BEYOND THE PLATFORM
THE RESOURCE DESK
We don't pretend to be the last word.
Some questions need a clinic, a counselor, a lawyer or a housing expert — not a lesson. These are trusted outside organizations, most of them free, for the moments that go past what we teach.
In immediate danger or thinking about hurting yourself? Call or text 988 in the U.S., or text HOME to 741741. If someone's life is at risk, call 911.
🏡Buying & Renting a Home
Mortgages, first-time buyer programs, deposits, landlords and what to do when a lease goes wrong.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Buying a HouseStep-by-step mortgage guide, loan comparison worksheets and closing-cost explainers.
- HUD Approved Housing CounselingFree or low-cost counselors, funded by the government, for buying or keeping a home.
- HUD — Renting & Tenant RightsRental assistance, fair-housing complaints and state-by-state tenant rights.
- Fannie Mae HomeViewFree first-time homebuyer course that some lenders accept for down-payment programs.
💼Careers, Trades & Job Hunting
Real salary data, apprenticeships you can apply to, and help writing the application.
- O*NET OnLineThe federal career database: daily tasks, skills, outlook and pay for nearly every job.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook HandbookOfficial pay, education required and projected growth, updated every year.
- Apprenticeship.govSearch paid apprenticeships — you earn while you train, in trades and beyond.
- CareerOneStop Youth PortalResume templates, interview prep and your local American Job Center.
❤️Sex, Consent & Sexual Health
Clinics, contraception, STI testing, consent and what to do after something happened you didn't agree to.
- Planned Parenthood — TeensBirth control, STIs, bodies and relationships, written for teenagers.
- ScarleteenFrank, inclusive sex education plus a message board answered by trained educators.
- CDC — GetTestedFind free or low-cost STI and HIV testing near you by ZIP code.
- RAINN — National Sexual Assault HotlineFree, confidential, 24/7 support at 800-656-4673 or online chat.
- love is respectDating abuse and unhealthy relationship help — call, text or chat, 24/7.
🧠Coping, Crisis & Mental Health
If it's lasted weeks, changed your sleep or school, or you've thought about hurting yourself — start here.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988, any time, anywhere in the U.S. Free and confidential.
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 to reach a trained volunteer counselor by text.
- The Trevor Project24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, by phone, text or chat.
- I Need a Session — Find a TherapistSearch licensed therapists near you or online, filter by insurance, specialty and identity.
- JED Foundation — Mental Health Resource CenterPlain-language guides on stress, anxiety, grief, burnout and asking for help.
- SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-4357 — free treatment referrals for substance use and mental health.
💰Money, Credit & Debt
Your real credit report, scam reporting, taxes and getting out of a hole.
- AnnualCreditReport.comThe only federally authorized site for your free credit reports.
- MyMoney.govGovernment financial-education hub: earning, saving, borrowing, protecting.
- IRS Free FileFile your federal taxes for free if you're under the income limit — most teens are.
- FTC — Report FraudReport scams and identity theft, and get a personalized recovery plan.
- National Foundation for Credit CounselingNonprofit credit counselors for debt you can't see your way out of.
⚖️Work Rights & Legal Help
What a job can and can't ask of you, and where to get a lawyer when you can't pay.
- U.S. Department of Labor — YouthRules!Hour limits, allowed jobs and pay rules for workers under 18.
- DOL Wage and Hour DivisionFile a complaint if you were underpaid or made to work off the clock.
- LawHelp.orgFree legal aid near you for housing, work, family and immigration issues.
- Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal AidDirectory of no-cost civil legal help by state.
🎓College, Trade School & Paying For It
Aid you don't pay back, real cost comparisons and scholarships that aren't scams.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)Apply for grants, work-study and federal loans. Start here before anything else.
- College ScorecardCompare real cost, graduation rates and graduate earnings school by school.
- Career & Technical Education — CareerOneStop Training FinderLocal trade programs, certificates and short-term training.
- Today's MilitaryWhat service actually involves, including education benefits and commitments.
These organizations are independent of Audition to Life. We link them because they're free or low-cost and widely trusted — not because they pay us. Sponsors never appear on this page.
Can't find what you need? Ask Backstage anonymously →