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• HRHS College Fair during Access, Thursday, March 13, 2025

• Denver RMACAC Spring College Fair, March 9, 2025, 1:00p - 4:00p, Cherokee Trail High School, 25901 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016

As you receive your college acceptance letters, please let me know of any scholarship offers you receive. And that means EVERY scholarship offered....even if you don't accept the award. We report the total amount offered to our seniors. When you receive award letters, please forward the email, bring it in, snap a picture or email a typed summary....however it is easiest for you to send me the notification of the offer so that we can update our system.

• This includes any scholarship offered to you: need based, academic, athletic, etc.
• Please include the name of the scholarship, the total amount of $$ awarded and indicate if it is a one time scholarship or for all four years.
• Specific information (names, amounts) will not be published. The total $$ earned will be announced during our Honors Convocation ceremony in May and reported to the district.
• Please reach out with any questions you might have!

I've been able to attend the Colleges that Change Lives and Jesuit Educational Tour meet and greets in which schools gave a 5 minute presentation (a snapshot of their institution). I'll highlight some points of pride over the next few newsletters.

Hampshire College is a private, liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for its student-designed curricula, interdisciplinary studies, and small class sizes. Key facts include a 75% acceptance rate, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and a $57,158 annual tuition. The college is also part of the Five College Consortium, which includes Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and UMass Amherst.

Hendrix College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in Conway, AR, founded in 1876 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Key facts include a student enrollment of 1,144, an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and a 16-student average class size. The college is recognized for its Odyssey Program, which offers hands-on learning experiences, and its students have strong acceptance rates for medical and law school.

Seattle University is a private Jesuit university in Seattle, WA, founded in 1891, with over 7,200 students and a 50-acre campus. It is known for its location in a major tech hub, a high success rate for graduates (most are employed or in grad school within six months), and strong programs in nursing, business, computer science, and environmental science.

The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private, Jesuit Catholic university founded in 1855, with a 55-acre campus located near downtown San Francisco. Key facts include a high level of campus diversity, ranking #1 among national universities, and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USF is also recognized as a "Top Green College" by the Princeton Review and offers programs through its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, McLaren College of Business, and Schools of Education, Law, and Nursing.

This free conference on Friday, February 6, 2026 is designed to help aspiring teachers learn more about the field, connect with peers and gather insights from Colorado’s leader in teacher education. We will also be welcoming back Steve Spangler as our keynote speaker to host an interactive start to our event that your students are sure to love!

Now in its 11th year, Future Teacher Conference features presentations and workshops facilitated by preservice teachers (current UNC students), early career teachers, veteran educators, and UNC Educator Preparation faculty. Anyone curious or exploring the field of teaching is encouraged to attend!

Registration will open November 3. In the meantime, you can learn more about the conference here. BONUS! Three Future Teacher Conference attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026.

Registration is now open for the 3rd annual CU Boulder High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC)- powered by FirstBank. See attached flyer for more details and registration info.

The HSNVC is specifically designed to bring entrepreneurial learning and innovative mindsets to high school students across Colorado, with a particular focus on rural, underserved, and 1st generation students. This one-of-a-kind program offers:

• $25,000+ in scholarships to CU Boulder
• Hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation
• Development of critical real-world problem-solving, strategic, and leadership skills

Whether you dream of starting a business, solving world challenges, or excelling in your future vocations - this challenge equips them with the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed.

The initial registration is easy and all you need is a basic preliminary idea to sign up. It’s open now until Jan 31, 2026. Participants then have until March 25, 2026 to more fully develop the idea and prepare their competition materials (2-page executive summary + 4-minute video pitch).

Students REGISTER HERE

Learn More About HSNVC

TREP is a state scholarship that provides two years of college tuition at one of our partner schools (Adams State, Colorado Mesa, Metro State, Fort Lewis, UCCS, UNC, Western Colorado, and most community colleges) for students who are interested in becoming teachers. Our district TREP liaison will be at HRHS during Access on November 18th to meet with current seniors who are interested in the program. Please reach out to your counselor if you are interested.

• Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
• I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
• I will also post some in this newsletter

The Road Home Exteriors Scholarship was created to honor local high school seniors in the Denver Metro area who truly live out our company motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More. We believe in rewarding students who go above and beyond - whether in academics, leadership, community service, or personal growth. As a locally owned company committed to integrity and excellence in every roofing, siding, and window project, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who share those same values. This scholarship reflects our dedication to both our craft and our community. The scholarship is divided between four chosen applicants who best exemplify our motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More.

Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship grants are typically awarded in amounts of $10,000 to $12,500 per year (disbursed evenly each term) and are renewable for up to four years, resulting in a total potential award of up to $40,000 to $50,000. Scholarships can be applied to any accredited institution where the student is enrolled full-time.

All students who fit the criteria below are encouraged to apply. Applications are available each year from January 1-March 15.

CRITERIA:

In order to apply for a Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must fit the following, qualifying criteria:

• A Black high school student in their senior year
• A full-time Colorado resident for a minimum of three years. Residence due to military orders to Colorado may be accepted on a case-by-case basis

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications will be available online through the link below between January 1st and March 15th of each year. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit the following, required materials:

• Your full high school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from persons not related to you
• A one-page personal statement and an additional essay response (350-500 words)
• Your Student Aid Report (SAR). You can obtain your SAR by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you haven’t already done so, at www.fafsa.gov
• Information from your household’s latest tax return
• An additional educational, artistic, or professional file personal to you (optional)

Please note: Completed applications, with all materials, must be received by the Sachs Foundation by March 15th of the year you are applying. Letters of Recommendation must be received by March 31st. Applications submitted past the deadline will not be considered. Any incomplete or incorrect statement will directly impact any consideration of your scholarship application.

Students who are identified as finalists for a scholarship will be notified in late April. Finalists will be required to attend a program in Colorado Springs in June. Final approval of an award will be made at that time.

A program of the Rocky Mountain Court System Inc., this foundation was created to award scholarships to ALL Colorado residents, enabling them to continue their college education. The money is donated directly to the schools with the stipulation that the scholarship award is to be used for tuition or to purchase textbooks. The eligibility criteria are that the applicant must reside in Colorado and attend an accredited higher learning institution. Application due January 14. See website for more details.

The Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. Click here for more award details on award availability for your students.
Next bi-annual award deadline: December 1, 2025
Eligible grades: 2026, 2027, 2028, & 2029
ACF Visionary Scholarship complete details.
The application is free and the student does NOT need to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify.

Juniors will have the opportunity to take a Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test October 8 at HRHS. This is an excellent practice test for the SAT given in the Spring. This student guide provides a helpful overview of what to expect.

Digital SAT practice is free and available to all students through the Bluebook™ testing app. Students can take a full-length digital practice test, view their results, and get linked to additional instructional materials, resources, and lessons on Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.

• Register for the National SAT
• Register by November 21 for December 6 test
• Register for the National ACT
• Register by November 7 for December 13 test
• Register by January 9 for February 14 test

There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.

This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!

Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring

What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?

• One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment

• A study buddy -- study and review for a test

• A homework helper -- while you work on your homework

• A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work

• A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading

General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?

We are continuing to prepare for the Shredders Ski Team season and are looking for passionate, enthusiastic volunteers to support individuals with Down Syndrome during their full-day ski lessons as part of the Shredders Ski Team with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at Winter Park Resort!

NSCD Shredders Ski Team Season Details:

• Participants: Individuals with Down Syndrome, ages 5+

• Dates: Saturdays, February 21, 28, March 7, and 14, 2026

• Location: National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park Resort

• Volunteer positions start at age 16 and up

Interested in becoming a volunteer? The NSCD Winter Volunteer Application is Open!

https://nscd.org/winter-volunteer/

We are now in our eighth year of organizing the Weekend of Action—a remarkable community volunteer event taking place November 6-9. During this weekend, hundreds of volunteers come together to participate in hands-on projects that support individuals in need throughout the Denver metro area. This is an incredible opportunity for groups such as yours to volunteer together! Every year we have groups of kids from Student Councils to Eagle Scouts to National Honor Society volunteer as a team. The feedback we have received has been remarkable from the youth and from the adults who organize the teams.

Opportunities to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child from Class 101 at the Processing Center in Englewood. These spots are open to any student. Students can earn from 4 hours to 25 community service hours depending on how many shifts they choose to work. Details will be emailed after you sign up.

Need community service hours? Volunteer to be a Teen Reading Buddy at Douglas County Libraries. Click here for more information. Check out more volunteer opportunities at DCL here.

The Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) is currently accepting applications for our Youth Leadership Board for the 2025–2026 school year.

The Youth Leadership Board brings together high school students from across the county to:

• Strengthen leadership skills through real-world projects

• Work alongside community leaders, schools, and parents to improve youth health and well-being

• Lead peer-driven initiatives focused on prevention, connection, and advocacy.

• RescueMinds Medical Learning- student-led nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to CPR and Narcan training in high school and college students. Apply to volunteer.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science Guest Engagement Volunteer program. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the information desk, ticket scanning and greeting, while creating a friendlier and more convenient Museum space by serving as gallery guides and performing wayfinding assignments during special events and programs.

• The Aspen Effect offers leadership and volunteer services hours through Ranch Hand Jobs. Visit www.theaspeneffect.org to sign up (limited spaces).

Army:

• December 3

Marines:

• November 12

• November 18

To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.

From an Article by Jack Kelly published April 22, 2025.

The skilled trades sector in the United States is experiencing a renaissance. It’s fueled by massive infrastructure investments, a shift toward green energy, and a critical shortage of qualified workers. With over a million unfilled trade jobs and salaries on the rise, skilled tradespersons are not just in demand. They’re the backbone of America’s future. Skilled trades, encompassing roles like electricians, plumbers, welders, and renewable energy technicians are vital to the US economy. Federal initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are driving job creation, with an estimated 345,000 new trade jobs expected to peak around 2027–28. Meanwhile, the green energy revolution and technological advancements are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for those with the right skills. Yet, the industry faces a paradox: high demand meets low supply. Over a million trade jobs remain unfilled, including 500,000 in manufacturing alone. An aging workforce, with five tradespersons retiring for every two replacements, combined with a cultural bias toward college degrees over vocational training, has created a persistent skills gap. This created rising wages.

Skilled trades are uniquely positioned for the future. Unlike many sectors, trades are largely automation-proof, requiring hands-on expertise that machines can’t replicate. The green energy boom ensures long-term relevance, with roles in solar, wind, and energy-efficient systems leading the way. Meanwhile, technology integration such as robotics, or smart systems creates new specializations, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. “There’s never been a better time to enter the trades, and as a generation shaped by the pandemic and gig economy, Gen-Z are uniquely suited to a profession that offers flexibility and independence,” said Marco Zappacosta, CEO and cofounder of Thumbtack. “With a lower barrier to entry than in the past and incredible demand for people to fill these roles, expertise in the trades is a future-proof career.”

Due to skills gaps, there is an expected shortage of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2030. Therefore, manufacturers are actively trying to attract Gen-Z workers to fill these roles, but they are currently facing labor challenges, as manufacturers are filling only six out of 10 job openings, according to an analysis by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Women’s labor participation in the skilled trades reached its highest level ever in 2021 (314,000), increasing by almost one-third in five years, according to the United States Department of Labor. The number of female apprentices more than doubled from 2014 to 2022, comprising 14% of total apprentices in the U.S. compared to 9.4% in 2014.These in-demand jobs offer high wages, attractive benefits, including pension plans, and opportunities for advancement. The construction industry poses one of the labor force’s smallest gender pay gaps, as union representation provides standard salary packages.

The State of the Market: High Demand, Low Supply

The numbers tell a compelling story. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4–60% growth in skilled trades through 2033, with some roles like solar photovoltaic installers (48% growth) and wind turbine technicians (60% growth) leading the charge. This demand is driven by billions in federal funding fueling construction and energy projects. The push for renewable energy and energy-efficient systems is creating new roles. Smart homes, EV infrastructure, and automation require specialized skills. However, challenges persist. The workforce is aging out, with retirements outpacing new entrants. Recruitment struggles are compounded by a stigma around trade careers and a lack of vocational training in schools. Despite these hurdles, the market rewards those who enter: trades offer competitive salaries (e.g., $61,000+ for electricians) and resilience against automation, with 90% of tradespeople reporting high job satisfaction.

Top In-Demand Skilled Trades for 2025

The skilled trades market in 2025 is diverse, with opportunities across traditional and emerging roles. Fueled by renewable energy, EV charging stations, and smart home systems, electricians face a 6% growth rate through 2032. Average salaries exceed $61,000. Urban expansion and water conservation technologies drive 6% growth, with strong demand in residential and commercial projects. Energy-efficient systems and smart technologies require advanced skills, making HVAC a high-demand field. Critical for infrastructure and energy projects, welders face nationwide shortages, ensuring job security. Solar and wind technicians are the stars of the green revolution, with explosive growth rates of 48% and 60%, respectively. A study from Angi, the online home improvement company, shows growth in job satisfaction for skilled trades workers. The Skilled Trades in America Report also explores the impact of artificial intelligence, the labor shortage and solutions to attract new talent to the trades.

In this current environment, workers fear becoming obsolete due, in part, to the advancement of AI. Skilled tradespeople perceive their jobs to be relatively AI-resistant.

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