Connections Newsletter

In December, Sophomores spent time in world history class and will soon spend time in AP European history to consider a new way to think about career exploration. Choosing a specific job title does not take into account the options students might not know about or the reality that job titles and tasks are constantly changing over time. Thinking about challenges allows them to see opportunities beyond specific job titles. Challenges are a great way to answer the stress-inducing (yet well-meaning) question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” In other words, for example, I have not exactly chosen a specific career, but I know I want to help people reach their potential, prepare future leaders, and communicate ideas and emotions. Please talk with your sophomore about the challenge cards they chose to consider. We will have one more time in the classroom together for 4-year planning to prepare for course registration as they head toward their junior year!

Sophomores recently participated in a value sort activity and recorded their results in a survey in Naviance. Identifying what we value most in our work, relationships, and other commitments helps us better explore potential post-secondary career pathways. Part of self-awareness and self-discovery is knowing what matters most to you. You can complete a similar value sort activity here. Students also completed the personality inventory in Naviance. AchieveWorks Personality® helps you identify your personality type by asking you to choose scenarios that best represent how you behave in real life.

Upcoming Events in Connections

· January 22, 8:40: Career Talk – Occupational Therapist, Carrie Criswell

· January 27, 9:35: Fort Hays State University

· January 29, 12:20: Career Talk – Engineering, Derek & Ryan Phipps

In the Community

· March 7, 9:00: RMACAC College Fair, Pine Creek High School

· March 9, 1:00: RMACAC College Fair, Cherokee Trail High School, Denver

Scholarships play an important role in paying for college. There are many scholarships available for merit, leadership, community service, academics, athletics, many fields of study, and for students who demonstrate financial need. HERE are some scholarship resources for juniors and seniors along with tips for winning college scholarships.

HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) is a nationally recognized leadership program that empowers high school students to develop their leadership skills, discover their strengths, and learn how to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. The seminar includes interactive workshops, group discussions, and hands-on activities led by trained volunteers and community leaders. This year’s seminar will be held at the University of Denver, June 18-21, and the cost for the week is $425 to attend. For more information about HOBY Colorado, please visit the website: https://www.hobycolorado.org/. If you would like to be nominated, please see Mrs. Dahl in Connections.

Mountain View Electric Association Scholarship applications are due by February 28. Applicants’ parents or legal guardians must be currently receiving electric service from MVEA. There are a variety of scholarships available, and eligibility requirements are available on the MVEA website.

The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program offers need-based scholarships to juniors and seniors up to $50,000. Juniors apply by March 1. Seniors apply by February 15. Career and Technical Scholarship applications are accepted March 15-June 15.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Call to Action Scholarship is February 20, 2026. This needs-based program is open to current high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA who are residents of AZ, CO, ID, IA, NV, or UT and plan to enroll full-time at a public college/university in fall 2026. Through the Call to Action Scholarship Program, the Foundation awards need-based scholarships to fund the in-state, full cost of attendance (up to $25K per year) at non-profit, public universities and colleges in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, and Utah. Open this 2026-27 Call to Action Scholarship Program Flyer to review eligibility and criteria.

The Colorado Garden Foundation is accepting applications through March 15 for its full-ride scholarship. Colorado Garden Foundation scholarship program awards financial aid to students in the following fields of study: agricultural business, agricultural education, horticulture, floriculture, landscape architecture, botany, plant biology, plant pathology/science, nursery and landscape management, environmental horticulture, and agronomy.

The Kinnikinnik Chapter Scholarship from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is accepting applications through March 20 from eligible Pikes Peak area graduating high school seniors for a merit-based $1500 scholarship.

Student Insights is accepting applications for the Student-View Scholarship through April 23.

Positive Athlete is now accepting nominations of high-character high school student-athletes (any sport that is school-sanctioned or club) who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and service. Any adult (athletic director, coach, teacher, guidance counselor, parent) may nominate. All nominees receive free, lifelong access to character, leadership, and career development resources, and are immediately eligible for all applicable Positive Athlete recognition and scholarships.

Katina Dahl: 9th/10th grade college/career readiness, AP, PSAT/NMSQT

Amanda Tagtow: 10th/11th mental health and academic support

Kenneth Schell: 9th/12th mental health and academic support

Jodi Hoffman: Office Manager, College & Career Visits, Community Service

Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104