VMHS College & Career Center

Weekly Update Vol. 7

Welcome!

We are so excited about another great school year. Be on the lookout for future updates from the VMHS College & Career Center. It is our mission to serve you and your student to the best of our abilities. Please scroll all the way down to see all that the College & Career Centers have to offer.

Deadline Approaching!

Texas Tech Priority Scholarship

Apply for admission and scholarship prior to the Priority Scholarship Deadline. The priority deadline is December 1, 2020 for incoming freshmen and March 1, 2021 for incoming transfers.
www.admissions.ttu.edu/apply

Application Deadlines

The following Universities have application deadlines coming up in December. Don't procrastinate, get those applications in early.

December 1, 2020

The University of Texas at Austin

Texas A&M University


APPLY HERE

Meet Your University of Texas-Austin Admissions Rep

Jessica Thomas

(512)475-7399

jessica.thomas@austin.utexas.edu


I was born and raised in the great city of San Antonio, Texas! I received my Bachelors of Science in Family & Child Development in May 2018 and went on to work for a non-profit focused on the child welfare system. Through this line of work, I found a deep love for working with adolescents on their journey to pursuing a higher education. I became an Admissions Counselor with The University of Texas at Austin in February 2020 and have been pursuing my passion to help students reach their dreams ever since. UT Austin has been so welcoming and I feel like part of a family every day I come into work. I am very proud to represent the East side of San Antonio for The University of Texas at Austin!

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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 Dec. 1 (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:

Volunteer Opportunities for the Holidays

Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
www.rauljimenezdinner.com

Wreaths Across America - Ft. Sam
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

United Way

www.unitedwaysatx.org
352-7099

Meals on Wheels 735-5115
www.christianseniorservices.org

San Antonio Food Bank 337-3663
www.safoodbank.org


Elf Louise Christmas Project
www.elflouise.com

Toys for Tots
http://www.toysfortots.org


Blue Cares

https://www.bluecaresicare.com/3-ways-to-give-back-during-covid-19/

Trade Opportunities

TEXAS FEDERATION FOR ADVANCE MANUFACTURING EDUCATION (TX FAME)


TEXAS FEDERATION FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EDUCATION (TX FAME) IS A PARTNERSHIP OF REGIONAL MANUFACTURERS WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO IMPLEMENT DUAL-TRACK, APPRENTICESHIP-STYLE TRAINING THAT WILL CREATE A PIPELINE OF HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS. THE PURPOSE OF TX FAME IS TO BE THE CATALYST FOR DEVELOPING WORLD-CLASS TECHNICAL TALENT FOR MANUFACTURING. TX FAME STRIVES TO BE A CONDUIT BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND TRAINING PROVIDERS WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON MEETING THE NEEDS OF MANUFACTURERS.


ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY (AMT)

Earn a two-year associates degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology from St. Philip’s College, and obtain valuable industry insight through a paid company sponsorship.

FAME ACCELERATED SKILLS TRAINING (FAST)

Become an entry-level multi-skilled technician in 9 weeks! Earn skills in hydraulics, electrical components, and more.



800 QUINTANA ROAD, BLDG 3, 124
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78211


Contact: Mary Batch

Phone: (210) 263-4238

Supported Occupations: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Next Step: Connect with Texas Federation for Advance Manufacturing Education (TX FAME) to learn more about their apprenticeship program and how to apply.

Advanced #Womanufacturing

TX Fame Open House

Thursday, Dec. 10th, 12am

This is an online event.

Time for event is TBA


Register HERE

Upcoming College Events

The Tarleton Promise

11th Grade November 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:


  • Set / Update Goal College
  • Have your guardian join SchooLinks: Visit the "Your Guardians" section of your account settings. Share the claim instructions and code with your guardian(s) that they can create an account and link it to yours. You must have at least one guardian successfully link their account to yours to complete this task
  • Check out Internship Opportunities on SchooLinks


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

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

Paying for Your College Education

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Priority Deadline

Friday, Jan. 15th 2021 at 12am

This is an online event.

FAFSA opened October 1. Get started on an application now.


For priority consideration, submit your application by Jan. 15, 2021. Additional forms might be required. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with your financial aid administrator.


Create Your FSA ID Here


Click Here To Start FAFSA

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Scholarship Opportunities

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/

Make a meal. Make a difference.

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.).

San Antonio Area Foundation Scholarships - NOW OPEN!

Universal Application

This application will consider you for up to 25 different scholarship opportunities depending on the criteria. Please see the attachment for a complete list of available scholarships.


Open Date: Monday, November 16
Deadline: Sunday, January 31


https://saafdn.org/students/scholarships/ (Links to an external site.)


For a full listing of the scholarships available, please see the attachment below.

November Scholarship Due Dates

20th-Jack Kent Cooke bit.ly/34H0pQw

30th-Sixt Scholarship Program www.sixt.com/sixt-scholars/#/

30th-Student Video Contest www.artba.org/foundation/student-video-contest/

30th-Courage to Grow couragetogrowscholarship.com/

30th-Education Matters bit.ly/3jMqCBj

30th-Rumba Meats & USHLI Partner bit.ly/2JmHYZe

30th-Walmart Assoc./Dependent programs.applyists.com/walmartassociate/
30th-Driver Education Initiative www.dmvedu.org/scholarship/
30th-Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. bit.ly/35Lxquh
30th-Niche bit.ly/3kHwFZv

December Scholarship Due Dates

1st-Barbara Lotze/Future Physics Teachers www.aapt.org/Programs/grants/lotze.cfm
1st-Congressional Seminar NSCDA Essay nscda.org/student-resources/congressional-essay-contest/
1st Creative Masonry & Chimney LLC creativemasonryct.com/creative-masonry-ct-scholarship/

1st-CT Chimney Repair (Skilled Trades) ctchimneyrepair.net/ct-chimney-repair-scholarship/
1st-Dell www.dellscholars.org/scholarship/

1st-Dronethusiast www.dronethusiast.com/drone-scholarship/
1st-Herrman and Herrman Innovation Essay www.herrmanandherrman.com/scholarship/ (open to 11th & 12th grade students)

1st-Lamber-Goodnow lambergoodnow.com/scholarships/
1st-Larson Law Office www.thelarsonlawoffice.com/scholarship/
1st-Look Twice, Save A Life www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/166168

1st-Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society www.ptk.org/scholarships/i-am-transferring/ptk-competitive-scholarships/
1st-Smart (Science, Mathematics and Research Transformation) www.smartscholarship.org/smart
1st-Texas A&M Univ. Century Scholars bit.ly/3buYj7A
1st-The Haraldson Foundation www.haraldsonfoundation.org/
1st-The Home Service www.developingcareer.com/home-service-club-scholarship-program/
1st-TX A&M Programs scholarships.tamu.edu/Scholarship-Programs
1st-TX PTA www.txpta.org/scholarships
1st-UTSA Top Scholar future.utsa.edu/scholarships/
1st- https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/1dc8ade7-aa7f-4187-a7a6-6d3a8ede2758 ---now extended due date to April 2021
1st-UT Scholarships www.utexas.edu/search/results?query=scholarships
2nd-National Space Club www.spaceclub.org/scholarship/index.html Summary and Requirements
4th-Jack Kent Cooke bit.ly/33GbfG5
5th-Generation Google bit.ly/39nsPOT
5th-SA Livestock Western Art Contest
www.sarodeo.com/p/about/fundraising-events/western-art-competition Summary & Requirements
6th-Make the U www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/core-values/community-responsibility/make-the-u
6th-National Honor Society www.nhs.us/students/the-nhs-scholarship/

6th-Raise Your Hand Aspiring Teachers bit.ly/2Xml4mY
9th-Science Ambassadors apply.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/

11th-Denny's Hungry for Education www.dennyshungryforeducation.com/scholarships-pyd-hs
13
th-Foot Locker Scholar Athletes (Nomination) footlockerscholarathletes.com/
13th-Frontier Business Pitch Yourself business.frontier.com/blog/pitch-yourself-earn-a-1000-scholarship/
15th-Equitable Excellence
bit.ly/3edzm2d
15th- Final Fantasy Fan www.finalfantasyxvapp.com/scholarship
15st-Haraldson Foundation/UT www.haraldsonfoundation.org/apply.html

15th-Burger King https://bk-scholars.com/

15th-Navarro Distinguished Award https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/casa-navarro/scholarship-award
15th-Profile in Courage Essay bit.ly/33BeJJU
15th-UT Haraldson Foundation www.haraldsonfoundation.org/apply.html

18th-Carson Scholar Counselor's Nomination carsonscholars.org/scholarships/
20th-Rotary Club Diploma Plus www.rotarysa.org/scholarships/diploma-plus/
21st-Peter Hengel Thai
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/peter-j-hengel-thai-scholarship-program
30th-Cirkled In bit.ly/31HEWUp
31st-Just Poetry http://www.justpoetry.org/scholarships
31st-Knight Essay https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9437/knight_essay_scholarship_scholarship.php
31st-Match the Promise Foundation bit.ly/2F76tIe
31st-Miss Amazing Teen missamazing.org/
31st-Mr. Teen San Antonio bit.ly/2SejRhd
31st-National Field Archery Assoc. www.nfaausa.com/scholarships/
31st-Opp U www.opploans.com/oppu/scholarship/
31st-SuperMoney's Financial Literacy www.supermoney.com/scholarship
31st-Take Care of Texas Video Contest takecareoftexas.org/teens/video-contest (9th-12th grade)
31st Wealth Wise
bit.ly/2Hd2g6A

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ASVAB Testing

Thursday, Jan. 21st 2021 at 9am

7618 Evans Road

San Antonio, TX



ASVAB Testing Dates for 2020-2021:

January 21

February 25

April 22


CLICK HERE to Register

Meet Your U.S. NAVY Recruiter

BM1 MICHAEL PIATT

US NAVY RECRUITER

2802 IH-35 N SUITE G.

NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130

michael.r.piatt@navy.mil

Career Focus: Finance

Career Day - Careers in Finance


As you look for jobs, keep in mind that within finance, many organizations have different titles for the same role. So check out the O*NET page for each to see possible job titles and thoroughly read descriptions for both individual job postings and all of a company’s openings to find the best one for you.


1. Accountant or Auditor

Median salary for accountants in the U.S.: $51,410

Median salary for auditors in the U.S.: $57,111

Accountants and auditors examine, analyze, interpret, organize, and maintain financial records to prepare financial statements or tax statements; find ways to reduce cost or increase profits; advise on business decisions; and ensure that companies and individuals are in compliance with tax codes and other financial regulations. Auditors focus on ensuring the correct and legal management of funds.


2. Credit Analyst

Median salary in the U.S.: $51,500

As the name implies, credit analysts analyze the credit and financial data and history of individuals and companies to determine the degree of risk involved in lending them money or extending them credit. They complete loan applications or analyze financial data such as income growth to determine the potential profitability of a loan and likelihood it will be paid back. Credit analysts primarily work for banks and credit card companies but can also work for mortgage, insurance, and investment firms.


3. Brokers and Traders

Median salary for brokers in the U.S.: $58,031

Median salary for traders in the U.S.: $73,674

Brokers and traders buy and sell securities like stocks, bonds, and other funds and do research ahead of these trades. However, while traders often buy or sell based on the wishes of a manager of a portfolio or other investment fund, brokers are responsible directly to the investors and might work for themselves or a brokerage or securities firm. They are also responsible for growing their own client list so, much like financial planners, they must also have an entrepreneurial mindset to bring in new business and have strong interpersonal skills to begin and maintain long-term relationships. Both positions require a four-year degree and certain Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licenses to complete trades on behalf of others.


4. Financial Analyst

Median salary in the U.S.: $61,143

Financial analyst is a first finance job title for many people entering the industry. Depending on where you work, you might provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions; assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments; evaluate current and historical financial data for the company you work for or others; and research possible investments.


5. Budget Analyst

Median salary in the U.S.: $61,381

Budget analysts help develop, review, and monitor spending toward budgets for organizations, departments, programs, and projects. Budget analysts work across industries in private companies and for government offices and must have strong analytical and communications skills to explain decisions to others in an organization.


6. Personal Financial Planners and Advisors

Median salary for personal financial advisors in the U.S.: $63,528

Median salary for certified financial planners in the U.S.: $67,252

Personal financial planners and advisors help individuals with their financial goals, including providing education on investments, selecting investments on their behalf, managing their portfolios, planning for long-term goals, and monitoring their finances. While personal financial planners and advisors may work for banks (in private or retail banking) and investment funds and firms, they can also work for themselves.


7. Risk Specialist

Median salary in the U.S.: $64,787

Risk specialists work for investment banks and firms, mortgage and insurance companies, and corporate lenders, among others. Risk specialists use quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze the risk to:

  • Existing and prospective investments (in both domestic and foreign markets)
  • Earning capacities
  • The success of companies


8. Financial Examiners

Median salary in the U.S.: $65,171

Financial examiners ensure compliance with finance laws and regulations by reviewing balance sheets, financial records, and loan documentation. They generally work for financial institutions and insurance companies or for the government. Government financial examiners often investigate fraud or money laundering at financial institutions and other companies, while those working for private companies ensure the stability and compliance of their own organizations.


9.Quantitative Analyst

Median salary in the U.S.: $84,266

Quantitative analysts, or quants, develop financial products—including complex models—that investment and other financial firms use to price, trade, and calculate risk for different securities (any tradable financial asset). Quants primarily work for investment banks and hedge funds, but might also be employed by depository banks, trading firms, or fintech companies.


10. Actuary

Median salary in the U.S.: $91,729

Actuaries use math and statistics to evaluate probabilities and risks that events, like car accidents or property damage, will occur. They calculate the cost of those events and help design insurance policies and other models. Actuaries primarily work for insurance companies but can also be employed by investment firms, governments, or banks. Actuaries have a very high salary and the market for these jobs has a very high predicted growth rate, Goodfellow says. The BLS estimates that the field will grow 18% from 2019 to 2029. The job is also relatively low stress, especially compared to other jobs of this salary level and in the finance industry.


11. Investment Banker

Estimated Average Salary in the U.S.: $100,428

Investment banks deal primarily with the raising of money for companies and governments, through bonds, stocks, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, venture capitalism, and other methods. Although the salary rewards are high (with the potential to earn over $400,000 after bonuses and profit sharing as an experienced investment banker), these are very competitive, high-stress positions.

Some of the Local Schools with Finance Programs

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.