Alternate Routes Taking A Detour From The 4-Year Path

Careers and Colleges, Sept, 2001 by Tracey Randinelli

* Outward Bound (www.outwardbound.com): Looking for some leadership training in the great outdoors--but not willing to join the military? This program is for you! With courses in mountaineering, sea kayaking, backpacking and more.

* National Civilian Community Corps (www.americorp.org): Part of AmeriCorps, the American arm of the Peace Corps, this full-time residential service program is for young people ages 18 to 24. During your 10-month stint, you might tutor at-risk kids, help fight forest fires, restore public landmarks, provide aid to victims of hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters, or work on another of more than 1,000 projects NCCC organizes and implements.

* Earthwatch (www.earthwatch.org): This program gives you the opportunity to assist scientific researchers in the field for up to three weeks as they work toward the conservation of the Earth's resources.

* Dynamy (www.dynamyorg): Can't decide on one program? This Worcester, Massachusetts-based program packs three nine-week internships, an Outward Bound course, community involvement, and independent living into one post-year whirlwind.