Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2023 - College, Life & Career - December 2022
Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday season,
Ms. Teri Calcagno
College Counselor
Mr. David Blue
Director of College, Life & Career Counseling
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
NW Youth Careers Expo
Save the date! The 19th annual NW Youth Careers Expo will take place on February 22 at the Oregon Convention Center during the school day. In a typical year, they welcome over 5,000 students from 75+ high schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington, as well as 150+ exhibitors representing the state's leading employers and postsecondary partners.
The Careers Expo shows students the region's amazing diversity of career opportunities, along with the skills and education needed for those jobs. The Expo includes hands-on learning, demonstrations, mock interviews, career workshops and the chance to talk directly with professionals about college-and-career options. Portland Workforce Alliance is excited to return to in-person programming! Public health guidelines are closely followed and the format of the event may be adjusted accordingly.
Interested? See Mr. Blue for details.
Career and Trade Schools in Oregon
The Oregon Goes to College website helps students explore their options. There are links to most trade and career schools as well all of the state's public and private colleges and universities. Specialty schools are categorized to make it easy to find training for particular careers too.
These categories are also used on their map of Oregon colleges. You can search for
- Tattoo schools in Eugene
- Trucking schools in Medford
- Health career schools in Portland
- Cosmetology schools in the Gorge
- and more!
Click HERE and explore all your options.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
Student To Do List
Application Submission - Pay attention to the application deadlines. submit the Transcript & Recommendation Request Form (also found in Naviance Student) as soon as possible. Make your requests at least four weeks in advance if your college requires recommendations and they have not already been written for an earlier deadline.
Letters of Recommendation - If you are applying to a college that requires a recommendation and have not requested them through College Counseling yet, don't forget to complete the request form above. You will also need to complete the Teacher and/or Counselor Recommendation survey in the "Important To-Do's and Tasks" section in Naviance Student. Click HERE for details about requesting recommendations.
Application Drop-In Sessions - We are continuing to host sessions for seniors who would like assistance with their college or scholarship applications. No sign-up is required and you are welcome to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
- December 7 from 8:15 to 9 am in the Commons
- December 14 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
Check Application Portals - Early Action application admission decisions will be coming soon. Check your email and application portals. You might have good news already!
Update Naviance with Admission Decisions - We love to hear how you about admission decisions! Update the decision for each college in your "Colleges I'm applying to" list.
Scholarships - Get serious about looking for and applying to scholarships. Explore the scholarships listed below. Check out our last newsletter for advice on applying for scholarships.
Parent/Guardian To Do List
Spend time with your student - It is important to take a break from talking about plans for after high school. Many seniors are being asked these questions from well-meaning relatives and friends as well. Enjoy some time together without worrying about what's next or focusing on deadlines.
Complete the necessary financial aid documents as soon as possible:
FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required by both two- and four-year institutions for all federal and state financial aid, federal student and parent loans, and most scholarships --including OSAC scholarships!
Not eligible to complete FAFSA?
- ORSAA - The Oregon Student Aid Application is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Do NOT complete the ORSAA if you are (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) a legal noncitizen with an Alien Registration number, or (3) an international student who is in the United States with a valid visa. not sure which form to complete? Click HERE to learn more.
- WASFA - The Washington Application for State Financial Aid is for Washington residents who are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. The WASFA can also be used in limited circumstances by other select applicants who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA. People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid.
CSS Profile - Some colleges require the Profile in addition to FAFSA. Check to find out if any college on your student's list requires it. Click HERE for a list of participating institutions. Check out these helpful tips and resources before starting the Profile - HERE.
If you missed out on attending the Paying for College webinars live, we recorded them! Please feel free to watch the videos!
- Paying for College: https://bit.ly/PFCOR2022
- Pagar la Universidad: https://bit.ly/PFCS2022
Sources of Student Financial Aid
Federal Aid - Federal aid is the largest source of money for students with demonstrated financial need through grants, loans and work study. The FAFSA is required for consideration.
Institutional Aid - This varies by college. The admission application might not automatically trigger consideration for institutional aid. Always read the college's materials to find out about the aid offered and if additional forms or applications are needed for consideration. When in doubt, contact the college's financial aid office. The FAFSA is often required to be eligible. Some colleges might also require the CSS Profile as well.
Private Aid - Private aid typically is awarded by sources other than colleges and the the government. Filing a FAFSA might be required for consideration.
Financial Aid Award Letters
A financial aid package is a collection of different types of financial aid from multiple sources. It is intended to help you fill the gap between your ability to pay, known as your expected family contribution (EFC), and college costs or the cost of attendance (COA). After you receive the award letter, you may be asked to return a signed copy of the letter in which you accept or reject each source of financial aid. The college will not increase other aid to compensate if you reject part of the financial aid package, such as loans.
Learn more at FinAid.
What if the award does not meet your need?
SwiftStudent is a free, digital resource that provides financial aid appeal letter templates for students and families. You can learn about the financial aid appeal process, review eligibility requirements for making an appeal, and customize a financial aid appeal to start the conversation with your college financial aid office.
***SCHOLARSHIPS***
OSAC Scholarship Application
- Must be an Oregon resident
- OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually. You don't need to be a merit scholar or a student with financial need to be eligible for some of these scholarships.
- APPLY - HERE. You will need to wait to complete your application until you have final grades from 1st semester; however, you can complete most of the application beforehand.
- FAFSA/ORSAA is required to complete your OSAC application.
Early Bird Deadline - February 15 by 5 pm PST. Error-free applications will be entered into a drawing for one of several $1,000 Early Bird scholarships.
FINAL DEADLINE March 1 by 5 pm PST.
Oregon Promise - Community College Grant
The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition for Oregon residents at any Oregon community college.
- Must be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months.
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA application and list one Oregon community college.
- Possess an unweighted cumulative 2.0 GPA or above by the time of application.
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1!
Featured Scholarships
DECEMBER
Equitable Excellence Scholarship - Seniors can apply by submitting an essay describing how they exhibit courage in pursuing what's possible, display strength in managing challenges and share wisdom with others. Due December 16
Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship - Scholarship for students planning to enroll in an approved trade-related program (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or Construction Management) at an accredited two-year school. Due December 31
Transgender First Scholarship - Scholarships for students who identify as transgender or non-binary. Due December 31
JANUARY
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - Scholars receive up to $35,000 over four years and benefit from a four-year comprehensive program. Applicants must be a minority high school senior, US citizen, have evidence of financial need, demonstrate a record of academic excellence, and demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service. Click HERE to join JRF Staff, who will be available virtually to answer any questions you have about the application process on December 21 between 4:30-6 PM PT. Due January 11 by 2 pm PT
Live Mas Scholarship - Submit a video (2 minutes or less in length) by January 11 that addresses these questions:
- What is your passion and how are you currently pursuing it?
- How do you plan to use your passion to uniquely make a positive change in your community or the world?
- How will your education help enable you to pursue your passion and make a change.
Pride Foundation Scholarship - Current and future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community facing significant barriers may apply for over 60 scholarships with one application. Due January 6
Ron Brown Scholarship Program (RBSP) - RBSP competitively awards scholarships to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship. Applicants must be Black/African American and US citizens or permanent residents. Due January 9
The Gold Law Firm Challenge Yourself Scholarship - The scholarships are awarded to students who have spent their early education taking part in challenging skill-building activities such as Scouts, acting or theater, debate club, and speech. Due January 5