Happy December, Scholars!

As we wrap up 2024, it's a great time to reflect on your goals and plan for the new year ahead. Check out this month's newsletter for more resources to support you on your journey. 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.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that helps students get money to pay for college. By filling it out, students can see if they qualify for financial aid, like grants, loans, or scholarships. This money can help cover tuition, books, and other school costs. It’s an important step for anyone planning to go to college!

You can find the FAFSA and learn more about it on StudentAid.gov, a helpful website that offers information about financial aid, scholarships, and how to manage your money for school.

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available to the public as of December 1st!

Free financial aid events are available to Minnesota students and families via Zoom. The series, running on Tuesday evenings in January, is intended for current high school students and will cover general information about the college application and financial aid process, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Attendees can ask questions in the chat and have them answered during the event by financial aid experts. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 scholarship (one entry per session attended). Space is limited so register soon! These sessions are offered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC The College Place and Minnesota Goes to College. For session dates, topics and to register: https://bit.ly/RSFAFSA. Contact tpribnow@ecmc.org with any questions.

Looking to start a new job starting during winter break? Applying for a job can be easier than you think! Start by finding opportunities online (try Indeed, Snagajob, or even local businesses' websites). Make sure your resume highlights your skills and any experience you have, even if it’s from school or volunteering. Many jobs will also ask for a cover letter—a short letter explaining why you want the job and why you’d be great at it. Keep it professional and specific to the role. Once you’ve applied, follow up politely to show you’re serious. Every step gets you closer to landing that job!

Check out Get Schooled's resources for writing a cover letter at the links below!

The Get Ready! Work Readiness Training is a pre-employment training that Brooklynk offers to help get young people ready for the professional world. It is offered in three ways to meet the needs of the participants: in–Person (this is an event every March where young people can attend and take the training), online (Self-paced), or in a virtual session where a facilitator goes through the training with the participant, and then they take it after. Eligible participants must live and/or attend school in the Northwest Suburbs, face one or more barriers to employment, and express interest in landing a BrookLynk summer internship.

Find the application at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LXDB84_lAg7MsOTovVSkFHESPMMFEoCe0RXerGY_m0M/copy