Connections Weekly Newsletter
November 17, 2023
Class of 2024
Post Chat Budgeting: Last week, I visited senior classes and led a budgeting exercise followed by a discussion of living wage, cost-of-living and job outlook. I found that most seniors have never completed a budget and if they completed the Personal Finance course, it was 2 or 3 years ago. Coming from a finance background and seeing firsthand the difficulties that arise from a lack of financial planning awareness, I encourage this conversation. Families, I HIGHLY recommend assisting your senior with a budget for the remaining time at home. Here is a simple worksheet to start. There are multiple apps and websites to help; NerdWallet has some great resources.
The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open by December 31, 2023. This 2024-25 FAFSA FAQ video is a helpful resource about the FAFSA 2024-25 changes; this shows How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID). Review this handout for steps you can take now to prepare for the 2024-25 FAFSA application.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: I have been receiving a few questions from seniors who applied early decision or early action. For early action applicants, you have until May 1 to commit. For early decision applicants, go to the college’s financial aid page to see what THAT COLLEGE specifically provides for families. The FAFSA will open on Dec. 31; Jan.1 used to be the date that the FAFSA opened, so this is not complicated for colleges. In many cases, the college provides a financial aid form of its own or requests the CSS Profile to calculate the award letter.
Letters of Recommendation: Reminder to check your application deadlines for colleges and scholarships. We work while you work. For an application deadline of December 15, request your letters from teachers by December 1, and from Ms. Peters by November 17 (that's today). As a reminder, here are the steps to request letters. Click here for a complete list of 2023-24 Application Deadlines.
Save the Date
At TCA
December 1, Flex/Lunch - Career Chat: Captain Mary Albrecht, Space Force
In Connections classes, we learn about skills and strengths. On the Space Force website, you can select those skills and strengths to find a career match. Space Force is more than you can imagine. If you are interested in training/learning to become any of the careers listed below, you should join us for this chat. Sign up in Naviance for a pass.
In the Community
November 21, 6:00 - West Point Admissions Information Meeting, Library 21c, Venue Room, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. If you are applying to a service academy, this would be a great time to visit and chat with a current cadet.
Virtual
November 28, 8:00 - Preparing to Complete the FAFSA presented by the Coalition for College
November 29, 6:00 – The University of Alabama Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program session allows students to learn about available scholarships and discover ways for their scholarship application to stand out.December 5, 11:30 - Accenture Apprenticeships - Find out about Opportunities in Tech & Consulting - gain an understanding of the apprenticeship opportunities and life at Accenture.
Scholarships, Awards and Other Financial Aid Information
Students applying to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design before the December 1 Early Action deadline will be eligible for the full tuition scholarship competition and a free Mac with the MCAD Laptop Scholarship. Use the fee waiver code APP2024 to apply for FREE at mcad.edu/apply.
The Colorado Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program awards $3500 in scholarships. Students respond to the question “What Drives You?” through essays and videos. Click on rules/guidelines and eligibility for complete details.
The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region offers the Level Up! Scholarship to support the growth and development of individuals in their creative careers over their lifetime. Scholarships are awarded directly to the creative applicant to cover 50% of their program fee, up to $1,000.
All first-time freshmen applying to the University of Alabama who the January 15 priority deadline will be considered for the UA Competitive Achievement Scholarship.
Enrichment and Other Resources
Girls Lead the Way - STEM & Leadership Conference for High School Girls on Saturday, January 27 from 8:00 to 5:00 at the Colorado School of Mines is designed for women grades 9-12 who are interested in being a leader in STEM. Participants will engage in a day-long interactive, lab, and classroom-based conference. RSVP ASAP – this fills up quickly.
Million Girls Moonshot, an organization that engages school-age girls in after-school STEM learning opportunities, is accepting applications for the 2024 Flight Crew. The Flight Crew publicly share their stories to inspire other young people to pursue out-of-school STEM learning. Deadline to apply is December 1.
Northern Arizona University is hosting the Curry Summer Music Camp for choir, band and orchestra students. Students receive world-class music instruction from elite musicians, and rehearse and perform in NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus. Registration opens on January 2, 2024. Use the code: CurryDisc24 for $60 off the registration.
The 2024 Future Teacher Conference on February 2 is a free conference hosted by UNC College of Education for students interested in becoming a teacher. This conference will help you learn more about the field and gather insights from Colorado’s leaders in teacher education. Attend the Future Rural Teachers Summit the night before on February 1 and lodging will be provided for students and chaperones.
College News
If you are applying to the University of Missouri, the application fee is only $10 until November 25.
Where large donations are made, scholarships will follow. Check out the Hood College's increase in their endowment.
Missouri S & T is a STEM-centered university that offers merit scholarships that can make it just as affordable as in-state colleges. Click here to explore over 100 degree programs in 40 areas of study in their three colleges within the university.
Connections Center (Career & College)
Katina Dahl, Career and College Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomores, AP
Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - Rep Visits, Community Service
Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104