Resources & Information
for Educators, Students & Parents
During COVID-19 Recovery
COVID-19 Information and Resources
for Schools and School Personnel
Change a child’s story
suffering from trauma.
Rebekah’s Angels was founded to provide mental health treatment to children and families suffering from trauma. Through an extensive application process, we will evaluate each individual need, and finance trauma-focused therapy. Rebekah’s Angels believes the mental health of our children today, determines their success for the future.
Whether you are a high school junior or senior in need of a course or a parent looking for fun activities to do with your children, the Your UNA page has been created with you in mind.
Browse through the content,
enroll, or just enjoy a video tutorial.
ALtogether is a one-stop-shop where Alabamians can ask for help or lend a hand during the COVID-19 crisis.
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This response effort is designed to connect businesses, nonprofits, and people that need help with the right program partners–and to connect program partners with people and resources to help those most in need.
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At a broader level, ALtogether is a coordinated effort to provide policymakers, businesses, foundations, and the public with (1) information about how the crisis is impacting hardworking Alabamians and (2) opportunities to offer assistance to Alabama business owners and workers.
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We are #ALtogether
Higher Education in NW Alabama
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Northwest Shoals Community College Career Technical programs and Workforce Solutions offers many programs that give students career technical skills such as the FAME and MSSC. The MSSC is an industry-led and federally recognized training, assessment, and certification system focused on the skills and knowledge needed by today’s manufacturing workforce.
Calhoun’s Workforce Solutions / Career Training department delivers training for individuals looking to expand their current skills or certifications or explore a new career path, or both! These career track courses are designed to provide in-demand skills in a short timeframe.
This Christian University offers programs for those interested in preaching, Mission work, counseling, or teaching. Heritage Christian's accredited Bible programs focus on real world ministry to prepare students for work.
The workforce development program at the University of North Alabama prepares career-ready graduates to meet economic needs of Alabama. UNA is focused on delivering a well-trained workforce of the highest possible quality to business & industry.
Bevill State Community College
The Career Technical Education Division of Bevill State is tasked with offering comprehensive workforce and community development service training to support the needs of the communities served. Training is available in high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers in a wide variety of career path options.
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This viral animation video helps audiences understand how to ultimately secure a competitive advantage in the new economy. Students must simultaneously receive applied technical skills, industry-recognized certifications, and employability preparation combined with a rigorous general education.
Produced and narrated by Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D., a work of SUBSTANCE.
Funded by Orange County Career Education: https://futurebuilt.org/
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Other Adult Training Resources
Sheffield Career Center
(256) 383‑5610
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Connect With A Career Center Today
In order to meet the growing need for businesses to hire and train skilled workers, the regional Career Centers offer a range of services to the workforce in Alabama. Services vary depending on which location you visit, but all Career Centers exist to help you succeed. Please reach out to a Career Center near you to take advantage of the wonderful services they offer!
Ready to Work (RTW) provides FREE training in basic skills and abilities required by most leading businesses and industries in Alabama.
The RTW curriculum is designed by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) to build skills based on demands of local businesses and industries along with a nation-wide growth in technology, computer knowledge and employment availability. Successful graduates will receive:
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Alabama Certified Worker certificate from AIDT
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National Career Readiness certificate from ACT WorkKeys; this allows them to compete for jobs in today's competitive market
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The opportunity for a FREE 3 credit hour college course at Northwest-Shoals Community College
MSSC Training Certification
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) currently offers industry-led training certifications at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
a program of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce
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Alabama Industrial Development Training - AIDT offers a variety of classes & training opportunities.
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Interview T.I.P.S. helps applicants prepare for job interviews. The program includes:
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Applications
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Resumes
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Tips for effective interviewing (preparation, communication, dress)
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Interview Follow-Up
AIDT is willing to bring this program to your site. Schools, churches, and other community agencies are encouraged to contact AIDT’s Leadership Development team to schedule a program.
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Leadership Development Classes are offered on a continuous basis at various Education Alliances around the state.
Leadership Skills 1 is the recommended first course for first-line, team leads and/or new supervisors.
Leadership Skills 2 is a follow-up course to Leadership Skills 1, and includes more advanced topics of supervision.
Leadership Skills 3 is the newest class in the Leadership Skills series. It is recommended for those who have previously attended LSI and LSII.
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On-Line Classes - coming soon!
The Robotics Training Park (RTP) is a collaboration between the state of Alabama, Alabama Community College System, AIDT, and robotics industry leaders across the nation.
Training is provided AT NO COST to Alabama businesses.
The RTP consists of three individual training facilities, each targeted to a specific industry need.
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The Robotics Maintenance Training Center
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The Advanced Research and Development Center
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The Integration, Entrepreneurial, and Paint Dispense Training Center and Mobile Robotic Training Lab
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Christian Women's Job Corps of the Shoals
​is a community-wide ministry of the Women’s Missionary Union committed to helping ladies develop into responsible, employable individuals, with good character and a strong moral foundation, moving them toward self-sufficiency. Bible study and one-on-one mentoring are the key factors and are what set this ministry apart from other job-readiness programs. Life skills and of course workforce readiness training are also mainstays.
Alabama Dept. of Human Resources (DHR)
provides services and work supports to parents receiving cash assistance to help them find and retain employment. These services and supports seek to address barriers such as lack of adequate child care, poor access to transportation, domestic violence and substance abuse, all which greatly limit the ability to obtain and retain employment.
Services also include employability assessments, job readiness and job skills training, disability assessments and adult education.
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment. VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed.
Occupation Guides & Resources
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Free On-Line Training / Courses
Alison is one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone, to study anything, anywhere, at any time, for free online, at any subject level. Through our mission we are a catalyst for positive social change, creating opportunity, prosperity, and equality for everyone.
Digital Defynd helps learners find the best courses, certifications and tutorials online. Hundreds of experts come together to handpick these recommendations based on decades of collective experience. So far DD has served 375,000+ satisfied learners and counting.
edX is the trusted platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX is home to more than 20 million learners, the majority of top-ranked universities in the world and industry-leading companies. As a global nonprofit, edX is transforming traditional education, removing the barriers of cost, location and access. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is reimagining the possibilities of education, providing the highest-quality, stackable learning experiences including the groundbreaking MicroMasters® programs. Supporting learners at every stage, whether entering the job market, changing fields, seeking a promotion or exploring new interests, edX delivers courses for curious minds on topics ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications. edX is where you go to learn.
Open Culture scours the web for the best educational media. We find the free courses and audio books you need, the language lessons & educational videos you want, and plenty of enlightenment in between.
Online education used to be reserved for students enrolled at for-profit colleges and universities. Yet today, hundreds of schools with full accreditation make quality online learning a reality for millions. Whether in kindergarten, middle school or looking to move up with a master's, see how Accredited Online Schools can make a difference.
CashCourse Provides:
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Free online financial education courses through instructor assignments or self-study
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Customizable financial tools such as worksheets, a Budget Wizard, quizzes and calculators
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A personal dashboard to track your progress
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Articles and resources on topics that students can relate to
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A guide to real-life money questions
To help students take control of their financial futures. No cost, no catch, no hidden agenda.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants
Free college scholarship search and financial aid information resources.
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Because education is the underpinning for success in every endeavor, in 2011 the Shoals community banded together to give every student in the Shoals the opportunity to continue education beyond high school.
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You must be a U.S. Citizen
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You must have a 2.5 GPA or higher through high school
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You must have a 98% attendance rate through high school
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You must have no behavioral issues throughout high school
To make this possible, the community works to raise almost $800,000 a year to fund the community scholarship fund. It’s a challenge to the community and a challenge to the student, but it’s challenge that has great rewards.
Whether you are a student, a parent, or simply a member of the Shoals community, participation in this program will provide a lifetime of rewards.
NEW!!
UNA
for those with existing credits to complete
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Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) ... You must be a currently licensed RN.
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) ... You must have previously completed at least 60 college credit hours.
NW-SCC
Community Partners Scholarships
This partnership offers tuition scholarships to full-time (30+ hours) employees of business members of the Chambers of Commerce in the Shoals, Franklin, Lawrence & Winston counties.
Other Grants & Scholarship Information
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College Board/Big Future
Scholarship Search and a list of Grants & Scholarships
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FinAid
Financial Aid info & Scholarship Search
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Scholarships & Grants LIST of LOTS of by state, careers, majors, topics, categories, etc.
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General Scholarships - for anyone
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Checklists from Elementary - Adult to prepare financially & academically for college
Contact your local Career Center to see if you qualify for funding for the training you need to get the job you want!
Adult Programs include:
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​Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)
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On the Job Training
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Incumbent Worker Training
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Dislocated Worker
College Planning
Alabama Community College System
Alabama’s gateway to world-class, affordable education and technical training for the necessary skills to compete in a constantly evolving workforce.
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Alabama Colleges and Universities
College-related resources for Students, Parents, Academic Professionals, Researchers & Policy Makers
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Connects first generation and underrepresented students to caring colleges, generous scholarships,
and life-changing counselors and mentors.
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We’re a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success.
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Big Future, by the College Board
Step-by-step guide to college planning for your future
High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs
Colbert County Schools
Agriscience
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Cherokee High School
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Colbert Heights High School
Business Education
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Cherokee High School
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Colbert County High School
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Colbert Heights High School
Fire Science
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Cherokee High School
Health Science
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Colbert Heights High School
Hospitality and Tourism
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Colbert County High School
The mission is to complement the academic curriculum in school systems. Career Tech is the perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on, project based learning experiences. The Career & Technical program offers free tuition for dual enrollment, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships with local partners in the community.
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Lauderdale County
is committed to provide rigorous programs of study that give Lauderdale County students opportunities to support academic knowledge and acquire technical and employ-ability skills needed to be college and career-ready.
offers many opportunities for student to immerse themselves in the field of technical work. With their on campus Career Academy students can take career ready classes to get them prepared for the work force. Sheffield High school also participates in this program and allows students to take career classes at the Career Academy.
Career Technical Programs
Contact School System for more information
256-383-0400 ext. 210
offers programs that prepare their students to enter into the workforce. Deshler High School offers programs such as
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Agribusiness
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Business, Management & Administration
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Food, Wellness & Dietetics
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Health Sciences
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Drafting & Design
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Information Technology
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Project Lead the Way - Computer Science
NOTE: The resources listed are by no means comprehensive, only a starting point. Search for other opportunities using key words related to your specific project (i.e. community giving or grants for books, elementary, science, stem, agriculture, geography, classroom supplies, robotics, incentives, etc.)
Grants & Funding
for Teachers & Classrooms
List of Grants for Teachers
NEA Grants & Awards
for Educators
List of Grants, Awards & Scholarships for Chemistry Teachers
Teacher Supply Depot
Free School Supplies for Educators in
Colbert & Lauderdale (AL) counties.
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Open the 1st Tues. of each month, July - May.
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For more information, contact Mary Beshears,
256-710-1436, jbeshears@yahoo.com
List of Grants for
Ed Tech Initiatives
List of Grants for STEAM
List of Grants for Literacy
Free Guide to STEM Grants
for K-12 & Nonprofits
Social Studies Grants & Awards
List of Grants for Education
Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence
AAE Classroom Grant Application
Request Funding for Classroom Projects
50 Free Earbuds!
Request Funding for Classroom Projects
Created by Educational Professionals, for Educational Professionals, GetEdFunding provides an easy-to-use, relevant, and reliable database, as well as resources for new and seasoned grant seekers.
Article: Top Websites to Help
Teachers Fund Everything
Article: How to Get Free
Teaching Materials
Article: No Begging Required: Teachers Share 5 Creative Ways to Fund Classroom Technology
Article: The K-12 Teacher’s Guide to Funding Classroom Supplies
K-12 Resources
Change a child’s story
suffering from trauma.
Rebekah’s Angels was founded to provide mental health treatment to children and families suffering from trauma. Through an extensive application process, we will evaluate each individual need, and finance trauma-focused therapy. Rebekah’s Angels believes the mental health of our children today, determines their success for the future.
NW AL K-12 STEM Programs
Robotics & STEM Education Opportunities
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STEAM Programs
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VEX IQ Competition (3rd 8th grade)
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Robot Competition (programming)
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Rocketry Competition (national TARC qualifier)
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Drone Racing (coming soon! 2nd - 12th grade!)
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Summer STEM Camps
Talk to your school Counselor - Enroll in High School Career Technical Courses:
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Marketable Skills
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Industry-recognized Credentials
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Dual Enrollment - high school classes count for college credit
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Co-op, Apprenticeship & Internship Opportunities
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Job Experience
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Soft-Skills Development
developed by educator-participant in the Shoals Chamber's Workforce Readiness Institute (WRI).
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WRI is a summer professional development opportunity for educators. For 7 day they tour NW AL businesses & industries to learn how the academics they teach in the classroom are used in everyday professions. WRI helps them answer the inevitable questions, "Why do I need to know this?" and "When will I ever use this again?"
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Earn an ALSDE-approved PLU or up to 56 contact hours!
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To REGISTER TO ATTEND this year's WRI CLICK HERE.
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For more information on the annual WRI, contact the Shoals Chamber. Also look for it in PowerSchool & in UNA's summer professional development catalog.
The Student Section of the North AlabamaWorks! site includes many helpful career-exploration resources for students, parents & teachers.
CAREER SUCCESS GUIDES
The downloadable AlabamaWorks! Career SUCCESS Guides will help you learn more about the upcoming high-demand careers in Alabama and their salary ranges, the steps you need to take to reach your career goals, and the resources available to help you get there. There are sixteen guides, one for each career cluster. Each guide also features six short bios of Alabamians who volunteered to share their story and path to their current work role right here in our great state.
Teachers' Resource Booklets for
Becoming Successful in Middle School
Life Skills: Courtesy, Good Decision Making, Study Skills, Emotional Control, Organization, Self-Confidence, Bullying, Dealing with the "Choking Game," How School Skills become Work Skills, etc.
(from Wisconsin Educational Communications Board)
Fun Career Exploration / Cost of Living tool from Nebraska 4-H.
These days a successful job search is much more complicated than having a good resume!
Job-Hunt.org's genuine experts share solid advice to help you to have a shorter job search.
K-12 Career Exploration Resources
for Students and Teachers
Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge.
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Edutopia is dedicated to transforming K-12 education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. Founded by innovative and award-winning filmmaker George Lucas in 1991, we take a strategic approach to improving K-12 education through two distinct areas of focus: Edutopia and Lucas Education Research.
OUR VISION
To educate, encourage, empower & equip individuals & organization to grow & develop strategies to live a better life personally & professionally.
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OUR MISSION
To motivate others to unlock their potential & determine their destiny.
Your tool for career exploration and job analysis!
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O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!
Addiction Speakers Bureau
Substance use & abuse and addiction are an on-going, perhaps even growing problem in our nation and community. We have requested from the community, volunteer speakers willing to come to schools, youth and other community organizations to tell their use, abuse, addiction, recovery story (alcohol, nicotine, illegal drugs & prescription drugs) to those who need to hear it, to encourage them not to follow those paths. This could be their story or someone else’s (with permission, where applicable).
Contact us for a list of registered speakers. The list includes their contact information, their story (in brief) & to what size group each is comfortable speaking.
Also, if you know of others in the Shoals community who would be willing to tell their substance use, abuse, addiction, recovery story to others, please ask them to register as a speaker at this link.
Classroom - Curriculum - Ed. Research
Resources
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Inspiration for Instruction is dedicated to
equipping and encouraging teachers
so that one student, one class, one school at a time,
​we will help build the future. .
Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
the nation’s leading source for rigorous, independent education research, evaluation and statistics.
The What Works Clearinghouse provides educators with helpful resources to start off the school year. We review the research to find what works in education. In this feature, find tips based on a variety of WWC products.
A blog with Engaging content for Educators
Financial Education
Make teaching money management skills as simple as 1-2-3.
Designed to teach valuable financial skills, the Hands on Banking® program offers free online courses, lessons and activities that will help you guide students through real-life scenarios and group discussions. And all without any endorsements or advertising.
Includes courses & lesson plans for elementary, middle & high school.
Calculators and Converters
Choose from a multitude of free calculators and converters in the areas of finance, health, cooking, math and science for everyday, general use.
Free, on-site seminars, webinars, tools & resources to help you achieve your financial goals.
Choose from a variety of topics and other resources.
More Financial Literacy Resources
at Annuity.org
Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests are designed to measure your work-related cognitive capacity and help with deciding on future work environments.
Alabama Community College System
Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests!
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What career best fits your personality?
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Career Colleges - Career Assessment Test
Identify the career selection(s) that is most suited to your habits, thoughts and actions.
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4 free career aptitude tests to help assess your skills and potential
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Determine what jobs are best suited to your skills and interests.
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15+ Free Career Aptitude Tests
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The Princeton Review Career Quiz
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Career, College, English, General, Math, Verbal, Mechanical, Numerical
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The 15 Best Career Aptitude Tests (article)
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Rasmussen College Career Aptitude Test
To determine the best career for you based on your unique skills and interests.
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Discover your personality type, strengths & interests
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Early Childhood Resources
for parents & child care workers
Grants for Early Childhood Education
and lots of other resources!
Plus, on-line Training opportunities.
A blog for
