Falcon Post Grad News
Highlands Ranch High School - December 14, 2022
What is Post Grad?
If there are post grad specific topics or questions the Falcon Community would like to know more about or have answered, please email me, Laura Weitenhagen, lweitenhagen1@dcsdk12.org.
Email: lweitenhagen1@dcsdk12.org
Website: https://www.hrhsfalcons.com/
Location: 9375 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
Phone: 303-378-2500
Volunteer Opportunities
Wreaths Across America - Lay Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of the fallen soldiers at Fort Logan. Opportunities on December 17, January 14, and February 4.
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/46149/Overview/?relatedId=0
Sleep in Heavenly Peace - No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!
They are looking for volunteers to help deliver beds every Saturday between now and a special delivery on Christmas Eve. See link for dates, times, and location.
https://shpbeds.org/chapter/co-denver/
Operation Christmas Child - Processing Center
Seeking volunteers to inspect packed gift boxes for appropriate items, seal and pack completed gift boxes, prepare boxes for shipment.
https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/volunteer-at-a-shoebox-processing-center/
Denver Botanic Gardens - Teen Volunteer Programs
Offering several programs throughout the year - Blooms of Light, greet and direct visitors to Junior Counselor Program during Summer.
https://www.botanicgardens.org/join-give/volunteer/teen-volunteer-programs
Children's Hospital Colorado - Junior Volunteer Program
Volunteers give a minimum of 3 hours per week and assist with patient and family activities throughout the hospital.
Douglas County Libraries - Teen Library Council to Reading Buddies
Teen Volunteers have the opportunity to help with birthday parties, deliver book to home bound patrons, assist with library sponsored events, and various reading programs.
Parker Task Force - Grocery Stockers to Food Sorters
Right now is the time to help as the holiday donations require a lot of hands.
https://parkertaskforce.org/WP/how-to-help/
Help & Hope Center - Organize a Food Drive and Help in the Store
Donation drop-off and sorting, food pantry organization, or working in the store students are welcome throughout the year.
https://www.helpandhopecenter.org/volunteer/
Dumb Friends League - Animal Shelter in Douglas County
Assist with general needs at the shelter - no animal interaction.
Seniors, You've Applied to College, Now What?
Submitting your college application is not the final step. So, if you have applied to college and wonder what your next steps are, please stop by to discuss any of the following:
- Setting up your application status portal
- Confirming your application is complete
- Submitting financial aid documents
- Applying for college based scholarships
- Continuing communication with your admissions representatives
If you have not submitted your college applications, or have questions before doing so, now is the perfect time to stop by ask for assistance.
Transcript Request Reminder!
- In Naviance, go to 'Colleges I'm Applying To.' If there is a large red bar across the top of the screen that says 'Match Accounts.' Please do this first to connect Naviance to your CommonApp.
- Confirm that your 'Colleges I'm Applying To' list is accurate.
- Request your letters of recommendation from you teachers face-to-face first, then enter the request in Naviance. Remember to assign which teacher recommendations you want sent to what colleges.
- If your college requires a counselor recommendation, complete the survey under 'About Me' in Naviance and schedule a meeting with your counselor before you request your transcripts.
- The cost of transcripts is $1.00 per college. Double check that quantity you are requesting in myschoolbucks matches the number of colleges on your 'Colleges I'm Applying To' list in Naviance.
Following these steps and following up with your teachers regarding your letters of recommendation will avoid any delays in processing transcript requests. Link to myschoolbucks to order transcripts - https://sites.google.com/a/dcsdk12.org/hrhs-post-grad-center/forms-and-documents?authuser=0
Practice Make Progress - Free SAT and ACT Practice Test Opportunities for All Students
ACT:
https://www.class101.com/douglascountyco/events/free-act-practice-test/
SAT:
https://www.class101.com/douglascountyco/events/free-sat-practice-test/
Scholarships with December 2022 and January 2023 Deadlines
Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 16
100 Awards up to $20,000 over 4 years ($5,000/year)
https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/equitableexcellence/
The Jaycees and JCI Senators of Colorado, Inc.
Deadline: January 13, 2023 - Post Marked
$1,500 awards for students attending college or university, $1,000 awards for students attending trade or vocational colleges
https://usjcisenate.org/index.php/scholarship-program
Burger King Scholars
Deadline December 15, 2022
Award amount ranges $1,000 - $50,000
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Deadline January 11, 2023
Up to $35,000 over four years + financial sponsorship to JRF's annual 4-day 'Mentoring and Leadership' conference.
https://jackierobinson.org/scholarship/
DECA Scholarship Program
Deadline January 13, 2023
Multiple corporate sponsored scholarships for DECA student members, must have DECA Membership ID and password
https://www.deca.org/high-school-programs/scholarships/
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline January 13, 2023
15 awards ranging from $100 - $10,000
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/getting-started
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Deadline January 15, 2023
Awards average $8,000/year
Littleton Elks Lodge Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 16, 2023
Award amount $1,500
https://littletonelks1650.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Memorial-Scholarship.pdf
Littleton Elks Vocational Scholarship
Deadline: None
Award amount $1,000/year
AFA Teen Alzheimer's Awareness Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2023
Award up to $5,000
https://alzfdn.org/young-leaders-of-afa/scholarship-contest/afa-teen-scholarship-form/
Colorado P.E.O.
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Award starting at $1,000
Preference may be given to non-traditional fields - Vet Tech, CNA, Cosmetology, etc.
Daughter's of the American Revolution
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Award amount varies
It's More Than A Requirement, It's Your Future - Course Selections for 2023-2024
Therefore, during Winter Break students are encouraged to:
- Spend time identifying a few colleges of interest (target and stretch) and review the admission course requirements for prospective students.
- Look at the job descriptions and qualifications for job interests.
- Learn the topics tested on the ASVAB (military) or SAT/ACT.
Then review the HRHS course guide of classes and create a plan of action for the coming years.
Our HRHS counselors are here to partner with and support students so bring your questions and ideas to your registration meetings in January.
Job Training Opportunities
Job/Career Training Programs in a variety of industries. Opportunities require students to be 18 years old with no additional schooling to 1 - 2 semesters at a technical college. Typically applicants are required to have a background check and drug screening.
UPS - https://www.jobs-ups.com/hourly-seasonal-overview#tab-panel-1-1
Transportation Security Administration Officer - https://jobs.tsa.gov/security
OSHA Forklift Certification - https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/forklift-certification/
Class A - C Commercial Driver's License - https://dmv.colorado.gov/first-time-cdl-driver
Lineman Apprentice Programs -
Western Colorado Community College - https://catalog.coloradomesa.edu/areas-study/electric-lineworker/electric-lineworker-technical-certificate/#requirementstext
Texas A&M - https://teex.org/class/EPP700/
Highlands College - https://www.mtech.edu/highlands/trades/lineprogram/index.html
How To Research Colleges and Trade Schools?
Below are a few tips on who to get to know colleges:
- Visit their website and explore the basics - Where is it located? Size of the campus? Does it offer a program or major you are interested in? Does it fit my family's budget? What classes do I need to take during high school to be admitted? GPA requirements? What scholarships do they offer?
- Register for a virtual admissions session by exploring the 'Visit' section of the website.
- Schedule an in-person tour or a meeting with the admissions team.
- Research student clubs, organizations, and internship opportunities.
- Start now...and set a goal of 10 schools by the start of senior year!
Summer Plans - It Is Not Too Early to Plan
Healthcare Interests: Applications are now open for the CU Pre-Health Scholars Program
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/inclusion-and-outreach/programs/cups
CU Denver Arts & Media Camps: Scholarships are available for Summer Programs
https://artsandmedia.ucdenver.edu/prospective-students/lynx-camps
Public Service & Political Science Interests: Henry Clay High School Student Congress (FREE)
https://henryclaycenter.org/high-school-student-congress/
American Legion Auxiliary - students learn about state and local government,
elections, the legislative process, parliamentary procedure, civic engagement, patriotism, andmore.
Girls State Information and Application - https://www.alacolorado.com/girls-state.html
Boys State Information and Application - http://colegionboysstate.org/
Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - Rotary Leadership Camp in Estes Park, CO
Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, students must be able to attend all days of the camp.
https://rockymountainryla.org/
Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Foundation - Sign-up with your with your counselor.
SUMMET - Summer Multicultural Engineering Training at Colorado School of Mines
https://www.mines.edu/undergraduate-admissions/summer-multicultural-engineering-training-summet/
COMING SOON!
Community Job Board - Jobs for high school students in our local community.