CCR Update
St. Charles North - January 25th 2026
The College & Career Readiness Office would like to remind all students of the following deadlines for the second semester of classes:
Dropping a course deadline is the fifteenth day of the semester—January 27, 2026
Please note: Seniors should check with any colleges where they have already been accepted before making any schedule changes so as not to jeopardize their acceptance.
Schedule
Junior Class: December 1-December 5th 2025
Sophomore Class: January 12-16th 2026
8th Grade: WMS January 20th & TMS January 22nd 2026
Freshman Class: January 26-January 30th 2026
Directions
Students will enter course requests directly into (HAC) Home Access Center. The registration portal opened on 11/13/25. All course requests should be entered in Home Access Center prior to your counselor appointment. HAC will close on 1/30/26 at the conclusion of Course Selection.
HAC-course registration instructions
Worksheets
Students should complete their worksheets prior to their counselor appointment.
Resources
We encourage students to make use of the resources found on the Course Selection page of the CCR website to make course selections that will help them accomplish their college and career goals.
Appointments
The date and period of your counselor appointment can be found on the Resource tile of our Course Selection page on the CCR website. Please report to the Counseling Office at the beginning of your assigned period.
All dual credit students (ENG 101/102, CMS 101, Math 102, HOS 101, ACC 100, Full-Time and Part-Time programs) must complete the Dual Credit Application linked here. All field with a red asterisk must be completed. The application deadline is February 6, 2026.
If you do not qualify for the class or program based on PSAT, SAT or ACT scores, you will need to take the ECC placement exams. Information about taking the placement exams can be found in the Dual Credit Application Guide. The placement testing deadline is February 20, 2026.
The Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) Course Request application is now open for the 2026-27 school year! FVCC Course Guide provides students and parents/guardians information about Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) programs. It describes the procedures, services, program descriptions and awards.
Fox Valley Career Center can help students:
● Explore and make decisions about future careers
● Prepare for a successful transition to entry-level employment opportunities,
unions, technical schools, 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities
● Learn Employability skills and how they apply to post-secondary success
Please use the priority course request link to request a class at FVCC for the 2026-27 school year. Course requests for FVCC will be open from 11/3/25 through 1/31/26. Please select an alternate class in case you don’t get your first choice. Questions? Please reach out to your School Counselor.
The traditional, comprehensive high school model isn’t the best fit for everyone. That’s why District 303 offers students another option: Compass Academy, a high school of choice with a flexible schedule that provides students with a small learning environment where they receive a personalized educational experience that challenges them and capitalizes on their interests and passions. With an intentional focus on cultivating positive relationships and building connections to the community and potential careers, the Compass Academy approach combines academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and experiential opportunities while fostering a culture of trust, curiosity, and pathway exploration.
Students at Compass engage in projects in a competency-based model, removing the traditional constraints of "seat time" and empowering student-driven learning inside and outside the classroom. This approach allows students to earn credit toward graduation requirements in ways other than traditional coursework, incorporates real-world knowledge and challenges, and prepares students for any post-secondary path they choose with options to earn both early college credit and industry credentials.
If you are interested in learning more about Compass Academy, complete the Interested Student Form and someone from Compass will follow up with you soon to schedule a tour and answer any questions you might have. Space is limited, but there are still spots available for the 2026-27 school year, so if you are “Compass curious”, be sure to reach out soon!
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) is a FREE career planning resource available to high schools nationwide. This comprehensive program includes one of the most widely used multiple-aptitude test batteries in the world and an interest-inventory, complemented by a thorough occupational database, all designed to give students an in-depth look at the world of work. The results of this exam are also used by the armed forces for students who are interested in pursuing this as a career option.
St. Charles North is offering the ASVAB to interested Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7:15 am. The exam is digital. Attendees must bring a charged Chromebook to the administration. Interested students should register through the ASVAB 2026 Sign-up Form. The deadline to complete this form and register is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 30th.
P. A. 101-180 requires all Illinois public high school students to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. Additionally, high schools are expected to provide students and their families with any support or guidance necessary to comply with the requirement. For students who choose not to file an application, a waiver may be completed by their parent. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) makes available through their website a FAFSA Nonparticipation Form (English and Spanish) for this purpose. Check out our FAFSA Update for more information.
Questions about financial aid? Get answers directly from ISAC’s experts sent to your phone. Text your name to 630-216-4910.
You can also direct your financial aid questions to our ISAC Representative:
Christian Montes
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Elgin Community College District
(847) 421-2551 ¡Hablo Español!
We are planning a FAFSA Completion Workshop with ISAC that will be scheduled for Thursday, February 5th at St. Charles East High School in room B200C from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please complete this form if you are interested in attending. Questions? Reach out to Katharine Gomez at katharine.gomez@d303.org.
Save The Date! Important CCR Upcoming Events
- 2026-2027 FAFSA Application is scheduled to open October 1st 2025
- Course Selection Opening Day 411 Schedule on November 13th 2025 at the end of your 2nd period classes.
- Early College Credit Information Night at St. Charles North HS in the Auditorium on November 18th 2025 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- FAFSA Completion Workshop at St. Charles East HS in Room B200C from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on February 5th
- Fox Valley College Fair on March 24th 2026 at St. Charles North HS from 5:30-8 p.m.
More details will be shared as we get closer to each event date.
Throughout 2026, the CCR Update will feature a monthly theme that will encourage students to think and reflect on how they navigate their unique path forward.
These themes are selected to spark reflection, conversation, and connection, inspiring students to meet with their counselors and explore ideas around academics, post-secondary planning, and personal well-being.
January is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set goals for the year ahead!
Meeting with your school counselor can help you turn your intentions into a clear plan. Whether you’re working on your academics, well-being, or future plans, with a growth mindset, every challenge becomes a chance to learn and improve.
Start the year strong by booking an appointment with your counselor and take one small step today toward the goals you want to achieve. Remember, you never need a reason to stop by the CCR office!
Elgin Community College CCR Events!
Elgin Community College is offering a series of College & Career events for the fall and spring semesters. Session topics include The Start of College Decisions, Financial Aid 101, Early College Credit options, Professional Etiquette, Discovering Careers, Career Clusters & Opportunities, Successful Interviewing and more. All events are free and open to the public. Events will be held virtually over Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 P.M. unless otherwise noted. For more information and meeting links, please visit https://elgin.edu/community/college-transitions/ccr/
Upcoming Events: Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) - All Are Welcome!
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Location: Virtual
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) - All Are Welcome! This informative and engaging webinar introduces students to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the unique academic, cultural, and supportive environments they offer. Participants will learn about the history and mission of HBCUs, explore academic programs and campus life, and understand why HBCUs welcome students of all backgrounds. Whether you’re exploring college options or simply curious, this session provides valuable insight into how HBCUs support student success and community. Hosted by College and Career Readiness, Guest speakers: TBD
Upcoming Events: Recharge & Refocus: Balance Without the Burnout - Mental Wellness for College Success
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Location: Virtual
College can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming. Recharge & Refocus: Balance Without the Burnout — Mental Wellness for College Success is a live, interactive Zoom webinar designed to support students in protecting their mental health while pursuing their academic goals. This session will explore practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, incorporating wellness into daily college life, and recognizing when to seek support. Students will leave with accessible tools, campus resources, and realistic approaches to maintaining balance, resilience, and well-being throughout the semester. Guest Speaker: Coresair A. Mack, MS.Ed., LCPC, NCCWellness Professional, Wellness Services at Elgin Community College. Hosted by College and Career Readiness
City of St. Charles Job Shadow Program
Have you ever thought about a career as an electric lineman, firefighter, police officer, lab technician, or in tree maintenance, or IT/Networking? These are all individuals, and many more, who are employed by the City of St. Charles.
The City of St. Charles is offering a career pathway job shadow program to St. Charles high school students interested in exploring a career in municipal government. You may schedule up to three different job shadow experiences per school year, during which you can explore work sites, ask questions, see demonstrations, and learn about education and certifications. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from the City. The date, time, and length of the job shadow will be scheduled outside of school hours directly with the City’s job shadow program coordinator. Please return your completed registration form to Ms. Gomez in the College & Career Office.
College Visit Sign-up in SchooLinks
Log in to your SchooLinks account (https://app.schoolinks.com/).
On the Student Dashboard, click on the School Events section to see all upcoming college visits.
Click on the name of the visit you want to attend, and then click on the Register for this Event button.
Before attending the visit, make sure you pick up a College Visit Pass from our College & Career Readiness Office. You will need to fill out the form and have your teacher sign it before attending the visit. You will also be responsible for making up any missed work when attending a college visit.
If you have a conflict with a college visit, please email Ms. Tiffany Kufer at tiffany.kufer@d303.org for the college rep's contact information.
For Scheduled Virtual Visits: Click the link to enter the live virtual conference with a college rep. For the full listing go to the College Visit page on our CCR Website.
Upcoming Visits:
1/26/2026 Savannah College of Art and Design
2/5/2026 Aurora University
2/11/2026 Grand Canyon University
3/3/2026 Nova Southeast University
3/4/2026 University of Missouri-Columbia
3/10/2026 University of Wyoming
3/11/2026 Monmouth College
3/20/2026 Iowa State University
3/25/2026 Ball State University
4/6/2026 ETI School of Skilled Trades
Information for local scholarships and select national scholarships is available in SchooLinks, the College and Career Office, and through the scholarship listing on the CCR website. This list will continue to be updated throughout the school year, so please check regularly!
Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Tyler Brett Caruso, a student of St. Charles East High School who died unexpectedly in 2002. Tyler was a student leader, athlete, musician, and community activist. The criteria for the $1,000 scholarship is evidence of exemplary achievements in many of the following areas: academics, athletics, student leadership and school service, music, along with community leadership and service. Students must complete an application and provide a copy of their high school transcript with two letters of recommendation and a completed essay. Please visit the website for more information. Applications are due by April 15, 2026.
Pottawatomie Garden Club of St. Charles will award a $4,000 scholarship to a full-time student majoring in Agriculture, Botany, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Concerns, Forestry, Horticulture, Land Management, and/or related studies. An applicant must be a graduating senior or a current college student who resides within St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 boundaries. A copy of the application should also be given to Ms. Tiffany Kufer in the CCR Office at SCN.
