College Counseling Newsletter
December 2025
Happy December!
As we enter the final month of the semester, our seniors are approaching an important milestone in their college journey. December is a time for tying up loose ends—submitting final applications, completing remaining tasks, and preparing for the next phase with confidence and purpose. It’s also a season of anticipation, celebration, and looking ahead to the opportunities a new year will bring.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and growth our students have shown throughout the fall. Their hard work is paying off, and we’re honored to support them every step of the way.
As winter break approaches, we wish our students and families peace, joy, and well-deserved rest. May this season bring warmth, reflection, and renewed energy for the exciting months ahead.
Warmest wishes,
The College Counseling Team
- Complete and submit any remaining college applications as soon as possible since most regular decision deadlines are in December or early January.
- Complete your FAFSA immediately and respond promptly to any additional financial aid forms requested by colleges.
- Apply for scholarships by checking SchooLinks → Scholarship Matching regularly and submitting applications for all scholarships you qualify for.
- Confirm with your counselor during your 2nd quarter meeting that you are on track for graduation and order your cap and gown from Jostens if you haven’t already.
- Sign up for ASVAB test if you might be attending any military branches. ASVAB Test is an opportunity, not just a military test. Registration links are below.
- If you are planning to enter the workforce, register for the Be Pro Be Proud Draft Day to interview with businesses and partner organizations; the event is on March 3rd, and the deadline to register for an interview is December 19th. Here is the registration link.
- If you are eligible to leave early in the second semester, fill out the early leave request form and turn it into your counselor.
Interested in Volunteering? Your Local Library Needs You! 📚
The best part about volunteering at the library?
You can volunteer almost anytime! Whether it's after school, on weekdays, weekends, or during the summer, the library offers flexible schedules that fit your life.
Plus, the Central Arkansas Library System has lots of locations across the area, so you can volunteer at a branch that’s close to you. With so many different opportunities — from helping with children’s programs to organizing books, supporting events, or assisting with tech — there’s something for everyone.
Click here to fill our volunteer application at the Central Arkansas Library System
Volunteering at the Clinton Presidential Center is a wonderful opportunity for students who care about civic engagement, leadership, and community service. As a volunteer, you could help welcome and guide visitors, support events and educational programming, or assist with museum and public-service activities. The Center’s volunteers are described as “the heart of the Clinton Center,” helping visitors from around the world and ensuring events run smoothly.
Click here to fill out volunteer application at the Clinton Presidential Center
This is a great opportunity for students grades 10th – 12th who have an interest in healthcare careers to learn more about the pharmacy profession and how it plays a vital role in the lives of people in their families and community.
DATE: June 1st – 3rd 2026
Time: 9a – 3p Daily
LOCATION: UAMS College of Pharmacy - Little Rock Campus
(4301 W. Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205)
COST: $150 per camper
(Cost covers lab materials, activity supplies, meals and camp t-shirt)
Use the following link for more information and to register:
Click here for 2026 UAMS College of Pharmacy Summer Camp Registration
ACT Academy is an annual residential summer program hosted by The College Access Initiative on the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus. It helps students tackle the ACT and provides more information about college admissions, academics, and campus life. Students will work on developing their ACT test-taking skills and learn about the many exciting opportunities at the University of Arkansas while staying in a residence hall and experiencing campus life. Participation in the entire program is expected.
We will host ACT Academy in the summer of 2026:
Session 1: June 9-13
Session 2: July 7-11
Cost: It is free to apply. If selected, students will need to pay a $30 program fee. Students on free or reduced lunch may have both fees waived. The College Access Initiative covers the cost of the residence hall, meals, and classroom supplies.
Requirements:
Students must be in 9th-11th grade in this academic year 2025-2026 to apply. Students who are invited and attend ACT Academy must stay on campus in the residence hall and participate in all parts of the entire program.
Application: Click here to apply.
p.s. Attending ACT Academy will waive the 19 ACT requirement for juniors and they won't have to attend LISA Academy summer school for ACT prep.
Juniors,
Is the University of Arkansas on your college list? If so, you should definitely consider applying for the UARK Jump Start program this summer.
Jump Start is a residential summer program held on the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville campus. It’s designed to help rising seniors get ahead in the college process. Participants will complete the UA admissions application, begin the scholarship search, network with campus departments, and more.
Cost
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It is free to apply.
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If selected, there is a $40 program fee.
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Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may have this fee waived.
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Housing, meals, and classroom materials are fully covered by the College Access Initiative.
Requirements
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Must currently be an 11th-grade student.
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Must be interested in applying to and learning more about the University of Arkansas.
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Must be on track to earn a 2.75 GPA or higher by the end of junior year.
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Participants must stay in the residence hall and take part in all program activities throughout the entire session.
Application : Click here to apply.
LISA West High School: December 12: Registration link
LISA North High School: January 9th: Registration link
LWH Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
LWH Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
LWH Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
LISA Academy West High School:
May 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Connor Performing Arts Center (12601 Hinson Rd, Little Rock)
LISA Academy North High School:
May 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Connor Performing Arts Center (12601 Hinson Rd, Little Rock,
Arkansas Online School:
May 22, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
LISA West High School Gym (6711 W Markham St, Little Rock)