Seniors: It is College Application Week! Next Steps Idaho offers a EASY and FREE college application to apply to one or more Idaho colleges! Take a look today!

Counselors will be available TOMORROW, Friday, 10/23 in your Government class to help you apply. Seniors, if you are not in Government please check your school email.

https://apply.nextsteps.idaho.gov/

• Boise State University (4-year public college in Boise)
• College of Idaho (4-year private college in Caldwell)
• College of Southern Idaho (2-year public college in Twin Falls)
• College of Western Idaho (2-year public college with various Treasure Valley locations)
• Idaho State University (4-year public college in Pocatello)
• Lewis-Clark State College (4-year public college in Lewiston)
• North Idaho College (2-year public college in Couer d'Alene)
• Northwest Nazarene College (4-year private college in Nampa)
• University of Idaho (4-year public college in Moscow)

*Boise Bible College and Brigham Young University-Idaho have separate applications.

Seniors: Are you struggling to complete the Apply Idaho college application? VSH staff and college representatives will be available to help you complete the Apply Idaho application in-person Wednesday, October 28th 6:00-7:30.

Location: West Ada School District Office 1303 East Central Drive in the T2C Computer Lab (located on the East side of the building near the training entrance)

Reserve your spot today, space is limited.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D45AFA72CA2FF2-college

Hands-on FAFSA night will be Tuesday, November 17th at the District Office in the T2C Computer Lab from 5:30-7:30 PM. Hands-on FAFSA will walk parents/students through the online process of applying for and completing the FAFSA.

Reserve your spot today, space is limited.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D45AFA72CA2FF2-handson

October 13th 6:00-7:30

November 12th 6:00-7:30

David Ries is a Financial Planner and will be available to help students and parents navigate the FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Space is limited, sign up for one of the sessions today!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4aa4ac2ca2ff2-fafsa

Scholarships are the most sought after type of financial aid. Who doesn't love FREE money? There are different types of scholarships: institution and private/outside scholarships. There is often an additional application to apply for institution scholarships. Check with the financial aid office of the college where you are applying. Private scholarships may vary in size but I encourage students to apply for as many as they can. Students often have the best luck with local scholarships. Local organizations, chamber of commerce, your parents' employer, churches, and banks may offer scholarships for local high school students. Visit the VSH website for a list of scholarships. https://www.westada.org/Page/83377

Opens October 1st

The Opportunity Scholarship awards eligible applicants up to $3,500 per year and is renewable for up to four years.

Eligibility requirements include 2.7 unweighted cumulative GPA, FAFSA completion before March 1, 2021 and must attend an eligible Idaho college or university.

For more details please visit: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-opportunity-scholarship/

Next Steps Idaho offers resources for high school students grades 9-12 and families including:

• Career Exploration
• Future Finder - simple quiz to highlight careers of interest
• Scholarship Search
• Grade Level Checklists
• Financial Aid Resources

Visit the website for these resources and more! https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/

October 26th - October 29th

FREE and open to everyone, PNACAC (Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling) encourages students and families to begin exploring colleges NOW.

LIVE events will occur October 26-29.

Advanced registration is required and can be done using the link below.

https://pnacac.swoogo.com/pnacac/begin

Are you interested in a hands-on career? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers comprehensive training in just 9-24 months. CWI partners with local employers to ensure students learn the skills necessary to be competitive. Visit: https://cwi.edu/programs-degrees/career-technical-education for more information.

Programs include: Automotive Technology, Computer Support Specialist, Early Childhood Education, Heavy Equipment Technician, Welding and Metals Fabrication, and many more!

Micron is offering monthly virtual job shadow events for students in grades 9-12 to explore careers in the high-tech world. Registration is required and additional information will be available following registration.

Technicians & Skilled Trades - Wednesday, November 18th

Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science - Tuesday, December 15th

Register online: https://k12foundation.wufoo.com/forms/microns-careers-in-a-high-tech-world-registration/

Women in Technical Careers is an interactive and informative discussion for female students in grades 9-12. Presenters will include engineers, chemists, physicists, and more!

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 4th 11:00-12:00

Wednesday, December 2nd 11:00-12:00

Register online: https://k12foundation.wufoo.com/forms/women-in-technical-careers-registration/

Attention high school girls: Take an hour out of your day to join a discussion with female STEM professionals from MICRON Technology. Bring your questions, or just plan to listen in on an informative session where you will hear personal experience about the path from high school through college to a career in a STEM field.

Discussions will be the first Monday of each month - October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd 11:00-12:00

Registration is required: https://k12foundation.wufoo.com/forms/sqs3p4m13yub6q/

Students will receive a secure Zoom link to join following registration.

Are you interested in Architecture, Art & Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Virtual Technology Design? Join University of Idaho on November 7th 10:30 - 4:00 for a free, virtual workshop taught by U of I faculty.

Registration is required.

For more information email: rcromwell@uidaho.edu

University of Idaho is hosting their annual AVANZA program virtually this year. November 17, 18, 19 6-8PM. MT.

Avanza is a great opportunity for Hispanic/Latina seniors to discover how U of I will help them achieve their goals. They’ll meet U of I staff and alumni, learn about the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and get one-on-one help with their admission application and FAFSA before our December 1 priority date (the early consideration date for our diversity scholarships). All services at Avanza for parents and students are offered in Spanish and English.

Students who attend Avanza will be interviewed for a chance to win one of twenty $500 scholarships provided by Idaho Central Credit Union.

Students can register for the event at www.uidaho.edu/avanza-events.