Columbus graduates

Beyond High School

Your Choices After Graduation

At DUSD, it’s our goal for all students to graduate with a 21st Century education that ensures they are college and career ready, globally competitive and citizens of strong character. 

But one size doesn’t fit all. For some students, college is the logical next step of their journey while others are eager to leave the classroom and enter the working world. Explore your options with these resources.

College Information
Financial Aid
Career Information
Resume Help
Military Information

College & Career Center

Stop by to speak to a counselor! We are here to answer your questions.

Location: Room O1

Hours:
7:30 am – 1:30 pm
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

College & Career Staff

Mr. Adrian Perez

Mr. Adrian Perez

Ms. Jasmin Moreno-Gamboa

Ms. Jasmin Moreno-Gamboa

Ms. Raquel Perez

Ms. Raquel Perez

Ms. Liz Alfaro

Ms. Liz Alfaro

College and Career Resources

graduates

Tips for Deciding on Your College

  1. Know your ability
  2. Pick three colleges by the end of 8th grade
  3. Know their admissions qualifications
  4. Know your family’s financial abilities
  5. Talk to your counselors in the 9th grade
  6. Always know your GPA

More Resources

California Colleges

CaliforniaColleges.edu provides students with an all-inclusive guide for their college & career paths & enables educators to track their progress.
Visit CaliforniaColleges.edu

Community College Review

Learn about community colleges, find colleges, get financial aid help and college life tips.
Visit communitycollegereview.com

California Community Colleges

Apply Online: CCC Online

Cerritos Complete Program

Get 2 years of college for free.
Visit cerritos.edu

Cerritos College

Visit cerritos.edu/

map of california
ESports at Warren: Competing, Learning, and College-Bound

ESports at Warren: Competing, Learning, and College-Bound

Warren High’s ESports program is doing more than building winning teams. It’s giving students a place to learn, compete, and tap into real opportunities in gaming, tech, and college ESports. From daily practices to playoff runs and scholarships, our players are taking this fast-growing field to the next level. With the DUSD District Championship coming up on Tuesday, December 2 at the Downey Theatre, there’s no better time to see what our teams can do.

iApplied Week is Here: November 17th-21st 🎓

iApplied Week is Here: November 17th-21st 🎓

Need help finishing your college applications? We’ve got you covered! Join us November 17–21, 4–8 PM for hands-on support in the College & Career Center. This is your chance to get everything completed and submitted before Thanksgiving break so you can enjoy the...

Warren High School’s JROTC Bear Battalion: A Place to Lead, Learn, and Belong

Warren High School’s JROTC Bear Battalion: A Place to Lead, Learn, and Belong

Warren’s Bear Battalion is building confident, capable leaders who serve with heart. Cadets log thousands of community service hours, compete in high-energy Raider challenges, explore robotics and drone technology, and take pride in presenting colors at school and community events. With no military obligation, students join to grow, lead, and make a real impact on campus and beyond.

Spring 2026 Dual Enrollment: Start Earning College Credit Today

Spring 2026 Dual Enrollment: Start Earning College Credit Today

Downey Unified’s Dual Enrollment Program gives high school students the chance to earn college credit before graduation. Through a partnership with Cerritos College, students can take free college courses that count toward both their high school diploma and college degree—saving time, money, and getting a head start on their future. At Warren High, we offer over 30 courses, with more than 600 students participating each semester. Spring 2026 registration is open now!

Financial Aid Night: Wednesday, October 30th

Financial Aid Night: Wednesday, October 30th

Warren High School is hosting Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, October 30 from 5:00–8:00 PM in the Warren Library. This is a great opportunity for seniors and their families to get hands-on help completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). To...

Career Resources

The resources and links below can help you find a great career.

Looking for a Job?

Check out our up-to-date-list of job opportunities.

California CareerZone

Learn about yourself, the employment options available to you and the training that will prepare you for them.
Visit cacareerzone.org

California Conservation Corps

Learn skills, earn scholarships, make friends – the best year of your life!
Visit ccc.ca.gov

Long Beach Job Corps Center

No-cost education and career technical training program.
Visit longbeach.jobcorps.gov

California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association

Apprentices not only learn occupational skills in the classroom, their learning is expanded to include hands-on, paid, on-the-job training!
Visit calapprenticeship.org

Los Angeles Job Corps Center

Offering the skills you need to succeed in today’s workforce, at no cost to you or your family.
Visit losangeles.jobcorps.gov

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Find out which careers are in demand.
Visit bls.gov

student having fun

Need a Work Permit?

Stop by Room O1 and speak with Ms. Raquel Perez.

You can also email raqperez@dusd.net

Tips for Creating Professional Resume

When you apply for a job, you will be asked to provide your resume. Here are some tips and resources to help you create a professional looking resume.

High School Resume Template

How to create a high school resume with examples: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/high-school-resume-template

More information: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/high-school-resume-tips

How to Make a Resume with the Microsoft Word Template

How to Make a Resume with Google Docs

Join the United States Military

Army – Navy – Air Force – Marines – Coast Guard

Are you thinking about joining the military after high school? You’re not alone, and there are many benefits to joining a branch of our military. However, it’s important to fully understand what you’re signing up for and what will be required of you for the contracted years you sign on.

future marine

Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident with valid “green card”
  • Must be at least 17 years old (with parent permission) or 18+
  • Each branch of the military has a different enlistment age limit
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
  • Must pass a physical exam and meet weight limits

Steps to Enlist

  1. Contact a recruiter
  2. Report to a military entrance processing stations (MEPS)
  3. Await orders for basic training

U.S. Air Force (USAF)

  • Department of Defense
  • Aerial military operations

Website: www.af.mil

U.S. Army (USA)

  • Department of Defense
  • Major ground combat

Website: www.army.mil

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Maritime law enforcement

Website: www.uscg.mil

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

  • Department of Defense
  • Supports other branches
    • Land, sea-based, and air-ground operations

Website: www.marines.mil

U.S. Navy

  • Department of Defense
  • Protects waterways outside of Coast Guard jurisdiction

Website: www.navy.mil

Ace the ASVAB

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

To join a branch of our military, you’ll need to take the ASVAB test. This timed test scores four areas: Arithmetic Reasoning, World Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. Your scores in these four areas will determine your eligibility to enlist in the military. Prep for the exam with practice ASVAB tests or learn more with these helpful resources.