Almond College & Career News
October 9, 2022
Happy Fall!
Has been a delightful weekend soaking in the crisp weather and beautiful fall colors. Hope you are enjoying your extended weekend!
Both Juniors & Seniors
Typically this month is a very popular time for colleges and universities to host open houses and college visits for interested high school students. Feel free to take a drive to see campuses when you can. Even if you can't schedule an admissions tour, much of the research revolves around what the surrounding community has to offer: where the nearest grocery stores, local coffee shops and shopping areas are. You have to be comfortable with the surrounding community and if the town near the colleges meets this, then go back and schedule an admissions visit and go into the buildings, classrooms and dorms. The more exposure your family can get with colleges now, the easier it will be to narrow your selections later.
Illinois Regional College Fair, 10/13 from 6-8 pm at CLC Grayslake Campus
**Over 140 nationwide institutions are eager to meet with our Lake County families. To view the complete list and to pre-register, click HERE. Preview these questions to assist in your planning.Colleges Visit the Almond Campus
Over the next 2 weeks, there are 35 colleges/universities planning to meet with you as Juniors and Seniors in the Almond Campus College and Career Center. See the schedule and how to sign-up below. Colleges will continually be added throughout the semester and school year, so check back frequently!
Industry Career Speaker Series
- Carpenter, Tuesday, October 18th during period 7
- See below for more info!
- Next speaker series will be Nursing!
Halfway point
Believe it or not, we are quickly approaching the half way point in our first semester (week of October 17th). Students, continue to be diligent about your coursework and communicate with your teacher and/or counselor if you need assistance.
Juniors
*Best of luck to our over 250 juniors who are registered to take the PSAT-NMSQT test on Wednesday, 10/12 at the Almond Campus! Check out the College Board's test prep suggestions and get a good night's sleep with a hearty breakfast that morning!
Seniors
Finalizing college applications and requesting supporting documents
**Reminder, if you need to request a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor or need an official transcript for a college application, please do so ASAP as staff members need at least two weeks notice to process your requests. For early, priority application deadlines of November 1st, that would mean you need to request these documents no later than Monday, 10/17. Here is a VIDEO to request a letter of recommendation, a VIDEO to request your official transcript from WTHS to send to a college, and INSTRUCTIONS on how to do this. Here is also the helpful FAQ sheets about letters of recommendation and transcripts. Remember, if you are applying via Common App, you need to invite your counselor in order for them to send your transcript. As always, the College and Career Center is open during lunch periods for student assistance.
Financial Aid Applications
**Also, reminder the 2023-2024 FAFSA officially opened October 1st! Keep in mind, you are able to list up to 10 colleges you have applied to or plan to apply to on the FAFSA. You may submit the FAFSA before you submit your college applications. A good goal would be to complete the FAFSA by November 15th if possible. Creating your FSA Student and Parent ID ahead of time will help expedite the process. Parents only need to create one FSA ID even if they have multiple children. As a reminder, we have several financial aid workshops (10/20, 11/10 and 11/17) dedicated to helping families with the FAFSA. These nights are for senior families only and you can review the previous email for additional financial aid information.
CLC Application Drive, Friday October 14th during lunch periods
Are you thinking of starting your post-secondary education at the College of Lake County? Bring your Chromebook & your Social Security number (if applicable) to the Almond College and Career Center during the "A" portion of your lunch period. We will walk through the application process and request your transcript to CLC. You will be glad to get the first step completed!
**Students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Ms. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to assist!
Here is the contact information for Student Services.
Have a wonderful upcoming week!
Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor
SENIORS: Financial Aid Workshops
Have questions about the college application, financial aid and enrollment process?
Preparing for the PSAT, SAT or ACT?
Need to meet with a Counselor?
Parent Speaker Series
WTHS has partnered with Glenbard Parent Series through Glenbard Township High School District 87 to provide access to a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators and clinicians for parents and community members.
Topics include mental health, life skills, support for parents and more!
- These high-caliber presenters offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, and well-being
- All programs are free and open to the public
- Many events are presented at both noon and 7pm, and offered in multiple languages via Zoom. Access links are available on their website below.
- You can access the schedule for the remainder of the year here:
- Upcoming Speakers
- Dr. Madeline Levine, 10/13 at noon or 7pm
- Success is NOT a Straight Line: Skills to Thrive in Trying Times
- Dr. Martha Angel and Luz Luna, 10/20 at 7pm
- Spanish presentation
- Wellness Tips and Positive Coping Skills to Help Kids Thrive
Are you a First Generation College Student?
College Information and Upcoming Events
College Visits to the Almond Campus
Students can view the upcoming college visits in Maia Learning --> Events.
Students are expected to sign-up in Maia Learning for the visit by clicking on Actions --> Attend.
*See a college description of the institution to determine which school may be the ideal for you to visit.
**Students are allowed to attend 3 college visits per semester if they are missing an academic class. You must be passing the academic class during the college visit you are attending. Students attending during a lunch or study hall period will not count towards the 3 visits. If you are not able to attend, but would like the information from the institution, please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net).
Tuesday, October 11th
- Period 3: Lawrence University
- Period 4: Illinois Wesleyan University, Lake Forest College, North Central College, Millikin University
- Period 5: Augustana College, Butler University, Saint Louis University, Bradley University, Drake University
Thursday, October 13th
- Period 4: Wartburg College
- Period 5: University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Ole Miss (University of Mississippi)
- Period 6: Purdue University, Indiana University-Bloomington
Tuesday, October 18th
- Period 3: University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
- Period 4: University of Michigan, Michigan State University
- Period 5: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Period 6: Carroll University, Carthage College, St. Norbert College
Thursday, October 20th
- Period 3: University of Louisville, University of Kentucky
- Period 4: University of Dayton
- Period 5: Case Western Reserve University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Period 6: Saint Ambrose University, Saint Xavier University, Trinity Christian College
Upcoming Free College Fairs
Christian College Fair, 10/12
Chicago North (Northfield) Christian College Fair on Wednesday, October 12th at Christian Christian Heritage Academy from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fair is free and open to students of all grade levels. Families will be able to talk to Admissions Counselors from dozens of Christian colleges and universities, discover financial aid resources, learn about all the possibilities beyond high school and more! Click here for more info and to register.
Illinois Regional College Fair, 10/13
Thursday, October 13 from 6-8 p.m. at CLC. Click here for more info and to register and here for the growing list of participating colleges. It's free and open to all students and parents.
Liberal Arts College Fair, 10/14
Attend 14 on the 14th, monthly virtual college fairs with 14 liberal arts colleges! Interested students and families will get to know these 14 prestigious institutions in-depth at their own pace. On the 14th of each month, October through December, these schools will host "15 Minutes of Tips" for the college application process followed by an hour-long virtual college fair. Each institution will have its own Zoom room for students to meet with an admission officer and when available a current student or alum. The format is the same every month with different opening topics and tips. Check it out this month on October 14 from 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m. Click here for more information, to see the list of participating institutions and to register. Upon registration, you will receive a reminder email before each monthly college fair with the Zoom links to access the main webinar and each college's room.
Choices Fair, 10/18
The Choices Fair will be on October 18 for students with learning differences who are college bound. This fair is free and open to the public at Evanston Township High School from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Breakout sessions are also included. Click here for more info and to register!
Illinois Regional College Fair at CLC, 10/13/22
Real Talk: HBCUs Present the Inside Scoop
Sí Se Puede Conference 2022, 10/15
On October 15th, Lewis University will host the annual Sí Se Puede Conference. This yearly event is a partnership between Lewis University faculty, staff, students and additional advocates for higher education, such as Junior Achievement.
Sí Se Puede is an inspirational conference for Latinx High School students and families. This conference will empower and motivate students to pursue higher education, encourage them to overcome barriers, understand that they can achieve their goals, and expose students to a myriad of educational and career paths. Participants will engage in workshops designed specifically for their educational goals.
The event is on October 15, 2022 8:30AM -Noon at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu/sisepuede for more information and registration.
Thinking of a Career in Education?
The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2023 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Priority application deadline is December 1, 2022. Applications close on April 1, 2023.
Scholars Receive:
Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college, inclusive of paid Scholar Institutes
Extensive classroom teaching experience
Academic and social-emotional support
Job placement assistance
Mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty
wths hosts a free, optional, practice act on 11/12
U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria
Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month
Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month
Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month
Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month
Air Force - 4th Thursday of the month
LLAVE: Latinos Logrando Altas Visiones Educativas, 11/5
LLAVE is an event for Spanish-speaking students and their families to learn more about the college search and admissions process at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Sessions include information on academic and campus resources, financial aid, a campus tour, and more on how UW-Whitewater creates an environment focused on student success. For additional information and to register, click HERE.
Career/Job Opportunities
Empowering Black Students to Own Their Future
Real Talk: NY Careers Edition (3-Night Event)
Black in Tech: Tuesday, October 11th at 6pm
Black in Sports: Thursday, October 13th at 6pm
Black in Entertainment: Tuesday, October 18th at 6pm
They're also hosting two nights with experts in financial aid. Topics covered include FAFSA, scholarships, loans/debt, how to review your financial aid package and more! Click here to register.
Real Talk: Paying for College Edition (Nights 1 & 2)
Night 1: Wednesday, November 2nd at 6pm
Night 2: Wednesday, November 9th at 6pm
Industry Speaker Series
We look forward to hosting a series of speakers to expose students to a variety of careers and industries. See upcoming speakers below and sign-up in Maia Learning to attend if you're interested in learning more. By attending, students can expect to gain knowledge about the industry and jobs available within. Information shared by the speakers may include: job history, job outlook, responsibilities, required training/education and practical advice and tips. Students must be passing the class of the event, are expected to talk to their teacher prior for make-up work and attend class if they have an assessment, presentation or project due that period. The absence will be excused as long as they registered by the end of the school day prior. Some of these presentations will be virtual and others in-person but all will be held in the College & Career Center. Students are to report there at the beginning of the period and stay for the duration. If the presentation conflicts with your lunch period, students are allowed to eat during the presentation.
Carpenter
Industry: Skilled Building Trades
Tuesday, 10/18 | 7th Period in CCC
To sign-up click on Events in Maia Learning, Actions --> Attend
- This would be a good presentation for you to attend if you like working with your hands, fixing things, working on projects, problem solving and seeing the results of your work. Additionally, if you're creative and detail oriented, then sign up to learn more! With its competitive wages, significant projected job growth, no college debt, opportunities for growth, enhanced benefits and reported high job satisfaction rating, come hear why carpentry is a lucrative career!
Illinois Tech Virtual Internships
Standout Search
Additional Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
CLC's NEW Advanced Technology Center Open House , 10/22
As part of their Manufacturing Month celebration, the College of Lake County invites students and their families to an Open House of their NEW Advanced Technology Center. On Saturday, October 22 from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m., come see how the College of Lake County is transforming a former big-box building to meet the current and future needs of Lake County manufacturing. Meet CLC faculty, staff and students who will tell you all about the programs offered at the NEW Advanced Technology Center (where Lowe's was formerly located at 7735 Grand Avenue in Gurnee).
CLC's Engineering Night, 10/26
Wonder what it takes to become an engineer? Curious what the profession actually entails? Come to the College of Lake County on Wednesday, October 26 to learn about careers in engineering and computer science and meet with representatives from area engineering schools. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Willow Cafe at CLC’s Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Engineering Night is free and open to high-school students and their parents. What you can expect:
- Hear from professional engineers about the various engineering professions and majors such as civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, computer science, aerospace, etc.
- Tour the CLC Baxter Innovation Lab, a makerspace/fab lab
- Hear from Engineering Professors on the engineering college search process, including advice on how to research schools, the application process, college costs, choosing a major, etc.
- Learn about the Engineering Transfer program with information on guaranteed admission partnerships with UIUC (Engineering Pathways), UIC, and NIU. Representatives from area universities typically include Bradley, University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC), Illinois Tech (IIT), Iowa State, Northern Illinois University (NIU), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), UW-Milwaukee, Michigan Tech, and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
- Click here for more info and to register.
Manufacturing Programs at CLC
Did you know Lake County, IL is one of the leading counties in the State in manufacturing jobs? Large global companies like AbbVie, Baxter, NyproMold and more are in our own back yard! Explore the manufacturing programs and apprenticeships available below at the College of Lake County, where you can earn a certificate with a just few classes or an Associates Degree. Click here to see what area businesses are looking to fill manufacturing jobs.
Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics
Electrical Engineering Technology
Precision Machining Technology
Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program
Virtual Career Fair
General Resources
Support Services are Available
For a list of our WTHS academic tutors, please click HERE.
Maia Learning: Our College and Career Planning Tool
Maia Learning is a college and career readiness platform that engages students in planning their futures. It allow students to develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps them manage college applications, and build portfolios that will gain them admission. It helps counselors manage student progress, and keeps families involved in the process.
Click here for a brief tutorial on accessing Maia Learning or click here for a shared folder which houses several helpful video tutorials and resources on the college search and application process.
Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource
The Paying for College Resource delivers free, easy to understand information and resources, so your family is confident you have everything you need to figure out how to pay for school.
Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?
Mrs. McGahan
Instagram @wthsccc
(847) 548-6709
Email: cmcgahan@wths.net
Website: https://www.d121.org/Page/313
Phone: (847) 548-6709
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wthsccc