to help children and families across the state. They have specific options for volunteers under 18.
• Why it's cool: Make a direct impact on kids' lives right here in Florida, with flexible and often remote opportunities.
• YMCA Leaders Club (Florida State Alliance)
• URL: https://www.floridaymcas.org/leadersclub/
• What it is: A year-long program for teens (ages 13-18/grades 7-12) focused on service, leadership development, character building, and college readiness.
• Why it's cool: Develop valuable leadership skills, build positive relationships, and get involved in community service through a trusted organization. Find your local YMCA for participation.
• Teen Leaders of AMERICA (Florida-based)
• URL: https://teenleadersofamerica.com/
• What it is: A Florida-based non-profit focused on equipping youth (grades 6-12) with life and leadership skills, college readiness, and workforce development. They offer programs in leadership, socio-emotional skills, and career exploration.
• Why it's cool: Specific leadership development right here in Florida, helping you prepare for future success and rewarding careers.