1.  More job options. The world is changing rapidly and more and more jobs require a college degree. College graduates have more jobs to choose from than those who don't pursue education beyond high school.

2. Earn more money. A person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn't. According to the Census Bureau, a person with a high school degree on average earns$27,995 while a person with a college degree earns $51,206 annually. A person who attends college for at least two years earns $250,000 more than one who does not. A four-year degree can mean one million dollars over a lifetime of earnings.

3. Head start in life. College teaches skills such as technology and informative decision making. These skills can be used at work and in life. In the new global economy, college is becoming essential for competing for jobs in the new market and environment.

About.com - Teen Advice  

How Stuff Works 

NASA Image of the Day Gallery

Think Again About Dropping Out
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=J2IOVWoENgI&feature=related

National Geographic

PBS On-line

Nobelprize.org
This site has more than 25 games related to the discovery and inventions of previous Nobel Prize winners.

Discovery Education

You can take several routes this summer to make sure you have given yourself the best chance for success, in school and in life. Here are some suggestions on how to spend your summer wisely.

READ, READ, READ!
NOT just TV listings or cereal boxes. Challenge yourself with more difficult books so that you’ll be ready next year. But how do you decide what to read? Ask the local librarian for help in finding books which will challenge you and help you prepare for higher level work in school. Many great reading lists are available online which will suggest books that would help you prepare better for ninth grade and beyond.

Voluteer
Many opportunities to volunteer for community service are available right in your hometown. College admission officers see volunteering in the community as a good indication of your willingness to make and honor commitments. And, you’ll be helping someone close to home.

The links below have for great information to help you prepare for high school. High School: Getting Prepped http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/highschool/article2.html Time Management Tips for High School http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/116.html First Day of High School Tips http://www.ehow.com/list_6504879_first-high-school-tips-tricks.html Tips for Success http://iuhighschool.iu.edu/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=580

Habit 1: Be Proactive® Take responsibility for your life.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind® Define yourmission and goals in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First® Prioritize and do the most important things first.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win® Have an "everyone-can-win" attitude.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood® Listen to people sincerely.

Habit 6: Synergize® Work together to achieve more.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw® Renew yourself regularly.

For more information please visit www.7habits4teens.com

®FranklinCovey