O'Plaine College & Career News
October 10, 2022
It's Officially Fall Y'all 🍂
What a busy fall it has been, and October is noooo exception! There are many upcoming college and career opportunities for students and their families coming up, including:
- College Fairs & O'Plaine Visits
- HBCU College & Career Opportunities
- O'Plaine First-Gen Workshops
- Opportunities for Latinx and Spanish-Speaking Students
- Engineering & Manufacturing Opportunities
- College Admission Testing Info
- Skilled Trades Opportunities
- Military Info
- Local Jobs & More!
Students considering college for their next steps are highly encouraged to attend the FREE Regional College Fair at the College of Lake County from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. this Thursday, October 13. Click here for more info and to register and here for the growing list of participating colleges. Attending a college fair is an efficient way to get a lot of preliminary information from a variety of colleges at once, and this particular fair is in our own back yard! I hope to see many of you and your parents there!
Please remember, you can pop in to see me in the College & Career Center during your lunch study hall at the dates listed to the right, or you can email me at thartley@wths.net to set up an individual appointment to discuss your post-secondary plans.
Happy Haunting, Blue Devils!
Ms. Hartley
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.
- 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
You can access the schedule for the remainder of the year here:
GPS Upcoming Schedule and Website 2022/23 SY
College News
O'Plaine College Visits
We're live streaming college visits from Almond to O'Plaine this semester! Check out which colleges are coming and sign up if you want to learn more about a school by clicking here! Visit protocol can be found in the form to register. Schools coming next week include Drake, University of Alabama, Bradley, SLU, Purdue, Augustana, Illinois Wesleyan, Indiana and more! Registration is required on a first come, first serve basis. Registration required by the end of the school day prior. Click on link above to register.
Real Talk: HBCUs Present the Inside Scoop
College Board presents Real Talk, a virtual series created for Black students to get answers to all of their questions about life after high school from Black college and career planning experts. Hear from some of the best HBCUs from across the nation. Get the inside scoop on how to stand out on your college applications and information on scholarship opportunities, academic programs, student organizations, student housing and more! Click here to access recorded virtual sessions from schools like Howard, Morehouse, Tennessee State, Hampton, Spelman, Tuskegee and more!
Are You a First-Generation College Student?
If you're planning to attend college and neither of your parents completed a college degree, then YOU are considered “First-Generation” or “First-Gen!” Did you know many of our Warren teachers are first-gen? Other more well-known first-gen college graduates include Michelle Obama, Ben Carson, Sonia Sotomayor, Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Warren and Bill Clinton. Over 40% of students entering college are first-gen (National Center for Education Statistics). All first-gen O'Plaine students are invited to attend our first-gen, college and career prep workshops. Click below link if you are first-gen and would like college and career info, including our workshops! The First-Gen Workshops focus on college and career preparation and meet once a month in the Library, beginning October 18.
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.
College Fair at the College of Lake County, 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!
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 8:30 a.m. - Noon at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu/sisepuede for more information and registration.
Health Care Career Night at Good Shepherd Hospital, 10/18
Thinking of a career in health care? Then attend this beneficial night for an opportunity to talk first hand with professionals about careers in a health care organization. This event is FREE to attend and is open house format from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital located in Barrington. Students can expect to not only hear from professionals from clinical and non clinical hospital occupations, but also see demonstrations from the DaVinci robot and laparoscopic surgery tools. Representatives from local colleges will also be in attendance. Click on flyer for more info.
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).
Manufacturing Programs & Jobs
Did you know Lake County, IL is one of the leading counties in the State in manufacturing jobs? Large global companies like AbbVie, Baxter International, NyproMold and more are in our own back yard! Explore CLC's manufacturing programs where you can earn a certificate with a just few classes, an apprenticeship or an Associates Degree (see linked list below for more info). In a tight labor market, companies are favoring less stringent education requirements in an effort to access a greater pool of qualified candidates. Many well-known, global companies are in fact ditching the four-year degree requirement. Click here to see the 8 top companies that are hiring remote workers with an Associate’s (2-year) Degree, including the positions with hourly/annual pay and here to see what area businesses are looking to fill current manufacturing jobs.
CLC's Manufacturing Programs
Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics
Electrical Engineering Technology
Precision Machining Technology
UW Badger Precollege
College Ready @ Badger Precollege is an online college preparation course for high school students, grades 9-12. This holistic program combines a broad college readiness experience with a jumpstart in analytical skills exploration to help prepare students for college success. The College Ready staff work closely with UW–Madison campus partners to provide students with up-to-date information regarding admissions, financial aid and more. Any interested high school students are welcome to apply. Classes are taught online in Canvas and Zoom, with each class session is 1.5 hours long and can consist of content delivery, collaboration, work time, guest speakers, and instructor feedback. Fall session begins October 25. For more info, including cost and registration, click here.
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.
SAVE THE DATE: Free, Virtual, Practice ACT, 11/12
In partnership with Compass Education Group, WTHS is once again offering a FREE practice, optional ACT test for our Sophomore and Junior students virtually on Saturday, November 12th. Why might you want to take a free, practice ACT on a Saturday!? A score from an ACT and SAT could help you assess which test you're better suited to take moving forward. Registration info forthcoming soon! Click here if you'd like to download the Compass Admission Testing Guide. It will help answer these essential questions:
- How important are my test scores? How do I measure up?
- What is the most effective calendar for testing and test preparation?
- What are implications of ‘test optional’ policies? Should I submit my scores?
- How do I compare scores and choose between the SAT and ACT?
- How do effective timing strategies vary by test and subject?
- How strong are my PSAT scores? Will I make National Merit?
- Am I eligible for an extended-time accommodation?
- How have AP exams and scores changed?
Career & Job Info
Empowering Black Students to Own Their Future
Real Talk: NY Careers Edition (3-Night Event)
Black in Tech: Tuesday, October 11th at 7pm ET/4pm PT
Black in Sports: Thursday, October 13th at 7pm ET/4pm PT
Black in Entertainment: Tuesday, October 18th at 7pm ET/4pm PT
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 7pm ET/4pm PT
Night 2: Wednesday, November 9th at 7pm ET/4pm PT
Industry Speaker Series
Are you creative and detail oriented? Do you like working with your hands, fixing things, doing projects, problem solving and seeing the results of your work? On Tuesday, October 18, 7th period, we invite a professional Carpenter who has had a life-long career in the Skilled Building Trades to speak to interested students about the industry, jobs available within and his career journey. The average starting pay for a Carpenter Apprentice is more than $40,000. This is a live streamed presentation that will be held in the College & Career Center in room 258. Students are to report at the beginning of 7th and stay for the duration of the period. Click here to register by the end of the school day prior to the event. 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!
Next month Industry Speaker Series will showcase Nurses. Stay tuned for more info!
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.
Technology Campus Open House, 11/3
Students interested in any of the programs at Tech Campus are highly encouraged to attend their Open House on November 3 with their families. High schoolers are eligible to begin taking these classes beginning junior year. Students will soon be selecting their courses for next year, so Sophomores especially should consider attending if they have an interest. Details in flyer.
Carpenter Apprenticeship Presentation, 11/16
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program is offering a virtual info session about their successful Registered Apprenticeship Program. This event is on November 16 from 3 - 4 pm via Zoom and is open to high school students and their parents. Scan QR code on flyer to register and get the link. Interested students can contact thartley@wths.net to patch in at 3 p.m. Substantial benefits of Registered Apprenticeship Programs:
- The average starting wage for an apprentice is more than $40,000/year.
- You will be a member of an organization that you have a voice in.
- For the industry - it diversifies the workforce, improves productivity and profitability, standardizes training, reduces turnover, and more.
Get started! The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) has developed a world-class, customized training model that combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction, using the highest industry standards and latest technologies.
Plumber Apprenticeship Open House in Volo, 11/19
Are you coordinated, dexterous and in physical shape? Do you like solving problems and have good interpersonal communication skills? Then a career in plumbing may be for you! Attend the Open House at the impressive Training Center off of Route 12 in Volo on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. till noon. There will be live demonstrations and you can expect to learn more about how you can get paid while learning the skills necessary to become a Plumber! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average median annual wage for Plumbers in May 2021 was $59,880. With little to no debt, job stability and opportunities for advancement, come see why this could be a career option for you!
Volunteer Opportunity
Are you interested in politics, learning about elections or working on a campaign someday? State Representative Joyce Mason's campaign is looking for volunteers to help with this campaign cycle between now and November 8. There are also paid positions for canvassing. If interested, call 847-461-8652.
Military Opportunities
Military Cafeteria Visits
Need a Work Permit?
Students under the age of 16 are required by the Illinois Department of Labor to have a work permit. If you have been hired, your employer will provide you with a letter of intent to employ at your request. You will need the letter, your social security card, birth certificate and you will also need a current physical on file in order to be issued a work permit. Bring these items to Mrs. Ellis in Student Services in the Main Office. See her with any questions.