O'Plaine College & Career News

March 2, 2023

Hello Blue Devil Families!

The rest of the semester will fly by, especially once the weather begins to turn! There are still many post-secondary events and opportunities going on this Spring, including some which I've listed below. Be proactive, take the initiative and pursue the opportunities that interest you so you can begin planning your next steps!

  • O'Plaine College Visits (see see colleges coming & how to register below)
  • College Fair at CLC, 3/9 (140+ colleges attending)
  • Non-Traditional Post High School Options

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council

  • ASVAB Career Exploration Program, 3/18

  • Visual Artist Career Speaker
  • Vet Mentoring Program
  • Law Immersion Summer Program & more!


These events and more are detailed below. Please reach out to me at thartley@wths.net with any questions or to set up an appointment to discuss your post-secondary plans - it's never too early to get started!


Have a great week, Blue Devils!
Ms. Hartley



Stay In-the-Know!

Follow your WTHS College & Career Counselors on Facebook and Instagram @wthsccc

College Info

Virtual Real Talk: HBCU Edition, 3/2

Virtual Real Talk: HBCU Edition, 3/2

Connect with HBCU representatives on March 2 at Real Talk: HBCU Edition. Attendees will have an opportunity to compare colleges, receive advice on standing out during the admissions process, get information on special scholarships that can make college more affordable, and have top questions answered in real time. Click here for more info, to view past events and to register. Real Talk is a virtual college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and families with Black representatives from colleges and access organizations across the country.
Virtual Real Talk: HBCU Edition, 3/2
CLC College Fair, 3/9

CLC College Fair, 3/9

Save the date! Over 140 colleges from all over will be a part of this FREE fair in just a few weeks! The fair is from 6-8 pm at the College of Lake County in the PE building. Click here to see which schools are attending and to register. Families are highly encouraged to attend if college is something your student is considering. We hope to see you there!
CLC College Fair, 3/9

O'Plaine College Visits

Come learn more about specific schools' majors, admission requirements, student life, housing, tuition, financial aid & more! All visits are a period in length, and students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration. All visits are in the College & Career Center (unless otherwise noted). Please review the college visit expectations below:
  • Students must be passing the class they'll miss to attend the visit (yes, we do check!)
  • Students must sign up in MaiaLearning by the end of the school day prior
  • Students are limited to 3 college visits/semester
  • If the visit coincides with your lunch, you are permitted to eat during the visit
  • College visits are open to both freshmen and sophomores
    • Limit 30 students per visit - first come, first served
  • Students are permitted to miss class to attend (attendance will be excused) but are expected to talk to their teacher before for make-up work
  • If you have an assessment, presentation or project due that period, you're expected to go to class and can email Ms. Hartley after for any info provided
  • See a brief description of each institution to assist you in deciding which you'd like to attend


Students can view the upcoming college visits and register in Maia Learning --> Events.


Thursday, March 9th

  • Period 7: Bradley University

Tuesday, March 14th

  • Period 4: Carthage College, Carroll University, St. Norbert College
  • Period 7: UW-Stout

Monday, March 20th

  • Period 2: Western Illinois University Application Drive & Visit

Thursday, March 23rd

  • Period 2: DePaul University, Xavier University, Marquette University
  • Period 7: University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State University

Tuesday, April 4th

  • Period 4: University of Missouri-Columbia

Thursday, April 6th

  • Period 2: University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse
  • Period 7: University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado
NIU Engineering Open House, 3/11

NIU Engineering Open House, 3/11

Northern Illinois University's College of Engineering & Engineering Technology is hosting their Spring Open House on March 11. For more info and to register click here. More info on NIU's College of Engineering & Engineering Technology Programs can be found here.

NIU Engineering Open House, 3/11

Interested in Starting Your Education at the College of Lake County? Attend a CLC Info Session, 3/11

Did you know you could save as much as $50,000 by starting a Bachelors degree at a community college? The College of Lake County has 200 Career Certificate Programs and 40+ Associate Transfer Degree options. Median annual earnings in some 2-year, Associate degree career fields can be as much as $60-70,000/year! CLC also has a guaranteed transfer partnership with over 32 colleges and universities, plus an honors program, study abroad, financial aid, scholarships and more! CLC is a great option if you are looking to save money, take dual credit courses, decrease future college debt and/or complete your general education classes at a much cheaper rate. The Round Lake Area Public Library is hosting a FREE CLC informational session on March 11 at 11 am for interested families. Register by scanning the QR code below.

Christian College Fair, 3/13

Connect with Christian colleges and universities across North America by attending this free, in-person fair at Wheaton Academy on March 13 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. For more info, including a list of participating colleges and to register, click here.

$ $ Scholarships $ $

$ $ Scholarships $ $

Did you miss the scholarship workshop last week? Students, you can apply for scholarships now, even as underclassmen! Click here to access last week's workshop presentation and here for the resources shared, including sites you can search for scholarships! See Ms. Hartley with any questions!
$ $ Scholarships $ $
NACAC Virtual College Fairs, 3/19 & 4/23

NACAC Virtual College Fairs, 3/19 & 4/23

NACAC’s upcoming series of Virtual College Fairs continues on March 19 & April 23. These virtual event are designed to help students connect with college admissions officers and ask important questions about the application process. These sessions support all students, including seniors who have not yet applied. Students can prepare ahead of time by tagging the Zoom sessions they want to attend. Click here to register.

NACAC Virtual College Fairs, 3/19 & 4/23
NIU Business Olympics, 4/1

NIU Business Olympics, 4/1

NIU Business Olympics will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, with multiple competitions for high school and community college students. The top teams will have the opportunity to bring home prize money. Learn more about the official rules and to register by March 3.


NIU Business Olympics, 4/1
GenCyber Summer Camp at ISU

GenCyber Summer Camp at ISU

Inspiring the next generation of cyber stars! The GenCyber Camp at Illinois State University seeks to ignite and sustain Cybersecurity interest in high schools in the Central IL region in order to build a competent, diverse, and adaptable cybersecurity workforce pipeline. High school students who are entering grades 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the camp. Come attend this FREE residential summer camp and learn fundamentals of Cybersecurity while experiencing campus life at ISU! We have several hands-on activities that will help you learn and apply your knowledge on an IoT (Internet of Things) kit as you learn Cybersecurity concepts. Scan QR code on flyer for more info and to register. Sport are limited, so register soon!

GenCyber Summer Camp at ISU

The College Tour & Free Online Classes


The College Tour is a TV Series streaming on Amazon Prime and ad free on TheCollegeTour.com. The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.​ Each episode of The College Tour focuses on a single college or university. From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities and more. The student driven segments will give students an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university. Schools that may be familiar to you, like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Columbia College Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University are showcased, as are over 100 more from across the country. Check out a school without even leaving your living room! This is a great way to get some great preliminary information from the power perspective of each school's current students!

The College Tour also offers free online classes to assist you in your college search, including one for First Generation Students, Exploring Majors and more! Click here to find out more!

Welcome to The College Tour Class

Military Info

Considering Enlisting?

Click here to get a brief overview of the six service branches of the U.S. armed forces:

  • U.S. Air Force (USAF)

  • U.S. Army (USA)

  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

  • U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

  • U.S. Navy (USN)

  • U.S. Space Force (USSF)

ASVAB Career Exploration Program for Interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors, 3/18

ASVAB Career Exploration Program for Interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors, 3/18

WTHS is hosting the ASVAB again for interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors on Saturday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m. at the Almond Campus. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery assesses a students ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. It produces Career Exploration Scores that can aid in the exploration of a wide variety of career options. This would be a great test to take if you are unsure what you’d like to do in the future. The ASVAB is offered at no cost to you and there is no military obligation just by taking the test but scores can be used for those interested in enlisting. Students can sign-up in the Guidance Office with Mrs. Maggiore (Almond) or Mrs. Ellis (O’Plaine) by March 15.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program for Interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors, 3/18

Career & Job Info

Non-Traditional Post High School Options

Click here for a list of trade, vocational and non-traditional post high school options

FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council, Deadline 3/6

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council, a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness. Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in Grades 8-11 are eligible to apply.

During their one-year term, council members will collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.

Youths interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than 1:59 a.m. March 6. Visit the FEMA website to access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council.

YPC Future Leaders 1
CLC Make-a-Thon: Coding | Making | Problem Solving, 3/11

CLC Make-a-Thon: Coding | Making | Problem Solving, 3/11

Are you ready to accept a challenge combining sensors, motors, programming and prototyping? Register online for Make-a-Thon hosted by CLC's Engineering Transfer Department and Baxter Innovation Lab. This one-day workshop on Saturday, March 11 (1-5 pm) will kick off with an introduction to coding and the platform they are using. A specific challenge will be revealed for your team to complete. Sign up with friends or we can assign you to a team. Click here to learn more.

CLC Make-a-Thon: Coding | Making | Problem Solving, 3/11
O'Plaine Career Expo, 4/14

O'Plaine Career Expo, 4/14

Students will be able to meet with professionals from a variety of industries and professions at the Career Expo on April 14 during their lunch study hall period in the O'Plaine Main Gym. The goal of the expo is to foster excitement, engagement and interest by providing students with exposure to a variety of career paths. Students will have the opportunity to ask professionals questions about their industry, company and position while also working on their communication and networking skills. Attending employers may also have internship, apprenticeship and/or job shadowing or volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned for more details!
O'Plaine Career Expo, 4/14
Lake County Maker Faire, 4/15

Lake County Maker Faire, 4/15

The Maker Faire workshop is free and hosted by CLC on Saturday, April 15 from workshop from 10am to 2 pm. If you want to learn to 3D print, watch robots in action, laser something, write Arduino code, make creations with items around home, and have a really great time, pre-register this spring. Click here for more info!

Lake County Maker Faire, 4/15
Career Speaker Series: Visual Artist, 4/25

Career Speaker Series: Visual Artist, 4/25

Some of our featured career speakers this Spring include a Visual Artist on April 25, 8th period in the College & Career Center, whose experience includes photography, curation and so much more. We also welcome an Early Childhood Teacher (date TBD). Both professionals are WTHS Alumni and proudly return to share their post-secondary journey with current WTHS students. If you have an interest in the visual arts or working with children, be sure to attend theses beneficial career workshops to learn more! (Photo Cred: Corinne Pompey)

Career Speaker Series: Visual Artist, 4/25
Considering a Career in Medicine?

Considering a Career in Medicine?

Check out this youtube channel showcasing professionals in the field from different areas of medicine, including:

- Oncology

- Pediatrics

- Internal
- Radiology

- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology

- Emergency Medicine

- Endocrinology

- Cardiology & more!

Considering a Career in Medicine?
Summer Saper Law Immersion Program

Summer Saper Law Immersion Program

The Saper Law Immersion Program is a week-long summer camp (July 31 to August 4) that offers high school and college students the opportunity to explore a variety of legal career paths. Daliah Saper, Principal Attorney at Saper Law Offices, will teach the 2023 Saper Immersion Program with the assistance of other Saper Law attorneys. In addition, guest speakers from start-ups, non-profits, and other law firms will also present to the class.

Past guest lecturers have included: former Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Evelyn Sanguinetti, Government Attorneys for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, In-House Counsel at United Airlines and Fin-tech company Avant, former Counsel for the Jerry Springer Show, as well as criminal, civil rights, environmental, immigration, employment, estate, family and regulatory lawyers from a variety of firms.

For more info and to apply, visit their website to read the 2022 session recap and explore the photo gallery. Scholarships are available. Students can apply here.
Summer Saper Law Immersion Program
Do you like working with Animals? Check out The Anti-Cruelty Society's Veterinary Mentoring Program

Do you like working with Animals? Check out The Anti-Cruelty Society's Veterinary Mentoring Program

The Anti-Cruelty Society is accepting applications for their virtual Veterinary Mentoring Program that will run will run September 2023 – April 2024. The application portal will be open February – June. Hosted in partnership with University of Illinois, this unique teen opportunity allows participants to explore the many career paths associated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine through monthly seminars led by professors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. For any students who are considering this career, our Vet Mentoring Program is a great way to glean a deeper understanding of the field, as well as what schooling and requirements are needed to make it happen! Additional details, requirements, and application can be found here.

Interested in volunteering? They are also looking for more teen volunteers for our after school program, Shelter Service Day! Read more about this beginner-level volunteer event here. Additional teen opportunities can be found at www.anticruelty.org/teens.

Do you like working with Animals? Check out The Anti-Cruelty Society's Veterinary Mentoring Program
Summer Programs for High Schoolers

Want something productive to do this summer? Explore this list of summer programs for high school students hosted by colleges.

Local Jobs

Click here for a list of local job openings in Lake County

Internships

Click here for summer internship opps

Need a Work Permit?

Need a Work Permit?

Students under the age of 16 are required by the Illinois Department of Labor to have a work permit. If you have been hired, your employer will provide you with a letter of intent to employ at your request. You will need the letter, your social security card, birth certificate and you will also need a current physical on file to be issued a work permit. Bring these items to Mrs. Ellis in Student Services in the Main Office and see her with any questions.
Need a Work Permit?

Previous O'Plaine Newsletters

For past info and opportunities shared, visit prior issues below.



  • Click here for the January 27, 2023 issue
  • Click here for the December 19, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the November 22, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the November 7, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the October 10, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the September 20, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the September 5, 2022 issue
  • Click here for the August 2022 issue