College & Career Newsletter

This page will be updated frequently. Please be sure to visit often.

Take the next step toward your future by attending one of Pasco-Hernando State College's FAFSA Nights! High school seniors and adults in the community can receive one-on-one assistance from financial aid advisors while completing the FAFSA. Students planning to attend PHSC will also have the opportunity to complete their admissions application during the event.

Events will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM at the following campuses:

• Spring Hill Campus: November 5, 2026
• Porter Campus: November 10, 2026
• East Campus: November 12, 2026
• North Campus: November 16, 2026

Don't miss this free opportunity to get expert guidance, complete important college and financial aid applications, and start your college journey with confidence. Register for the campus location most convenient for you!

Looking for an affordable path to college? St. Petersburg College (SPC) is hosting its Debt-Free Degree Night, an opportunity for students, families, and community members to learn how to earn a college degree while minimizing student debt.

This is a great opportunity for students who are still exploring their postsecondary options or need help taking the next step toward college. SPC staff are also available at FAFSA Nights and are happy to assist students and families throughout the process.

🔗 Learn more and view upcoming event dates: now.spc.edu/debt-free-degree-night

Seniors are invited to attend our College Essay Workshops to get expert guidance on brainstorming, drafting, and refining their college application essays. Whether you're just getting started or putting the finishing touches on your essay, drop in for support and feedback.

📅 Workshop Dates: November 12 and December 9
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Ms. Krook's Room (3-225)

No registration is required. Just stop by and take the next step toward a strong college application!

Drop in and let us help your story shine! ✨

Interested in learning more about college life at Saint Leo University? Join Saint Leo University's Open House on Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors can tour the campus, Abbey Church, and Wellness Center, explore academic programs and student resources, and connect with admissions counselors to learn about applications, financial aid, and next steps. Attendees can also experience campus spirit by watching the women's basketball game at 1:00 p.m. or the men's basketball game at 7:00 p.m. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. 🦁🎓

December 7th at 6pm in Media Center

RSVP Recommended - Click Here

Postsecondary Education Readiness Test

High school students may use the PERT to assess their college readiness dual enrollment eligibility. The PERT consists of subtests covering reading, writing, and mathematics..

January 13th @ 8am in Media Center

Students must apply to PHSC prior to registering for the PERT. Limited Capacity.

PHSC Application - Click Here

PERT Registration - Click Here

The ASVAB Test measures aptitude and acquired skills which can be used to help predict future academic and occupational success.

10th, 11th, and 12th Graders ONLY.

Wednesday, February 17th

7:15 am

RRHS Media Center

Click Here to Register

Eagle Scouts are encouraged to apply for the American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, citizenship, community service, and Scouting achievement. The national winner receives a $10,000 scholarship, with three additional $2,500 runner-up scholarships awarded annually. Eligible students must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, received a Scouts BSA or Venturer Religious Emblem, and be currently enrolled in high school. Applications must be submitted through your state American Legion department. For application details and requirements, review the attachment below.

Looking for volunteer hours? Help support a community event on November 13-15 and earn service hours while giving back!

Volunteer duties may include: Parking assistance, Food line runner, Beverage refills, Table cleaning and restocking, Garbage collection. Floor cleanup and general event support. A meal is provided for every shift worked.

Available Shifts:

• Friday: 2:00-7:00 PM or 5:00-11:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, 1:00-6:00 PM, or 5:00-11:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM or 1:00-7:00 PM

Sign Up Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZiGoA_7jJx3Fvz1FqpbQr2veHB1kt13gzK_VPcipSYzP_8g/viewform

Students should check in at the office upon arrival and ask for Patricia, Stanley, or Keke. Volunteer hours can be approved by Keke or Stanley. If interested, please sign up using the provided volunteer link and include your school name next to your first name (example: Keke RRHS). Please select your preferred shifts and notify organizers by November 12 if you plan to participate.

Questions? Contact Keke at 727-514-3754.

It takes a village to make this event a success, and your help is greatly appreciated! 🌟

Become a RAISE Tutor and help elementary students improve their reading skills while earning service hours toward Bright Futures!

Highlights:

• Open to 11th and 12th grade students
• Earn Bright Futures volunteer service hours
• Tutor K-3 students at select Pasco County elementary schools
• Gain valuable leadership and mentoring experience
• Complete 75+ volunteer hours and be recognized as a New Worlds Scholar
• Must have a 3.0+ GPA, be on track to graduate, and have reliable transportation
• Training is provided

How to Apply:

• Complete the district volunteer application
• Submit the RAISE Tutor application

Common Volunteer Opportunities:

• Pasco County Library
• HCA Florida - Trinity Hospital
• Habitat for Humanity
• Pasco County Animal Services
• Teen Court Pasco
• Metropolitan Ministries
• HPH Hospice Volunteer
• GFWC Nature Coast Woman's Club - Contact Barbara Karnay at bkarnay@gmail.com
• Starkey Ranch Library Teen Advisory Board - Contact Christy Jones, Librarian at Starkey Ranch, cjones@pascolibraries.org

Students who earn the AP Capstone Diploma and meet basic eligibility requirements can now qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award—without needing an SAT or ACT score! Contact Ms. LaRoue or your grade level counselor on how to take advantage of this opportunity next school year.

From Bright Futures Handbook:

The Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma designation shall consist of earning a score of three or higher on six Advanced Placement Examinations, which must include Advanced Placement Seminar, Advanced Placement Research, and:

• For students that began high school before the 2025-2026 school year (2026, 2027, and 2028 graduates), score a three or higher on any four additional AP Exams of their choosing. OR
• For student’s that began high school during the 2025-2026 school year (2029 graduates) and thereafter, score a three or higher on three Advanced Placement Examinations that satisfy the HS graduation requirements of section 1003.4282(3)(a)-(d), Florida Statutes, (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science) and one Advanced Placement Examination in a subject of the student’s choice.

SAT Website: The link will guide you through creating an account, scheduling a testing date, and provide resources for testing preparation.

About the Digital SAT:

• It is adaptative. Both Reading and Math Sections have two stages:
• The first stage contains a mix of difficulty.
• The second stage has a difficulty determined by the performance of the first stage.
• If taking at RRHS, we will have computers available for use for RRHS students.
• Testing tickets are not required for SAT admission, only Photo ID.
• There is a calculator on the computer, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
• Phones and bags won't be allowed in the room, leave anything at home or in the car you do not need. Not hats or hoods allowed. Water bottles and snacks allowed under desk to be eaten only during breaks.

Click Here for what to Expect on Test Day

Click Here for what to Bring and Do on Test Day

Requesting Accommodations - Click Here for Information

RRHS SSD Coordinator: Michelle McKone

Fee Waivers: Some students are eligible for fee waivers for both tests.
Visit satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/fee-waivers

• Step 1: Request - After confirming eligibility, student completes the SAT Fee Waiver Request form at least 1–2 weeks before the registration deadline.
• Step 2: Review - College Board reviews student request.
• Step 3: Decision - Student receives email indicating if request has been approved.
• Step 4: Next Steps

• If approved, benefits automatically appear in student’s My SAT account.
• If denied, the student can contact College Board to be reconsidered, or they can request a fee waiver code from their counselor.

Teacher Recommended Resources:

**Via the CollegeBoard Website - Take the Practice Tests. That will link to Khan Academy and help you where you need support!**

SAT Digital - More Information

SAT Prep Website Resources

The Official Digital SAT Study Guide (Official Digital Study Guide)

Barron Flashcards on Amazon (SAT)

Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep

The link below will guide you through creating an account, scheduling a testing date, and provide resources for testing preparation.

ACT Website

What to Expect on Test Day & What to Bring With You

Requesting Accommodations - Click Here for Information

School Official: Michelle McKone

Fee Waivers: Some students are eligible for fee waivers for both tests. Contact your grade level counselor to check availability and receive them if applicable. See the links below for full information.

ACT Waiver Information - Contact Your Counselor

Bright Futures: Starting with 2025-26 graduating class, the ACT® Science section is optional for Bright

Futures. The ACT® composite score will be calculated using the following policies:

• Students who have never taken the Science section will have three sections (English, Math, Reading) added together and divided by three.
• Students who have ACT® scores with Science reported will have two averages calculated (with and without Science), which will consist of:
• Four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) added together and divided by four, and
• Three sections (English, Math, Reading) added together and divided by three.

Note: The higher average of these two composite scores will be used for Bright Futures

evaluation purposes.

ACT My Answer Key: Allows students to purchase a copy of their ACT test questions, answers, and score conversion information after select national test dates. This resource helps students identify mistakes, focus on areas for improvement, and better prepare for future ACT exams. Eligible students can order the service during registration or within six months after their test date through their MyACT account.

Teacher Recommended Resources:

ACT Prep Website Resources

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2023-2024

Barron Flashcards on Amazon (ACT)

Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep

13 Free ACT Practice Tests

Prepare for the SAT/ACT at USF or virtually! Our high school program offers essential skills and strategies to boost scores and enhance college applications.

• Develop skills necessary to maximize your score
• Math and Verbal Skills
• Examples of typical exam questions.
• 16-hour course in-person or online
• Various dates and times to accommodate all schedules

Click Here for More Information and to Register: www.usf.edu/yxp

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program includes a validated aptitude test and interest assessment. The results are used to guide career exploration using our career planning tools. To figure out where to find career satisfaction, you need all the facts about your skills and interests, the world of work, and your post-secondary options to make informed decisions.

After you take your initial ASVAB, you must wait one calendar month to retake the test. You must wait an additional calendar month to retest a second time. After that, you must wait six calendar months to retake the ASVAB. Your scores may be used for enlistment for up to two years from the date of testing.

The purpose of Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) is to adequately assess your academic skills in mathematics, reading and writing through the delivery of three assessments, one for each of these areas. The results of these assessments are used to determine your placement into appropriate courses at your college.

Test Information:

• The PERT is a computer adaptive test.
• Has three sections: Reading, Writing, and Math
• Total of 30 questions per subtest.
• The PERT is untimed; however the average time to complete reading is 60 minutes, writing is 30 minutes, and math is 30 minutes.
• Scores range from 50-150

You can take the PERT offered at PHSC or during a school day opportunity.

Click Here to Register at PHSC

Review the image for a quick snapshot of Bright Futures requirements.

Florida Academic Scholar (FAS): 100% Tuition

Florida Medallion Scholar (FMS): 75% Tuition

Gold Seal Vocational (GSV): Certification Program / Associates of Science

Please visit for more information: https://www.floridabrightfutures.gov/

Attached is the Florida State University System (SUS) Admissions Matrix, which provides a snapshot of the average GPA and test score ranges for students admitted to Florida's 12 public universities. This resource can help students and families better understand admission trends, assess competitiveness, and build a balanced college list. Please note that these numbers are averages and admission decisions are based on many factors beyond GPA and test scores. Use this as a guide while exploring postsecondary options and planning your applications.

• Apply via specific school websites or use the CommonApp portal
• https://www.commonapp.org/
• Deadlines of universities are in the attached picture
• STARS - Self-Reported Transcripts
• Many universities require you self report your transcript through this system. Create an account and follow the directions (some have their own version, follow directions on their application)
• https://ssar.selfreportedtranscript.com/
  
• SAT/ACT/AP Scores - Send universities your test scores
  
• Scores are sent directly through the CollegeBoard and ACT websites to the school. You must go in and make sure they sent.
• Each university will have a final date of the SAT/ACT score they will accept. Bright Futures gives you the remainder of the school year and the summer to get the needed score. So it's not too late!

QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with a thriving community and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel them to lives of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose. From our founding over 30 years ago, QuestBridge has always been an organization focused on creating opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds, regardless of race, geography, or academic interest.

Current 12th Graders: National College Match (Due October 1st)

Current 11th Graders: College Prep Scholars Program

Click Here for More Information

Brochures and more information can be found in the Guidance Office.

On Campus Application Days will be scheduled and advertised.

• Interactive assessments help students understand their interests, skills, values, personality types and learning styles, and help match students to related careers.
• Students then explore career portfolios, containing state and regional labor market data, and interviews with people working in these fields. This information helps students discover high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers.

For Families:

Xello is an online program being used in K-12 classrooms across Florida to help students identify

interests and prepare for success after high school. As parents, we know our children’s strengths and weaknesses, but don’t always know all the career possibilities that would be a strong match. Through a fun and comprehensive questionnaire, Xello will match your child to several potential careers and suggest educational pathways to attain them.

• Ensure your hours are properly documented and check the accumulated number. Go to myStudent, go to the left-hand menu, scroll, and click on "Graduation."
• Forms must be turned in to Guidance's front desk.
• Volunteer Hours:
  • Each organization you work with must have a proposal form submitted (unless working directly through NHS or Interact)
  • Logs must be for individual organizations. If you volunteer multiple places, each one needs to have it's own log when you submit hours.
• Paid Work Hours:
  • Print out timecards, timestamps, or paystub that shows dates and time worked.
  • Fill out Verification Form and attach it to the top
• Reminder: This is not a standard diploma graduation requirement. Will be included on transcripts for colleges, scholarships, bright futures, etc.

Student Tutors will work to support students in grades K-3 with their reading skills at select elementary schools throughout Pasco County.

Earn a paycheck, volunteer hours towards Bright Futures, and a course grade by working as a BCE RAISE Tutor in Pasco County elementary schools. Students will also be recognized for their efforts at the end of the year as a New Worlds Scholar for completing at least 75 hours

Students can apply through the Pasco County Schools Jobs page found here.

Our Youth Paid Work Experience Program helps young adults earn money, gain real work experience, and build valuable skills—fast!

Participants can earn up to $20/hour while working up to 30 hours per week for 6–8 weeks. The program also includes free training and certifications, plus support with work clothing, transportation, and more. Many participants transition into full‑time employment!

How it works:

1. Apply online (quick & easy)
2. Meet with our team
3. Start training and get placed
4. Get paid while you build experience
5. Begin working in as little as 1–2 weeks

You may qualify if you:

• Are 17–24 years old
• Live in Pasco or Hernando County
• Are not currently enrolled in school
• Are looking for a job or career pathway

Spots are limited—apply today:
➡️ https://form.jotform.com/260574744277163

For questions, contact: New Port Richey: (727) 484‑3400

Marchman Technical College provides education and training needed to reach students’ academic and professional goals. MTC currently offers 13 technical training programs. Also offers several Adult Education Programs including GED, ESOL, and Adults With Disabilities.