Many certificate programs at PPSC within Medical Sciences are now available at zero cost, thanks to Care Forward Colorado. Students in these programs get free tuition, fees, books, materials, and necessary vaccinations. Any other financial aid could be used on top of that for living expenses, technology needs, or other related costs. No special applications are necessary to enter the program. Just register for classes and you’ll be reimbursed. More information here.

SOME Schools might request you to send your mid-year or semester transcripts. Check your Common Application school homepage or the school website to see if these are needed. You can request your mid-year transcripts through Naviance>Colleges>Apply To College>Manage Transcripts>Red Circle>College Application Transcript.

Some students have an accurate vision for their future, including their college and career path. For others, selecting a career and college path might be a burden. This article highlights data, research, and big-picture advice that should alleviate some of your/your teen’s angst about this major selection.

This article is a checklist of some of the things that juniors and their families should be thinking about, discussing and doing over the next few months.

There are seven SAT test dates and six ACT test dates throughout the calendar year. Colleges accept test scores from any test date, taken at any point in high school. This article helps you to understand when to schedule test dates and test prep so that your child will reach his or her full potential without interfering with the other pieces of a college admissions profile like grades and extracurriculars.

Here are some tips from Johns Hopkins: Essays That Worked page, which includes a few examples of essays they found impressive and helpful during past admissions cycles. Here are some more tips from their admissions committee for any students interested in applying:

These are great tips for ANY application:

Assess what's already covered in your application.

Brainstorm what's most important to you and decide what else you want us to know.

Connect what's important to you to what excites you about the institution.

These ideas should weave together in your essay.

At TCA

Next Week in Connections, Room 1104
* Tuesday, 1/31 10:30, BINGO
* Thursday, 2/2 10:00-2:00, Professional Certificates Fair
* Thursday, 2/2 11:25, Colorado Christian University

STEAM Takes the Spotlight Virtual Field Trip on Thursday, February 16 from 11:00-11:30 am Students are introduced to a variety of key STEAM professionals working behind the scenes at the CMA Awards in Nashville, TN. Watch announcements for location.

In the Community

The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley will be hosting the Future Teacher Conference on February 3 from 8am – 2pm. This FREE conference offers a day of informative activities designed to help you learn just what it takes to become an educator. Register and get more information here.

The UCCS Department of Visual and Performing Arts is hosting an Open House on Saturday, February 4 from 9am to 12pm at the Ent Center for the Arts. Attend to learn about programs, degrees, and opportunities. RSVP HERE

Save the date for Spring RMACAC College Fairs: March 4, 2023, from 9:00-11:30 at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs and March 5, 2023 from 1:00-3:30 at Cherokee Trail High School in Denver.

Virtual

Save the Date for Spring 2023 NACAC Virtual College Fairs on February 19, March 19 and April 23. All fairs will feature College MatchMaking which matches students to specific colleges and universities based on the criteria they provided. Register here.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES VIRTUAL FAIR on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 10 am – 12 pm and 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. This event is free, and registration is open. A professional certificate is a standardized process that enables an individual to demonstrate a certain level of competency in a specific career or job function. A credential certificate is awarded upon completion of requirements, which typically entails passing an exam administered by an industry-specific credentialing organization.

Join this free webinar, What Every Student Should Know About Picking a Major or Career Path, on February 16 at 5pm to gain insights from Dr. Victor McGuire as he shares the key lessons he’s learned about finding the “right” career path for each student. Register here.

GoToCollegeFairs is hosting a virtual Learning Differences Fair on February 23 from 10am – 12pm and 4:30pm – 6:30pm. This fair is specifically to help students with learning differences understand options and services that are available in college. Registration will open February 8.

Montclair State University offers a variety of Early College Programs including the Hispanic Student College Institute, Italian Immersion Summer Program, Early College Scholars, Pre-Law Summer Academy, and Model United Nations Summer Academy. Find out more here.

The 2023 Colorado State Patrol Youth Academy will be July 26 - July 29. The is a week-long law enforcement awareness and leadership event with the focus on leadership development through team exercises and individual achievement. Now accepting applications until April 9, 2023. Space is limited, so submit your application as soon as possible.

The University of North Carolina in Asheville will be hosting Summer 2023 Pre-College Programs, with topics spanning arts and sciences. The dates are June 18-23 and June 25-30 with several programs offered for multiple weeks.

In addition to the automatic merit scholarships available at Western Michigan University, there are still some scholarships that students may be eligible to apply for. Check out scholarships including the Foundation Scholarship, MLK GOLD Scholarship, College/Departmental Awards, and Endowed Scholarships. Many of these scholarships have a deadline of February 15.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is offering the Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC) a merit-based scholarship program that develops UCCS students into ethical, world-changing leaders. Scholars receive a $4,000 annual scholarship for up to 4 years. The CLC application for Fall 2023 admission closes on Wednesday, Feb. 1st.

Considering an Apprenticeship? Click here for more information.

Benefits of Apprenticeship

• A guaranteed paycheck that increases as you advance

• A nationally recognized industry certification upon completion

• Education and the potential to earn college credit

• Hands-on experience with qualified mentors, working for a company invested in your long-term success

Did you know?

• Nearly 9 out of 10 apprentices are employed after completing their program

• Average starting salaries for apprentices after completing their program are $77K per year nationally

• Apprentices who complete their program earn around $300K more throughout their careers than their peers who do not