Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2023 - College, Life & Career - November 2022
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
Community Partners Needed
We are looking to partner with the Central Catholic community as we seek to educate and celebrate the multiple pathways available to our students after high school. If you or your organization are interested in providing career learning opportunities, please complete our Interest Form HERE
AREAS OF INTEREST
Job Information
Internship Opportunities
Job Mentoring or Shadowing
Apprenticeship Education
Classroom Presentations
Career Paths Meeting the Needs of Industry - Microelectronics Technology
Community colleges are often at the forefront in offering training programs to get individuals trained and ready to work in high demand fields in one to two years and sometimes less. Microelectronics at Portland Community College is a great example of such a program. PCC enjoys a strong partnership with local semiconductor manufacturers. The job placement rate is close to 100% and starting salaries are around $55,000 per year. Check out their degree and certificate programs:
- Associate Degree: Microelectronics Technology - Program length: 2 years
- Associate Degree: Microelectronics Technology – Automated Manufacturing - Program length: 2 years
- Associate Degree: Microelectronics Technology – Solar Voltaic Manufacturing - Program length: 2 years
- Certificate: Mechatronics - Program length: Less than 1 year
- Career Pathway Certificate: Solar Voltaic Manufacturing- Program length: Less than 1 year
Interested? Attend an online information session to learn more about the Microelectronics Industry, the Microelectronics Technology program, and how to get your career started at https://www.pcc.edu/programs/microelectronics/info-sessions/.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
College Application Drop-In Sessions
We are continuing to host sessions for seniors who would like assistance completing their college applications. No sign-up is required and seniors are welcome to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
- November 8 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- November 14 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- November 29 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
Transcripts & Recommendation Requests
We are unable to get transcripts sent and recommendation requests started until seniors complete the required steps linked below.
***COLLEGE FAIRS & UPCOMING EVENTS***
November 6 - NACAC Virtual College Fair from 10 am to 3 pm PT
Learn, connect, ask questions, and discover a wide range of colleges and universities. Click HERE for registration information and a list of participating institutions.
Virtual Christian College Fair through November 18
Explore the comprehensive virtual college booths at any time through November 18. Attend College Prep webinars from 3 to 4 pm PT and interact LIVE with reps from each college 4 to 7 pm PT on November 9 and November 17.
Register at https://www.findyourchristiancollege.com/college-fairs.
Coalition for College Virtual Events
The Coalition for College is hosting a variety of free virtual workshops for students and families. Click HERE for registration information and access to past events.
November 8 at 5 pm PT - Succeeding in College as a First-Generation Student
Are you the first in your family to attend college? Join us to hear from admissions counselors and current students who were first-generation college students themselves. They’ll share insight and guidance on the admissions process, as well as how to be successful in college. Hear their stories and ask your questions.
November 30 at 5 pm PT - Completing the CSS Profile
As part of the financial aid process, some schools require students to complete the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA in order to better understand your family’s finances. At this panel discussion, admissions and financial aid officers from Coalition schools will share tips to help you complete the form, share common mistakes to avoid, and answer your questions.
Real Talk for Black Students & Families
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.
Paying for College Edition: Connect with Black financial aid experts about FAFSA, scholarships and more on November 9 at 4 pm PT.
Click HERE to RSVP to attend virtually or access the recordings later. If you missed the Historically Black Colleges & Universities or Career sessions, RSVP to access recordings of the sessions.
national portfolio day - november 12
Take an important step toward your future in art and design! Visit with admission team members, and faculty from art and design schools for a portfolio review before applying to colleges. The event is being hosted by Willamette University's Pacific Northwest College of Art from Noon to 4 pm PST. Pre-registration is required. Click HERE and reserve your spot today.
***PAYING FOR COLLEGE***
Create Your FSA ID today!
Every eligible, college-bound student and at least one parent, will need an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA. For FAFSA families, it's very important to create an FSA ID (studentaid.gov username and log in) for PRIOR TO completing the FAFSA. Families who attempt to create FSA IDs at the time of FAFSA completion will not experience the benefits of FAFSA simplification- they will not be able to consent to the use of Federal Tax Information. It takes three days to verify the identity of FSA ID applicants, which means that individuals who have yet to be verified will have to complete additional questions by hand.
To create an FSA ID, click HERE.
Getting Started with FAFSA
Here's how to start!
- An FSA ID is needed to sign and submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students will need their own FSA ID plus one parent must also create a FSA ID.
- Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security Card.
- Use 2022 tax return data!
- Complete the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Add all the colleges you are applying to this year. If you add colleges to your list after you have completed the FAFSA -- just edit it and add to your FAFSA.
FAFSA and the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
You can save time and effort using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in FAFSA. It will transfer your income tax data directly from the IRS to your online FAFSA. If you are eligible to use it and choose to do so, you’ll be transferred from your online FAFSA to the IRS website, which will guide you through the transfer of your tax information. When you’re done, you’ll be sent back to your FAFSA.
If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and your FAFSA is selected for verification, you will be required to complete IRS Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) during verification.
Scholarships Awarded by the College or University
Check the Financial Aid and Scholarship webpage for each college on your list. Are there any additional applications needed (besides the admission application)? Are there any scholarships that fit your profile and need an additional application?
Complete a Net Price Calculator for every college on your list! Net Price Calculator's, available on every college's website, are an easy tool to use to estimate how much each college might give you in scholarship money! Search for Net Price Calculators on each college's financial aid page or search HERE.
Scholarship Search Suggestions
THINK LOCAL
Your parent, guardian or grandparent might work for a company or belong to an organization that offers scholarships to dependents or descendants. There is often less competition for these, since they have to be awarded locally.- OSAC Scholarships (OR residents) -OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually. Oregon residents planning to attend a two- or four colleges as well as trade schools. The application is now open; however, it cannot be submitted until after first semester. The Early Bird deadline is February 15 by 5 pm PST. Error-free applications will be entered into a drawing for one of several $1,000 Early Bird scholarships. You can also check out the Oregon Promise Community College Grant - HERE.
- Ford Scholars Program (OR residents) - The Program Supports students who have significant financial barriers to college. Students must plan to enroll full-time in an institution located in Oregon. Register for one of two live virtual info sessions to learn more - November 16 or November 30
- The WashBoard (WA residents) - Washington residents have access to a database of scholarships that might be a good fit. Create an account and start your search today.
SEARCH FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
There are lots of free search sites for scholarships. You should never have to pay to find or apply for scholarships. Here are some helpful sites:
Fastweb
Oregon Gear Up Scholarship List
STAY ORGANIZED
It can challenging to keep track of all the different scholarship deadlines and requirements. Check out the scholarship tools including the Scholarship Tracking Worksheet developed by the University of Portland HERE.
UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
Black United Fund of Oregon Scholarships are open to seniors who identify as Black, African-American, or of African descent. Additionally, ACCESS Scholarships are available to seniors applying to any of the following universities: Linfield University, Pacific University, Reed College, University of Portland, and Willamette University. Deadline varies (Create an account for details)
Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders seeks to recognize Hispanic students who share Dr. Andrade’s lifelong commitment to servant leadership. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply (DACA or Undocumented). Deadline: November 30 at 9:59 PM PT
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Scholarships ranging from $4000 to $50,000 are awarded based on academics, service, leadership and financial need. Deadline: November 15
National Honor Society Scholarship is open to senior NHS members with a verified NHS student account. Please plan ahead for the verification process. Deadline: November 30
National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship for students interested in aerospace, astronautics and related fields. Deadline: November 15