Connections Newsletter

Class of 2026

Recommendation Letters and FAFSA Reminder

Seniors, as you continue preparing your college applications, please remember to request your letters of recommendation (in person and then through Naviance) at least three weeks before your submission deadline. This allows teachers and counselors the time they need to write thoughtful, personalized letters in support of your goals. Planning ahead is key! Also, don't forget to begin working on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Completing it early helps ensure you receive the maximum financial aid opportunities available. https://studentaid.gov

Class of 2027

Start Exploring Colleges (in person and online!)

Juniors, holiday breaks are coming up, and they are a great time to visit campuses or take virtual tours. Seeing colleges firsthand can help you understand what feels like the right fit for you. You can also use the Advanced College Search or SuperMatch in Naviance to filter schools by size, location, major, etc. If you see some colleges that you are interested in, add them to "Colleges I'm Thinking About." These are powerful tools to help you build a thoughtful college list. Happy exploring!

Class of 2028

tbd

Save the Date

· November 10, 11:25: Savannah College of Art and Design

· November 13, 12:20: Career Talk: Cybersecurity/Networking, PPSC

· November 13, 1:15: US Air Force ROTC – How to fill out the application

· November 18, 10:55: US Marines

· November 19, 1:15: Northwest Nazarene University

· November 21, 9:35: Biola University, Torrey Honors College

Community Service

All students must complete 40 hours of community service and write 4 (four) 350-word reflective papers by the end of the first semester of their senior year. Hours and papers are logged in using the Community Service (x2VOL) link found on the TCA Intranet page and under the Family tab on the TCA website if accessed from home. Students will "Continue with Microsoft" at the login screen and use their single sign-on credentials with their msa email address. If you need help, refer to this Helpful Hints sheet. Due dates are as follows:

Seniors: 40 hours/4 papers due on January 9, 2026

Juniors: 30 hours/3 papers due on the first day of senior year

Sophomores: 20 hours/2 papers due on the first day of junior year

Freshmen: 10 hours/1 paper due on the first day of sophomore year

Scholarships and Other Opportunities

NAWIC of Pikes Peak is sponsoring a CAD Design Drafting Competition. Judging will be held on March 15.

The Kane Family Foundation provides a merit-based scholarship program for Southern Colorado students through seven Southern Colorado schools—the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (“UCCS”), Colorado State University Pueblo (“CSU Pueblo”), Lamar Community College, Otero College, Pikes Peak State College, Pueblo Community College, and Trinidad State College. Applications for a Kane Scholarship are made directly to the participating school from the student interested in attending that school, either for a Bachelor’s Degree or for an Associate’s Degree. Click here for more information.

Daniels scholarship: This renewable scholarship covers the full cost of tuition at partner schools. Apply by October 17.

The Cooke College Scholarship is now open and available on Common App! The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities. Apply by November 12.

The 2025-26 Coolidge Scholarship application is now open. The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that recipients may use for undergraduate study in any major at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2027 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply.

PSAT/NMSQT

Sophomores and Juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam on October 10, should be notified by College Board soon that scores are available. Here is a guide on how to understand your scores. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation website has valuable information on their scholarship program, including a student guide.