Connections Weekly Newsletter
February 23, 2024
Class of 2024
Community Service: A reminder to seniors that the required 30 hours of community service and 3 papers are due by the end of the third quarter on March 15. Hours and papers are logged in the Community Service (x2VOL) link found on the TCA Intranet page and under the Family tab on the TCA website if logging in from home. If you need help, refer to this Helpful Hints sheet or stop by Connections and talk to Mrs. Hoffman.
Senior Families, be sure you are checking your emails and the websites of your college(s) to find out how those institutions are supporting students with Award Letters and Acceptance Deadlines. Please contact us if you have any questions.
FAFSA Help - List of resources if you need help with the FAFSA
Classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027
Save the Date
At TCA
Monday, March 4, 10:30-11:20 – TCA Mini-College Fair
Friday, March 8, 10:30 – Career Chat: Veterinarians - Dr. Amanda Hensen (TCA Grad)/Dr. Cor VanderWel (TCA Dad). Come for popcorn and a short presentation. 9th-12th welcome.
In the Community
Saturday, March 2, 9:00-11:30 – RMACAC Spring College Fair, Pine Creek High School
Virtual
Sunday, March 24 and April 21, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Spring NACAC Virtual College Fairs, Virtual fairs are free to attend.
Residency for Tuition Purposes
The rumor mill: Just want to step in front of a conversation among seniors about establishing residency to get in-state tuition. Families, while it can be relatively simple (in some states) to establish residency for tuition purposes, it can be close to impossible to establish residency for tuition purposes (in many states). Even further, those guidelines may differ for universities within that state. As you make plans, and before committing to a university counting on getting in-state tuition, MAKE SURE you are checking specific guidelines. These are typically posted on the financial aid websites. If not, financial aid advisors for your specific college may help you find the details you need to make an informed decision.
In the News
Kaplan’s 2023 college admissions officers survey shows that 67 percent believe that checking out applicants’ social media posts on apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, and Threads to learn more about them is “fair game” to help them make decisions about who gets in...
Letters of Recommendation for Summer Programs
As you are looking at and applying to summer programs, please remember that your Connections staff and teachers need at least two work weeks’ notice before the deadline for letters of recommendation, school forms such as transcripts, or written evaluations. After speaking personally to a teacher or staff member about your letter of recommendation, there are surveys and forms you will need to complete in Connections & Naviance. You also need to make sure your resume is up to date in Naviance. Please come by Connections so we can help with any summer program applications at least two weeks before the due dates.
Scholarships, Awards and Other Financial Aid Information
The Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship grants are typically awarded in the amount of $10,000 to $12,500 per year for four years of study ($40,000 to $50,000 total award) and can be applied to any accredited institution where a student is enrolled full-time. Deadline to apply is March 15.
Enrichment
Rhodes College will host its two-week residential Summer Writing Institute in June with various analytical and creative writing courses.
During this Internships and Summer Jobs podcast on February 27 at 10:00, career coaches will explain how to find and secure an internship, and how to make the most of a part-time job.
The University of California, Santa Barbara is offering two premier pre-college programs, the Summer Research Academies and the Research Mentorship Program. Both programs provide students with unique opportunities to earn college credit while engaging in interdisciplinary research.
The Theatre and Film Program at Berridge is one-of-a-kind summer experience hosted in an 18th century French chateau in the heart of Normandy, France. Part pre-college arts program, part study abroad program and part artists retreat, Berridge is a truly unique place to deepen your craft, connect with like-minded creatives and gain a wider perspective on the world. ..(more)
College Spotlight
Career Highlight - Medical Assistant
Connections Center (Career & College)
Katina Dahl, Career and College Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomores, AP
Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - Rep Visits, Community Service
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104