Happy February, scholars!

Check out this month's newsletter for more resources to support you on your College and Career journey, including announcements about the ACT, PSEO/EMC, information about military careers, HBCUs and many great scholarships! And, don't forget -- our College and Career website is packed with resources, and you’ll find important updates in Schoology's College and Career group and advisory announcements.

279Online scholars, if you'd like to connect with our high school counselor, Ms. Dorn, for College and Career support, click here to schedule an appointment.

OALC scholars, please reach out to Ms. Hannah for College and Career support.

Thinking about a career in the military? For many service members, the military serves as a foundation of skills and experience that translate into civilian careers. Much like the wide range of jobs found in the civilian working world, the Military offers hundreds of opportunities across many different career fields.

Today’s Military is a site produced by the US Department of Defense that can help you research potential options.

The site provides tons of information about all military branches (Air Force, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force) including eligibility requirements, taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), what boot camp is like and questions to ask a recruiter.

Please email Ms. Dorn at dorna@district279.org if you are interested in meeting with a military representative/recruiter. (279Online Scholars only)

The ACT will be offered to 11th graders and 12th graders who have NOT previously taken it. This test is optional, but this is your opportunity to take it during the school day, for free. In order to ensure that we are ready for all scholars, we need to know who will be taking the test. Please complete this form by WEDNESDAY, January 29th if you plan to take the ACT on 4/22/2025. The test will run from approximately 8:50 until 2pm. Most colleges are still making ACT tests optional for admission. Scholars who do not test will have an asynchronous e-learning day.

More information about the ACT will be shared in the next couple of months. Registration prior to the testing date is required to take the exam. To inform yourself about the ACT, check out their website at this link: https://www.act.org/

There are several great ACT preparation resources online which include practice tests, a score analysis, and study tips. Check out the CRC website for more information on how to prepare for the ACT.

Check the link below for information about ACT's Fee Waiver Program.

Are you a current 10th or 11th grader interested in pursuing PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Option) next school year? If so, students need to meet individually with their counselors and submit applications. Students should be aware of various application deadlines for the college they want to attend. More information can be found on the Counseling website. Students MUST inform their counselor if they want to do PSEO by May 30, 2025. For more information about PSEO, check out our CRC website.

EMC allows you to engage in college-level coursework alongside your high school studies without extending the duration of your high school program. This approach provides a unique and integrated learning experience to better prepare you for your academic and career goals. Here's how it works:

• Concurrent Enrollment: EMC allows you to concurrently enroll in both high school and college courses during your traditional high school years.

• Seamless Integration: EMC programs seamlessly integrate college-level coursework into your high school curriculum. This integration provides a cohesive educational experience that prepares you for higher education and future career paths.

• Career Readiness: EMC programs often emphasize career readiness, providing you with a strong academic foundation and practical skills for your chosen career path while maintaining your regular high school schedule.

Check out the links below for more information about opportunities in our community.

OALC Scholars - If you are interested in EMC, connect with your counselor.

MAPLE GROVE LIONS CLUB, DICK REIMER SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE: February 7, 2025

• One $5000 award and twenty $1500 awards
• Must be a graduating senior who is a resident of Maple Grove
• GPA not a prime factor in decision
• Application: https://maplegrovelions.org/cms-files/application-2025.k.pdf

MINNESOTA MASONIC CHARITIES SCHOLARSHIPS

DEADLINE: February 28, 2025

• Numerous scholarships will be awarded ranging from $5,000 TO $24,000
• Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States
• Scholarships include the Signature, Legacy, Heritage, Undergraduate, and Vocational/Technical/Trade Scholarships
• Apply at https://www.mnmasoniccharities.org/about-us/scholarships/

March Deadlines

GIRL FRIENDS FUND SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE: March 1, 2025

• The fund provides scholarships and mentoring to high-achieving, African-American students who face significant financial obstacles in pursuing a college education
• $1,500 scholarship which is renewable per school year for up to four years
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• For more information: https://girlfriendsfund.org/scholarships/scholarship-criteria/

CATCH A BREAK SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE: March 15, 2025

• Up to $11,000 per year for four years - $44,000 total - multiple winners
• Must live in Minnesota and be a high school senior
• Selection criteria: Applicant has faced challenges in their life and learned from them, highly motivated and know why you want a college education, U.S. Citizen and Minnesota resident, with an ACT composite score of 24 or higher
• Apply at https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/CAB2425

OSSEO AREA RETIRED EDUCATORS’ SCHOLARSHIP (LOCAL!)