Starting Out Young with no Money

[Shawn Palumbo]

Hi,I am 18 years old I am dead broke and I have zero experience. I was wondering if maybe someone has advice on the first steps i should take

[Patty C.]

Go to your local public community college and sign up for  classes. It a great place to explore what you want to do with many resources (financial aid, counseling, tutoring, career center, transfer center, job fairs, etc, etc). If you've never attended college before and you have minimal funds, you most likely qualify for federal and/or state financial aid. Although the priority application period has past for financial aid https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa, you can still apply and monies are available on a first come first serve basis until the money runs out. Scholarships are available as well. 

I don't know where you live, but public community colleges are available in every state. The socio-economic trajectory of students who have attended a community college is amazing. People go there for job training, transfer to a university, update job skills, and continue their education. It's a great place to connect with people with varying interests and backgrounds. Key word: "Connect." Many of the best opportunities are through personal connections.

Education professionals are there to help and support you so you achieve your education, career, and personal goals. Sounds like you are ready to get started.

Sooo...Get connected at a community college! You can do it!

Good luck to you!