College and Career Hub
with Mrs. Kwiat
Do you need help figuring out your next step? Do you have questions about the college application process? Are you wondering where you stand for your GPA and test scores for admission? Are you interested in discussing trade/tech careers or military?
WCAA Concessions need volunteers!!
WCAA has volunteer opportunities for the upcoming WCAA baseball/softball season at Wesley Chapel District Park. We will again have opportunities for service hours for the Bright Futures program in our Concessions.
Training is provided for the program. The primary contact is as follows:
Concessions - Contact: Ellie Mejia at eymejia@verizon.net
If interested email soon as practices start shortly and we plan for games to start September 21,2026
Volunteers needed
Volunteers needed for the first annual Responders First 5K & Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 31, at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Brooksville.
Responders First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and the challenges of transitioning back into everyday life. Through its immersive wellness program, participants receive specialized trauma therapies, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy, along with meals, lodging, wellness activities and continued support.
Event Details
Responders First 5K & Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Brooksville
Timed 5K: 8:00 a.m.
One-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk: 9:00 a.m.
Family festivities continue until 2:00 p.m.
This family-friendly Halloween event will include:
A professionally timed 5K
A one-mile family fun run and walk
Live music
Food trucks
Local vendors
Bounce houses and children’s activities
Trick-or-treating at vendor tents
Costumes, prizes and community fellowship
We are currently seeking runners, walkers, volunteers, vendors and sponsors to help make this event successful. Students, faculty members, staff, school organizations and families are all welcome to participate. This may also be a wonderful community-service opportunity for eligible student groups and clubs.
Register to Volunteer or Participate in the 5K or Family Fun Walk:
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Xello: College, Career, and Life Readiness
Testing Information
SAT and ACT exams are scheduled throughout the year on Saturdays. Students must register for the exams on the respective testing web sites. Juniors and Seniors who qualify for free or reduced lunch can see Mrs. Kwiat for test fee waivers.
SAT Test Registration: www.sat.org
ACT Test Registration: www.actstudent.org
For more information on school-day testing, visit the CCHS Assessment Web page at: https://cchs.pasco.k12.fl.us/assessments/
Utilize free online test preparation resources at:
Free Test Prep
"Using test preparation materials helps students build confidence, reinforce key concepts, and develop effective strategies for success on standardized assessments. These resources support targeted practice and promote academic growth."
Getting Prepared for College
To make sure you have everything you need for your college journey, please add Mrs. Kwiat to your college application. She’s here to support you every step of the way — from transcripts and recommendations to answering your questions and cheering you on!
STARS ( Formerly SRAR/SSAR )
Xello: Your College & Career Resource
Don't forget about Xello! Students can access Xello right through their myPascoConnect dashboard.
Xello is a great place to explore colleges and careers, but it is also an important resource throughout the college planning process. Students can find scholarships that have been reviewed and vetted by our district, along with helpful links and resources for Common App, STARS, FAFSA, Bright Futures, and more.
Not sure where to start with your plans after high school? Start with Xello!
Scholarship and Financial Aid
🎓 Class of 2027 Seniors!
The Florida Financial Aid Application (Bright Futures + more) opens October 1st of your senior year!
✅ You don’t need to qualify first — just apply to stay eligible
📈 Test scores accepted through June 2027
📅 Final deadline: August 31, 2027
🔗 Apply here
Let’s get that scholarship money! 💰✨ #BrightFutures #ClassOf2026 #CollegeReady
Bright Futures Qualifications (all grade levels):
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/FAS-FMS.pdf
📄 Steps to Qualify for Bright Futures – Class of 2027
1️⃣ Create your student account
2️⃣ Watch for an email from FDOE and follow instructions to submit your Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
3️⃣ Complete the required coursework
4️⃣ Earn the required GPA
5️⃣ Finish your service hours or complete 100 hours of paid work
6️⃣ Meet the required test scores (if applicable)
7️⃣ Check your account regularly for updates and eligibility status
🔗 Apply starting October 1
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2027
💡 Stay on track and don’t miss out on free money for college!
🎓 Scholarship Alert!
The district now has a centralized scholarship database! 💻✨
🔍 Check the site regularly for the latest scholarship opportunities:
🔗 pasco.k12.fl.us/scholarship_database
Stay informed. Stay funded. 💰 #Scholarships #CollegeBound #PascoProud
🎓💲 FAFSA = Free Money for College!
Every senior should complete the FAFSA to access grants, loans, and financial aid for college, trade school, or other post-secondary plans.
📌 List up to 10 schools you’re applying to.
📌 You’ll receive aid offers after you apply and are accepted.
📌 FAFSA opens October for the Class of 2027.
Math and Science Scholarships
You can find 14 scholarship programs ideal for high school students in grades 9–12 who excel in math and science. More than 380 Scholarships will be distributed through these 14 Scholarship Programs.
Bright Future Requirements
How do you get your hours entered on my student?
1. Please complete the pre-approval form (front side of community service form) if not listed in my service opportunities or advertised through my Hub.
2. Once hours are approved, go ahead and complete the service and have the supervisor sign off on the hours.
3. Submit hours to the bin outside my office (media center).
4. To check your hours, log in to my student. Click on student information, then move to demographics, then click on graduation. Here you will see all hours!
Community Service Form
https://cchs.pasco.k12.fl.us/students/community-service/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14bVY68kLAHS-fDdzHfWDf45fofvkx_wc/view?usp=sharing
Pasco Schools Community Service Guidelines
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10M-gyZzVXd8GAOO4Qgjt68drPyqeaCop/view?usp=sharing
If your student is engaging in another community service opportunity, please email Mrs. Kwiat for pre-approval; this is to ensure the hours will count towards Bright Futures.
*Paid work hours are now being accepted in place of community service hours for Bright Futures.*
Community Opportunities
Fundamental Minds Education Services is looking for 17 and 18-year-olds to volunteer at their new learning center that just opened in Wesley Chapel! If you are interested please contact Ariel Cortes.
26809 Tanic Drive | Suite 102 | Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Wesley Chapel Athletic Assoc. (Baseball/Softball)
Training is provided for both programs. The primary contact for each is as follows:
- Concessions - Contact: Ellie Mejia at eymejia@verizon.net
- Junior Umpire program - Contact: Zeke Allen at ezallen58@gmail.com
The Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science housed at Wendell Krinn Technical High School is looking for volunteers to assist them. Please contact Charles Zidar, the founder and director, at charlesmapsmuseum@gmail.com for additional information.
The Junior Ambassadors of Goodwill (J.A.G.) is a virtual hybrid service program for high school students aged 14 and up. Students can earn up to 22 hours of community service.
More information about the JAG Virtual program can be found here: https://goodwill-suncoast.org/high-school-student-volunteers/
Once there, click the JAG Virtual logo for links to the Student Handbook: https://issuu.com/goodwill-suncoast/docs/jag-handbook-virtual_fin_sngle-pg
To apply, visit: https://goodwill-suncoast.org/junior-ambassadors-of-goodwill-virtual-sign-up/
Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YU1iu7-hEEUy27Lb2CIwh32F6riX2KA7/view?usp=sharing
Common App Presentation
ASVAB
March2success.com provides study materials to help improve scores on standardized tests including ASVAB.
We will be doing ASVAB testing here at the school on the following days:
September 5, 2025
November 7, 2025
February 6, 2026
April 10, 20226
Get There FL: Career and Technical Education Programs
Did you know Florida is home to 48 technical colleges and 28 state colleges offering career and technical training in 17 career pathways? Career and Technical Education programs offer exciting options for students, allowing you to move toward your career faster and more affordably than the 4-year or more traditional university track.
Visit GetThereFL.com to learn more about the benefits of CTE, aligning yourself with your interests within a career pathway, and connecting with your local college to learn more and enroll in a program.
Collegiate Athletics
Students interested in collegiate athletics should visit the eligibility centers for NCAA at http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future and/or NAIA at https://play.mynaia.org/ to learn more about eligibility requirements and recruitment procedures.
Interested in the Culinary Field
We are excited about an upcoming opportunity for high school students in east Pasco. At our One Stop Shop building in Dade City, we are partnering with local chefs, bakers, Y.E.S (Young Entrepreneurial Students), and BayCare to provide a 15 week basic culinary and business skills cohort. During the 15 weeks, students will spend an hour with a local chef in the kitchen learning a variety of skills and an hour and a half with Mr. Sammy Ortiz learning how to build a business plan from idea to concept. BayCare has provided funding for ALL students to get ServSafe certification through the program, so they will be employable after the 15 weeks. We have also received a scholarship from Pasco SMARTstart EDC for students to get business coaching and bring their idea to fruition once they are 18. We are very proud of the collaboration of the community and it’s leaders to bring opportunity and purpose to the youth. Please feel free to share this with your students. If you have any questions, please let me know.
College and Career Counselor Contact Info
College and Career Lab (In the Media)
Email: kkwiat@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: https://cchs.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Phone: 813-346-4423