Counseling Department Newsletter
Canon-McMillan High School/February 2023
National School Counseling Week
Financial Aid
Missed Financial Aid Night?
PHEAA Offerings
PHEAA News:
· Students looking to have their 2023-24 PA State Grant eligibility reconsidered may need to submit a Student Special Consideration Form, available at PHEAA.org/Forms, with accompanying documentation to PHEAA by April 1, 2024.
Tuition Assistance Program at Butler County Community College
Concordia Lutheran Ministries, through a partnership with Butler County Community College (BC3), is sponsoring a tuition assistance program that allows BC3 nursing students to complete their program tuition-free and provides a secure position with Concordia after graduation. Concordia’s Tuition Assistance Program sponsorship is available to current BC3 nursing students in good academic standing or to new students who have been accepted into BC3’s nursing programs. Practical and Registered Nursing are selective-admissions programs in BC3’s Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for admission.
BC3 nursing students who receive 1 year of tuition sponsorship from Concordia will be committed to work for the health care provider for 2 years. BC3 nursing students who receive 2 years of tuition sponsorship from Concordia will be committed to work for the health care provider for 3 years.
Students sponsored by the Concordia Tuition Assistance Program also have the option to work for the health care provider in casual capacities whileenrolled in BC3’s nursing programs. Visit bc3.edu/concordia to learn more.
Resources:
Wednesday Webinar Series
The Department of Education announced their Wednesday Webinar Series for winter and spring of 2023. These webinars will be offered January through May of 2023 and will discuss topics such as Title IV policy and operational updates.
Webinar: Promoting Questbridge in Pennsylvania
Join us on February 15, 2023, as we discuss QuestBridge, a program which aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their careers and communities. The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. Learn more about the upcoming deadline and how to promote QuestBridge to your students. Register at PHEAA.org/virtual.
Events
Becoming a Competitive College Applicant
Becoming a Competitive College Applicant
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about becoming competitive in the college application process!
Upper St. Clair High School Theater
Admissions representatives from: Elon University, John Carroll University, PennWest University, United States Naval Academy, University of Pittsburgh
Topics of discussion:
● College searching
● What admissions officers look for in the application process
● What students should look for on the campus visit
● Admission testing updates
● Letters of recommendation
The seminar is intended for students and their families in grades 8 - 11.
Sponsored by: South Hills Consortium of School Counselors.
Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023, 06:30 PM
Upper St. Clair High School, McLaughlin Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Pittsburgh National College Fair
Three sessions:
February 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
February 8, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
February 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
There is no cost to attend.
Click here to register.
Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023, 09:00 AM
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Scholarships
The Pittsburgh Foundation Scholarships
Joseph "Murph" Irwin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Criteria:
- Attend high school as a graduating senior.
- Graduated from St. Louise de Marillac grade school located in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
- Plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical trade school OR 2-or 4-year college or university within the United States.
- Be someone who participated in at least one varsity or junior varsity sport while in high school.
Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund
Criteria:
- Attend high school in Chartiers-Houston High School, Peters Township High School or Canon-McMillan High School as a graduating senior.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Plan to attend a 2-or 4-year college or university.
- Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate financial need.
Shawn Collingwood Memorial Scholarship
Criteria:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Plan to attend a 2-or 4-year college or university.
- Be part of the swim team or the track and field team
Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan
Sage Scholars Tuition Rewards program
Tuition Reward Points accrue like frequent flyer miles and are typically earned through an affiliated financial institution, health insurance, or employer. These include 529 plans, banks, brokerage firms, companies, credit unions, mutual funds, non-profits and diverse financial service companies involved in life insurance, health insurance or retirement plans. Your Tuition Rewards Points represent guaranteed minimum discounts off the "list price" of tuition at many of America's best private colleges. Click here to learn more. source:tuitionrewards.com
RaiseMe
Class of 2023 Application Support
Applications Update!
According to Form Your Future, 302 FAFSAs have been completed by Canon-McMillan students and parents. There is still time to finalize postsecondary plans and apply-if your student needs assistance, please reach out to your student's counselor. Many colleges have FAFSA completion deadlines, so be sure to check out expectations from them.
Transcript Release Form
Remember, students will still have to communicate where transcripts should be sent. This will occur in Xello.
Transcript Requests in Xello
Requesting Recommendations in Xello
Syncing the Common Application with Xello
Resumes
Postsecondary Planning
The Top 10 Most-Regretted College Majors--and the Degrees Graduates Wish They Had Pursued Instead
Even with college application season in full swing, many families are questioning whether a four-year degree is still worth it.
Some experts say the value of a bachelor’s degree is fading and more emphasis should be directed toward career training. A growing number of companies, including many in tech, are also dropping degree requirements for many middle-skill and even higher-skill roles. Click here to read more. source:cnbc.com
Building the Future with Rewarding Careers
Research local and nationwide trade schools in your area of interest and apply to the best fit for you right here at www.ApplyToTradeSchool.com.
7 Benefits of Going to Trade School
- Lower Cost.
- Faster Graduation Timeline.
- Fewer Admission Requirements.
- Small Class Sizes.
- Real-World Experience.
- Job Assistance.
- Preparation for In-Demand Careers.
See the Average College Tuition in 2022-2023
The average college tuition cost has increased in the 2022-2023 academic year over the prior year across both public and private schools, according to U.S. News data based on an annual survey.
A college's sticker price is the amount advertised as the full rate for tuition and fees before financial need, scholarships and other aid are factored in. Net price is the amount that a family pays after aid and scholarships – usually offsetting the sticker price shock.
Everything You Need to Know About Community College:FAQ
Community colleges are primarily public higher education institutions that strive to provide affordable education that's accessible to all.
An associate degree, which takes about two years to complete full time, is usually the highest degree available, but community college students can also receive certificates and job training. Many students begin their postsecondary studies at community colleges before transferring to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree. Click here to learn more. source:USNews.com
College Planning Timeline for Juniors
College may be a few years away for high school juniors, but it’s never too early to start planning. Here’s a college planning timeline for juniors. Click here to learn more. source:Xello.com
Common Reasons College Applications Get Rejected
As the volume of college applications continues to increase, admissions officers have tough decisions to make when it comes to filling limited seats.
In a competitive admissions environment, students may be rejected from schools where they could thrive, says Eddie Pickett III, senior associate dean and director of recruitment at Pomona College in California. Click here to learn more. source: USnews.com
Mental Health
Beyond "You Good?" 8 Simple Ways to Support Your Friends and Family with their Mental Health Journey
Student Assistance Program
Teen Mental Health: How to Know When Your Child Needs Help
My Mental Health: Do I Need Help
General Information
Are you Moving? How To Ensure PowerSchool Is Up To Date
School Counseling Resources Group
Every high school student is encouraged to join the School Counseling Resources group in Schoology! Resources including academic development, career development, employment, community service opportunities, scholarships and more can be found there! Students can join the group by using the following access code: DB7QW-K4WWP
Registering with the Selective Service
Selective Service registration is required by law as the first part of a fair and equitable system that, if authorized by the President and Congress, would rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. By registering, a young man remains eligible for jobs, Federal student aid, State-based student aid in 31 states, Federally-funded job training, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men. Registration begins at age 18. Click here to learn more and register.
Work Permits
Resources
Bully Prevention
Counseling Department
Counselors
A-Dea Karen Rubican rubicank@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5022
Deb-Hog Susan Humbertson humbertsons@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5020
Hoh--Mik Nadia Abbondanza abbondanzan@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5027
Mil-Set Julie Hughes hughesj@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5023 (starting 10/17)
Seu-Z Molly Nuri nurim@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5021