What are some alternatives to college?

I just want to avoid the same highschool, college, job route that everyone else is taking.
I know there are TONS of options out there.. but the world is a big place and I sort of feel like I’m looking for a needle in a haystack. So I’m just wondering if anyone has any interesting input.. I just really want to look at my options and see what’s out there before wasting time taking Gen Eds at the community college.
I’m currently looking into Greenpeace, so if anyone’s worked for someting like that I’d love to know how that worked out.