<p>Interesting! I’ve never heard of that. I know we have tech schools here and in his hometown, but this looks different. I’ll add it to the second list I’m making to mention next time we talk. Thanks!</p>
<p>Perhaps you could fund a comprehensive neuropsych evaluation for him. His ACT is low and not considered “college-ready.” Could there be LDs, ADD, other learning issues? What are his aptitudes? </p>
<p>Also, could you set up a contract along the lines that employer education benefits run?: “You must earn a C or higher to gain the tuition reimbursement.”</p>
<p>If he likes the beach so much, could you fund his training and testing for a boat captain’s license? Again, with a caveat (reimbursement contingent on achievement)? </p>
<p>Can he apprentice to a tradesman/woman? Like a mason, etc.? </p>
<p>@dyiu13 , I mentioned up-thread that I suspect one or more LDs, ADD-Inattentive, in particular. He had decent performance in HS (over 3.0–can’t remember his exact GPA), but he didn’t do well turning work in on time. Has never been hyper or difficult; just very laid back. His parents never had him tested, so if her were to come here, I would offer to pay for testing here.</p>
<p>I am hesitant to do any sort of contracts since the entire trust situation is such a sticky wicket. And my goal is not to still have money left in the trust 10 years from now. I want to spend it on him in ways that will help improve his situation. If he wanted to go to school, and I refused to pay for it, he would just use his 529 money, and I’d be left still holding the purse strings. So, if he is determined to just throw good money out the window, I’m going to let him. but, in the end, he will be left with 529 money, and no discretionary funds. I hope to move him in a direction that extricates me from a very uncomfortable trusteeship, AND puts him on a road to a more productive and happier life than his dad has had. My goal is to be able to turn over at least a small portion of the trust to him at some point. But he needs to either earn a degree or be gainfully employed (and not just flipping burgers) in order for me to do that under the terms of the trust.</p>
<p>I hadn’t thought of training him to work in a beach-related field. That’s an excellent idea and there are many training opportunities in a variety of fields on the Gulf. He’s not much on manual labor, per se, but the marine-related work is a great idea. Thanks!</p>
<p>HKM- lots of interesting input here and it is good that your nephew is considering some options that are constructive. Lots of 22 year olds have yet to have their bearings on the way forward. Great if he appreciates the opportunity.</p>
<p>As he seems to struggle with time management and focus, a more structured experience (here or overseas) would be most appealing to me. It would help if he could see his efforts making a difference, be accountable to a team process and learn that he has something to offer, especially given how much reinforcement of passivity has gone on in his life. When Katrina hit I saw several of my kids’ peers gain purpose and meaning by contributing to the effort. Big believer in how this can increase direction and maturity. </p>
<p>@travelnut , that’s what we are looking at for this fall. He is going to come stay here and get neuropsyche testing done and check out local schools, then he wants to head to an archeological site six hours away to volunteer for a week (archaeology is an interest that he never thought he could pursue). Then, he’s going to do a bit of sightseeing and help in a school in an impoverished area in our state where my boys run a summer camp. I think it will be a good way to spend a month, focusing on things outside of his little world and figuring out what sorts of interests he wants to pursue. I agree with the structured experience for now. He needs time to get his bearings and be on a set schedule, something he hasn’t had since high school. Crossing my fingers that it helps. :)</p>
<p>Wow- you have really put it all together with him. I am happy that you will both have the benefits of everything you describe. Nice to feel you have done your best and helped pave the way for opportunity. All the best to you.</p>
<p>Well, we are making a good start, anyway. He has to follow-through and build on what we do in the fall. It’s a challenge. Everyone here has been SO helpful! He’s a lucky guy having so many options. :)</p>