Web Site Helps Kids Plan Their Future

(AUSTIN) — A Web site called Get a Life helps middle-schoolers answer the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The Web site is new from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.

"Get a Life encourages kids to dream big, explore the endless possibilities the future holds and map out a plan to get where they want to go in life," Combs said.

Get a Life, at www.getalife.tx.gov, advises 'tweens and teens to let their hobbies and interests guide them toward their dream career and to look for activities, classes, volunteer work and paid employment that let them try out possible careers and gain valuable knowledge and skills.

The Web site offers information about fast-growing and well-paying jobs, along with the education required for those jobs.

"Many skilled, professional jobs do not require a four-year college degree, but they do require some training at a community college or technical school," Combs said. "We want kids to know there are a world of possibilities in Texas and many paths to success."

Get a Life is a kid-friendly approach to the Comptroller's commitment to keep the Texas economy thriving. The site was developed with input from real middle school students and educators thanks to the involvement of Bedichek Middle School in Austin.

"Middle School is the perfect time for students to take an inventory of their interests and abilities, be exposed to a variety of experiences, and begin to develop a career path," Bedichek Principal Dan Diehl said. "Our world will be a better place when we broaden the horizons and shine the light on pathways of success for future generations. Our students can't afford to wait until high school or college to begin building their dreams. Right now is the right time to Get a Life."

"If our children are well-prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead, they will succeed and Texas will prosper," Combs said.

More information about Texas' job market and work force needs can be found in Combs' recent Texas Works report at www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/workforce/.

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Window on State Government - Susan Combs - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Web Site Helps Kids Plan Their Future