Life After High School: A Guide for Young Adults and Their Families
Empowering Young Adults to Thrive
Getting Started
Stepping out of high school into adulthood can feel exciting and uncertain, but you don’t have to do it alone. Transition simply means planning the steps that help young adults live, work, learn, and engage in their communities as independently as possible. This guide, created for young adults and families in the Mascoutah, IL and St. Louis Metro East area, offers local resources, tips, and connections to make the journey smoother. Life after high school is about exploring possibilities—meaningful work, further education, life skills, and community connections—while recognizing that every young adult’s path is unique.
Transition Focus Areas
Explore the six transition domains and connect with local agencies to access the supports your young adult needs, making this next chapter exciting, manageable, and uniquely their own.
Family Strategies
Families can use practical strategies to help their young adult navigate this journey more smoothly and confidently.
The Roadmap
Planning the steps from high school to adulthood doesn’t have to be confusing—use a flexible timeline to guide when to explore goals, build skills, and access supports.
Support Matrix
The Support Matrix organizes local programs, services, and resources in one easy-to-use guide, helping families and young adults see what’s available and figure out which supports best match their needs and goals.