Graduation
Once a Companion is deemed YA and has completed all of the Youngling and Ado curriculum of the Academy, then it is time for them to go out into the real world! Due to the many laws in place that prohibit Companions from engaging in various employments, the Academy has done an admirable job of aiding in the efforts of her Adult charges into finding their own ways into the world.
The Un-Adopted
These are the Companions that MOST concern the Academy, as no humanoid ever decided to take them to be sponsored (or they had no wish to be sponsored). As wards of the Academy, the onus is on the agency that created them to ensure that they are cared for.
This is not in any way a free ride, however.
Un-Adopteds are given a small lump sum upon graduation, amounting in about $10,000. This is not much, but remember just how many Companions are in the Academy!
Un-Adopteds may utilize the Academy to find co-signers that will aid them in finding housing in Companion friendly areas of town. There are some apartments have made special alliances with the Academy to ensure that Companions can live there without fear of being kicked out. The career counselors will also help with setting up interviews with legal, Companion friendly working environments, though at this time those are mostly minimum wage jobs.
The Adopted
As part of the adoption process, the new parent is taking on financial responsibility for the Companion. As such, the Academy is not liable for helping these Companions monetarily post graduation. They are not responsible for co-signing either.
However, the Academy wants all Companions to be successful, and they are welcome to utilize the Academy's resources to help them find suitable housing and employment as needed.
Opportunities for All
Opportunities exist within the Academy for all young adult Companions. There are internships, job opportunities, and additional classes. For many Companions, working for the Academy is one of the only ways to contribute to the world in the way that they want to (sadly, until something within the laws change)
Higher Education
As a private institution the Academy can choose to teach anyone that it sees fit, thus Companions can often utilize the Academy for higher education opportunities. Many adjuncts from local universities have been taken on staff to teach courses in areas of high interest, like law and medicine. The scientists on campus also hold symposiums and lectures. If a Companion is interested in pursing medicine for their kind, or science linked to any of the many endeavors of the Academy, the can be trained right on campus, and hired by the Academy. Since the Academy does not service the human populace they are not scrutinized as highly.
Many Companions find fulfilling careers within the Academy, as psychologists, counselors, teachers, doctors, nurses, nutritionists, scientists, etc. The only catch is even after a Companion completes these trainings, their certifications and degrees are useless outside of the Academy walls.
In recent years, with Companions now considered nearly citizens in Silverbrook, a handful of local colleges have begun accepting Companion applicants. These schools and their campuses are not made for Companions, and when traveling outside the city, Companions may face untold difficulties and prejudice. The potential held in a real degree, however, may just be worth the challenge for many. The Academy now offers scholarships for Companions looking to go to college, though depending on interest, these may be limited.
Other Job Opportunites
Many Companions right out of the Academy may choose to take on the role of a Mentor. This position pays a small allowance, and housing and food are completely subsidized as these Companions have chosen to continue living in the dorms with the younger children to mentor them, take care of them, and help them around town. For those of you who have ever lived in a dorm, this is very much like an RA.
Beyond the more highly trained positions, the Academy is always looking for people who want to work in a variety of positions, from maintenance, to computer tech, to culinary arts.
Housing
On the edge of campus there is an apartment complex that is only for people who work on the Academy campus (anyone who works there may choose to subsidize their paychecks and get the apartment as part of their payment). There are also a few small rental stand-alone homes which are reserved for senior members of the staff or those with families. When these become available it trickles down the staffing until it is taken.
You may also choose to have a meal plan taken out of your paychecks. If so, you then have a certain number of credits that can be used in the dining hall.