Adulting 101: Practical Skills for Life After High School
Because independence doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, the workforce, military service, a gap year, or simply preparing to become more independent, the transition after high school comes with a whole new set of responsibilities. Many young adults leave home feeling academically prepared—but still wondering how to handle the practical challenges of everyday life.
Adulting 101 is an interactive course designed to help participants build confidence before taking that next step. Through real-life scenarios, discussions, demonstrations, and practical activities, participants will explore the skills that can help young adults navigate life beyond high school with greater confidence and independence.
Together, we’ll tackle questions such as:
- How can I stay safe and make smart decisions in unfamiliar situations?
- How do I advocate for myself and communicate confidently with roommates, professors, employers, and other adults?
- What basic household skills will I need when living on my own?
- How can I stay organized when I am responsible for managing my own schedule?
- What are healthy ways to manage stress, challenges, and unexpected situations?
- When should I solve a problem myself, and when is it time to ask for help?
- What does it mean to be a responsible member of a new community?
Topics include:
- Personal safety, security, and self-defense awareness
- Basic household and independent-living skills
- Communication, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution
- Transportation basics and navigating unfamiliar situations
- Time management and organization
- Physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Civic engagement, responsibility, and decision-making
Whether you are preparing to leave home yourself or are a parent hoping to help your teen make a confident transition, this course offers practical skills, helpful conversations, and real-world strategies that often are not taught in school—but quickly become part of everyday life.
Coming this fall: Additional Adulting 101 classes will explore topics such as budgeting and personal finance, cooking and meal planning, car ownership and maintenance, résumé building and interviewing, apartment living, and preparing for college life