VMHS College & Career Center

Weekly Update Vol. 10

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Welcome!

We are excited about another great semester! Be on the lookout for future updates from the VMHS College & Career Center. It is our mission to serve our students and community to the best of our abilities. Please scroll all the way down to see all that the College & Career Centers have to offer and any upcoming events and deadlines.


Click HERE to see our calendar.

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DUAL CREDIT SIGN UP DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 19th (See Below For Details On All Dual Credit Programs and Requirements)

Dual Credit Programs at VMHS

Dual Credit Programs at VMHS for 2020-2021 School Year

This is the time of year that we begin the dual credit process for the next school year 2021-2022. Students are ONLY ELIGIBLE IF they complete ALL steps of the dual credit process and have the scores that they need on TSI (Texas Success Initiative). These are the steps to take to participate in one of the 3 different dual credit programs:



1. Complete, sign, and return the Parent Consent Form - Due February 19 (See the attachment below) - return by email to jrendon885@judsonisd.org or jhodges@judsonisd.org or in person to the VMHS front office

2. Take TSI (must have passing scores)


Math - 350 or better

Reading - 351 or better

Writing - 340 with a 4 on the essay or

less than a 340 with a 4 diagnostic and a 5 or better on the essay


3. Complete the ApplyTexas application for dual credit
(must be done with the College or Career Counselor)

4. AlamoEnroll modules (with the College or Career Counselor)

5. Essay "Why do you want to participate in an Alamo Academy" **ONLY for the Alamo Academies**


For more information about the three different types of dual credit available, see the information below:

Click the link below to watch the Alamo Academies Information Session

Alamo Academies
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Senior Mid-Year Checklist

A COMPLETE APPLICATION -Make sure your applications are complete. The following documentation must be submitted before your application can be reviewed:

o Application Form -Apply Texas, Common App, University App, etc.

o Supplemental Application (if applicable)

o Application Fee or Fee Waiver

o Official Test Scores if you are not waiving the SAT/ACT – Must be sent from College Board or ACT

o Official Transcripts (sent by school) 9th – 11th grade

o Letters of Recommendation (if applicable)

o Optional Materials

o Optional letter of recommendation


JANUARY

o Local Scholarships are starting to open their applications. Apply, Apply, Apply

o If you missed the FAFSA priority deadline, it isn’t too late to apply. Make sure your application is complete.

o Make sure you have completed all of your TSIA testing if you plan to attend College in Texas.

o Schoolinks-This is a new college platform. You can find it in your student portal. Make sure you have taken the interest inventory and the career path quiz to activate your account.

o Acceptance Letters/Emails- once your Schoolinks account is activated, you can upload your acceptance letters and award letters.


FEBRUARY

o Confirm with your school counselor about your “Mid-Year” Report o Mid-Year report shows the universities your 1st semester grades (will be available late February/Early March)

o Respond to any queries you receive from FAFSA

o Respond to any queries you receive from any colleges MARCH OR APRIL

o Decision Letters are mailed out! – Good luck!!!

o Keep up your grades! Acceptance letters may be rescinded if your grades drop)

o Make a plan if you become wait-listed


MARCH/APRIL

o ASVAB Testing-If you are interested in Military Service, make sure you have completed an test and contacted Ms. Hodges.

o Review Financial Aid Packages with your parents – Packages will be mailed out or will be available in your student portal. Makes sure you review the information and log into your University student account to accept it.



MAY AND JUNE

o DECISION DAY! Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 1st o Only submit your SIR to one college

o Place an order your final transcript for your University/College/Military B

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JUNIORS: Top 5 Things You Should Start Now

The Spring semester will pass by very quickly and there are some things you need to be prepared for. I've listed some of the tasks to help get you ready for your college application season. The University/College applications will open early again this year and it is always advisable to be prepared.

Maintain your grades!
  • Admissions is based on a 6th semester transcript. That means your 9th, 10th and 11th grade year will be used to evaluate your admissions application.
Study for your SAT
  • You will have the opportunity to take the SAT on March 3, 2021. It is true universities/colleges have waived the SAT for admissions. However, the major you are interested in may still require an SAT score. Make sure you check the requirements.
Schoolinks-Build Your College List
  • Schoolinks is the districts new college platform. It can be found in your JISD Student portal. You can research colleges, take interest/career quizzes, build a college list, and use the Common App to apply for colleges. Get familiar with this platform because you will use it often as a senior to submit your acceptance letters and scholarships.
Schoolinks-Create a Resume
  • You can create a Resume in Schoolinks by selecting your profile name. Resumes are helpful when you ask teachers, managers, and volunteer supervisors to write letters of recommendation for you. Some Universities/Colleges will require a resume as part of the application process.
Prepare your accounts
  • The Majority of Texas University applications will open on July 1, 2021. You want to be prepared and have some of the information ready to go. You can save time by creating your accounts and completing your profile. Make sure you keep your passwords in a safe place. Some accounts that require a profile are listed below:


  1. Apply Texas
    https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX (Links to an external site.)
  2. FSA ID (You and Your Parents will need to create an ID)
    https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch (Links to an external site.)
  3. Common Application
    https://www.commonapp.org/ (Links to an external site.)
  4. Coalition for College Application
    https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/ (Links to an external site.)
  5. Common Black College Application
    https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/

Paying for Your College Education

Please Fill Out the FAFSA Survey Below:

Trade Opportunities

Find an Apprenticeship in Texas

Overview


Registered Apprenticeships are jobs. Registered Apprenticeship is the process of learning a skilled occupation through paid on-the-job training under the supervision of a journey level craftperson or trade professional combined with related classroom instruction.


Benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship


Registered Apprenticeships enable you to start working and earn a wage while you learn key skills and gain qualifications to meet industry standards.

Other specific benefits include:

  • A paycheck from your first day of work, guaranteed to increase over time as you learn new skills
  • Hands-on career training in a wide variety of occupations and industries, such as health care, construction, information technology, transportation, energy, and advanced manufacturing
  • An education and the potential to earn college credit toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • A career, once the apprenticeship is complete, on your way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt
  • National industry certification upon graduation, recognized and accepted by industry partners across the United States


Eligibility


Registered Apprenticeship employer sponsors identify the minimum eligibility and any additional qualifications applicants must possess.

Minimum Qualifications

To apply for Registered Apprenticeship training, you must:

  • Be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 years of age in a hazardous occupations
  • Have a high school diploma or or equivalent of a high school diploma (each apprenticeship program may have different requirements)
  • Some programs may require physical strength and endurance

Additional Qualifications

All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications. Some programs may have additional qualifications regarding:

  • Performance on aptitude tests
  • Secondary or postsecondary grades
  • Previous work experience



Not sure what career to choose? Explore what to do for a living at MyNextMove
Know what you want to do? Access Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in your area, via Apprenticeship Finder



Check out the Texas Workforce Commission for additional information.

ASVAB

ASVAB Testing

Thursday, Feb. 25th, 9am

7618 Evans Road

San Antonio, TX

ASVAB Testing Dates for 2020-2021:

February 25

April 22


CLICK HERE to Register
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Upcoming College Application Deadlines

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Need Transcripts? Click the Link Below

Parchment

Click here to order a transcript

Applying for Colleges & Universities in Texas Using ApplyTexas

ApplyTexas College Connections NLC

TSI Testing

What Is the TSI Assessment?

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment - unless you are already exempt (read below) - to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.


Who Needs to Take TSI at VMHS?


  • Students preparing to take a dual credit class in the 2021-2022 school year
  • Students applying for an Alamo Academy dual credit program in the 2021-2022 school year
  • Students currently taking Algebra 2
  • Students currently taking English 3
  • Students currently taking College Prep Math
  • Students currently taking College Prep English
  • Seniors planning to take college courses*


*TSI is required in the state of Texas. Students can be exempt through meeting benchmark scores on SAT or ACT.


CLICK HERE to Register

Upcoming College Events

Alamo Community Colleges Registration Event

Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 4-8pm

This is an online event.

The College Connection district office and all 5 Alamo College campuses have joined together to host an enrollment event! (flyer attached)

All students are invited to attend and get assistance with the following:

· Enrollment Information Sessions

· Apply Texas Application

· ACES-Student Portal Log in

· Financial Aid Assistance

Students Sign up HERE

Career Focus: Law

Career Day - Law

12th Grade January College & Career Planning

Help your student plan for their future using SchooLinks. Students can access SchooLinks through the JISD portal. They will login using Google (school email & school password). Some of the activities that you can encourage your student to do are:


  • Complete a Balanced Final List (view the Final List video on SchooLinks by clicking: Activities>Learning>Learning Tasks (drop down menu)>The College Application Process>The Final List)

  • FAFSA Completion


If your student needs help with college planning or would like to schedule an appointment with Ms. Rendon, the College Counselor, CLICK HERE


If your student needs help with career planning or would like to schedule an appointment with Ms. Hodges, the Career Counselor, CLICK HERE

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Scholarship Opportunities

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Scholarships for Texas Athletic, Music and Academic Participants

Deadline: February 12, 2020

https://www.sportsinaction.com/scholarship/ (Links to an external site.)

For the third consecutive year, H-E-B will award 15 high school seniors who participated in UIL competitions with a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their community service and involvement in their communities.

Five students who competed in athletics, five students who competed in music, and five more students who competed in academic events will be selected from the pool of applicants from across the state.

The application deadline is Friday, February 12th, 2021. Recipients will be announced Spring 2021 at the UIL Texas Boys Basketball State Championships.

H-E-B will award each selected student with a $2,000 scholarship toward their college/university of choice.

Requirements: You must be a current Texas high school senior graduating in 2021 with a minimum 3.3 GPA, have participated in a UIL competition as a high school student and have been active in community service programs or events.

Applicants must complete the online application form (Links to an external site.) and submit all support documents at the same time. What you will need to apply:

  • Current GPA
  • Number of Community Service Hours in the last 12 months
  • Community Service Verification Letters to document the number of hours submitted (see attached form)
  • A Letter of Recommendation
  • A short essay (500 words or less) on the topic: "What does Community mean to you?"

For more information visit the website:

https://www.sportsinaction.com/scholarship/

Blue Cares SA Scholarship

Any graduating high school senior wishing to apply must meet the following criteria:
Each applicant must:


  • Provide a copy of your acceptance letter from an accredited college or university. (Just one please)
  • Have maintained a minimum GPA of 85/3.3 throughout their high school career.
  • Provide an original, sealed high school transcript.
  • Please send your official, stamped, and sealed transcript to: Blue Cares, 1939 NE Loop 410, Ste 300, San Antonio, TX 78217
  • Copies Will NOT be accepted. Electronic transcripts are acceptable only if emailed directly from your school’s registrar. Please note, your scholarship application will not be complete until your transcript is received. To email transcripts, or for further questions please reach out to Sofia at sofia@sapoa.org


  • Provide an essay on why you feel you should be selected as a recipient, your future goals, and your life experiences that have influenced you to choose your career path.
  • Essay should be typed, no longer than two pages in length, Times New Roman font, size 12, double spaced with one inch margins.
  • All applications must be received on or before Friday, February 12, 2021

If selected as a finalist, you will be called for an interview with our Scholarship Committee. If awarded the S.A.P.O.A. Scholarship, you may be called upon for speaking engagements and/or be asked to volunteer at fundraising events on behalf of the S.A.P.O.A.

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers is designed to support the best and brightest students pursuing a future in the teaching profession. The scholarship consists of $8,000-$10,000 in annual funding, as well as professional development opportunities and mentorship from sitting public school educators. The scholarship is open to students who are working toward receiving their teaching certification for the first time at selected universities.

The Charles Butt Scholarship application opens on October 1, 2020. More information, eligible universities and programs, and application close dates can be found below.


https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/foundation/raising-texas-teachers/charles-butt-scholarship/

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

The online application for the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is available starting on November 1, 2020, at jackierobinson.org (Links to an external site.). Through the JRF application, more than 4,000 talented young minority high school students apply to become JRF Scholars and carry on the civic-minded legacy of the foundation's namesake, Jackie Robinson. The deadline to submit the application for a JRF Scholarship is February 1, 2021, 5 p.m. ET.

About JRF:

The JRF Scholarship program addresses the financial needs of college students and provides extensive, hands-on mentoring and support services. Once chosen from a national, selective application process, JRF Scholars receive a generous four-year grant to attend the undergraduate school of their choice and enroll in JRF's celebrated "42 Strategies for Success Curriculum." This four-year program guides JRF Scholars to effectively navigate their college environments, explore career options, develop leadership skills, and embrace a commitment to service. The program also promotes the values and character traits embodied in the heroic life of Jackie Robinson, encouraging JRF Scholars to positively impact the lives of others.

Eligibility


To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:

  • Be a graduating high school senior;
  • Plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States;
  • Show leadership potential;
  • Demonstrate a dedication to community service;
  • Present evidence of financial need;
  • Be a United States citizen;
  • Have a minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21;
  • Not possess a degree from a 2 or 4–year College when applying for the scholarship


To learn more about JRF, please visit their website at jackierobinson.org (Links to an external site.).

February Scholarship Due Dates

1st-Blue Fire Writing Contest (GRADES 6-12) bit.ly/2EzIHUB

1st-Kids 4 Kids with Cancer www.kids4kidswithcancer.org/scholarships-1
1st-Wings Over America (pre-qualify) wingsoveramerica.us/
1st-Jackie Robinson www.jackierobinson.org/apply/
1st-Raise Your Hand Aspiring Teachers bit.ly/2UzOTSg
1st-Society of Manufacturing Engineers scholarships.smeef.org/applications/
1st-Texas Game Warden Association bit.ly/2FMCMwc
3rd-CPS Energy SAFE Program bit.ly/2HfSHAm

3rd-Raise Your Hand Aspiring Teachers bit.ly/2UzOTSg
4th-McDonald's Hacer www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html
5th-Simple Texting bit.ly/30FiKv2
5th-American Meteorological Society bit.ly/2shQP61

5th-ACET Assoc. of Compensatory of Educators of TX acetx.org/scholarship-application/
10th-Irene Wischer Foundation www.frostbank.com/scholarships/wischer
10th-GEICO learnmore.scholarsapply.org/geico/

10th-Activism:Distracted Driving bit.ly/38BKW3y

11th-SA Rotary Youth Educators www.rotarysa.org/scholarships/youth-education-foundation/
11th-Social Good lampkinfoundation.org/social-good-scholarship-fund/
12th-Blue Cares www.bluecaresicare.com/scholarship/

12th-HEB- UIL Participants www.sportsinaction.com/scholarship/
15th-Baumberger Endowment baumendow.com/
15th-DAR American Revolution www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/specific-scholarships-0
15th-Monthly Varsity Tutors College www.varsitytutors.com/college-scholarship
15th-NGWREF Len Assante Found. bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/len-assante-scholarship-fund
15th-Society DAR www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/general-info
15th-American Council of the Blind www.acb.org/scholarships
15th-W. Price Jr. Memorial bit.ly/3bjPQEm
17th-Navy League of the U.S. www.navyleague.org/programs/scholarships
19th-Create Real Impact Contest createrealimpact.com/contestrules/
19th-ISC- 2 Women's Cybersecurity www.iamcybersafe.org/s/womens-scholarships

19th-Northside Counseling Association Application available in Career Center
19th-UIL Barbara Jordan Essay Comp. www.uiltexas.org/academics/essay-contests/barbara-jordan/overview
19th-UIL Latino History Essay Comp. www.uiltexas.org/academics/essay-contests/latino-history
20th-Gordon Rich Memorial www.gordonrich.org/html/index.html
20th-Kenneth H. Ashworth bit.ly/3bt3hBT
20th-Society of Women Engineers scholarships.swe.org/applications/login.asp
20th-Vegetarian Resource Group www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
21st-Elks Essay contest Application available in Career Center
21st-Elks Teenager of the Year Application available in Career Center
21st-Elks 4 Year Award Application available in Career Center
21st-Raise Your Hand Aspiring Teachers bit.ly/2UzOTSg
21st-MLK www.sanantonio.gov/MLK/MLKScholarship
22nd-Flavorful Futures www.flavorfulfutures.com/
24th-Hero's Legacy www.militaryscholar.org/legacy/
24th-ISC 2 Information Security www.iamcybersafe.org/s/undergraduate-scholarships
24th-Military Children Program www.militaryscholar.org/
26th-Toyota Teen Drive 365 Video bit.ly/38jAf5z
27th-Caffarelli www.frostbank.com/scholarships/caffarelli
28th-NAWIC SA Chapter Construction-Trades www.nawic.org/nawic/NFSFScholarships.asp
28th-NAWIC SA Chapter Construction-Undergrad www.nawic.org/nawic/NFSFScholarships.asp

28th-OxyGEN ebiznet.sbc.com/oxygen/oxy/scholarship/index.cfm
28th-Sweet and Simple bit.ly/32mNVLG
28th-You Deserve It scholarshipowl.com/awards/you-deserve-it-scholarship

29th-Ford Driving Dreams lnesc.mainspringhost.com/
29th-American Youth Film Festival filmfreeway.com/AmericanYouthFilmFestival
29th-Black History Essay www.regions.com/promo/black-history-scholarship
29th-Courage to Grow couragetogrowscholarship.com/
29th-No Essay bit.ly/39gyaaH
29th-Lackland Spouses Club lacklandsc.org/philanthropy/scholarships/

29th-Quantum scholarshipbuddytexas.com/scholarships/24211/clarion-scholarship

Some of the Local Schools with Pre-Law Programs

Use Schoolinks to Fill Out Your Common App Application

If you are applying to schools using the Common App, be sure to link your Common App to SchooLinks! The Common Application is integrated with our districts college platform called Schoolinks. I've included a video tutorial to help you manage your applications and submit your acceptance letters. Please watch the video or follow the directions listed to upload acceptance letters. If you need help doing this, let Ms. Rendon jrendon885@judsonisd.org or Ms. Hodges jhodges@judsonisd.org know.


Directions for submitting your acceptance letter:

1. Log into Schoolinks through your JISD student portal.

2. Select the "Colleges" icon on the left side.

3. Select "College Applications"

4. Select "#2 Application Results"

5. Under the tab "Accepted" add the schools you have been accepted to.

6. Upload a photo of the email or letter stating your acceptance.

6. Confirm the Acceptance

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College Application Manager for Students

Contact Ms. Rendon, College Counselor

Ms. Rendon is a proud graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University. She fosters and trains rescue dogs from various shelters and is currently in a doctoral program at University of North Texas.

Contact Ms. Hodges, Career Counselor

This is Ms. Hodges' fifth year in Judson ISD. She is a Baylor alumna and is currently in a doctoral program at the University of North Texas. Outside of school, Ms. Hodges collects vintage cookbooks, loves to bake, and take her dog, Emmi, to the park.