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College & Career Readiness in D128

August '25 Newsletter

College & Career Readiness in D128 August '25 Newsletter
College & CareerReadiness in D128August '25 Newsletter

A monthly update of events, opportunities, and resources to support all D128 students in exploring multiple paths.

Coming Up... Coming Up...

  • Aug. 28: Check out our booth at each school's open house.


  • Sept. 4: NCAA Eligibility Overview (flyer)- hosted by Lake Zurich High School (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)


  • Sept. 9: D128 Financial Aid Overview webinar (6:00 PM)
    • Families and students, register here


  • Sept. 30: College & Career Trek to College of Lake County (flyer)- Tour CLC to learn about programs and dual credit opportunities (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM).
    • Student sign-up


  • Oct. 7: Choices (website)- A college planning event for students with IEPs and 504 plans.


  • Oct. 9: DARING Day - A career fair & post-high school exploration day for sophomores.
    • Community partners and local professionals sign-up to attend


  • Oct. 9-13: DARING College & Culture Ed Tour (email/flyer) - Take an ed tour to the east coast to visit universities and national landmarks.
    • Student sign-up


  • Oct. 22: College & Career Trek to Navig8 Lake (website/flyer )- Attend a county-wide career fair featuring businesses from across the county (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM).
    • Student sign-up



  • Oct. 30: Lake County Building & Construction Trades Fair (flyer) - Explore careers in union trade areas and more! Registration information will be coming soon.



  • Nov. 6: College & Career Trek to Veterinary Specialty Center (flyer) - Visit a local business partner to learn about career opportunities (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM).
    • Student sign-up

Searching for colleges, trade schools, and more in SchooLinks! Searching for colleges, trade schools, and more in SchooLinks!

Log into SchooLinks > Click on "College" > Click on "School Search"
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Seniors and graduating students are using SchooLinks and the Common App to complete applications for post-high school institutions, including two- to four-year schools, trade schools, and more.


To start searching for schools, log into SchooLinks > Click on "College" > Click on "School Search."

  • Students, log in to SchooLinks via ClassLink
  • Families, log in to SchooLinks via these directions


Use the search bar, filters, and map to find relevant programs, degrees, and certificates!

Featured Partner & Pathway Featured Partner & Pathway

Speaker in front of a class
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Information Technology

John Marta – Principal & Senior IT Architect at GO Technology Group: Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity


What is your experience in your career pathway?

John Marta is the founder of GO Technology Group, a company specializing in managed IT services and cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. After high school, John planned to go to medical school but discovered a passion for technology while living in Tampa, FL. He noticed similarities between medicine and technology—both involve solving complex problems and helping people. Starting as a technical trainer, John later became a technician, earned a master’s degree in Information Technology, and advanced to a leadership role as IT Director at Mitsubishi Electric. At 35, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded GO Technology Group, combining his skills as a technology specialist with his desire to make a difference.

Why might students be interested in pursuing your career pathway?

Technology is a fast-growing and exciting industry with plenty of opportunities to make a real impact. Careers in managed IT services expose you to a wide range of technology challenges, helping you develop versatile skills while assisting businesses and communities. Whether it’s solving cybersecurity problems or managing IT systems, this field offers flexibility and growth. The non-traditional pathways into tech mean you don’t need to follow a set route—you can shape your journey based on your interests and strengths.

What advice do you have for students pursuing this career pathway?

If you’re unsure about your future, start by thinking about how you can help people through technology. Build a strong foundation by learning about networks, security, and problem-solving. Earning basic certifications, like CompTIA or Google IT Support, can open doors to entry-level roles in managed IT services, where you’ll gain hands-on experience with different technologies. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all path in tech. This field offers flexibility, and you can carve out a career that matches your passion while preparing for a future full of opportunities.


Students, are you interested in learning more about this career pathway?

Login to SchooLinks (through ClassLink), navigate to the Careers tab on the left, click on “Career Center,” and search “__” You’ll see:

  • A Day in the Life

  • Career Comparisons & Outlook

  • Required Education & Training

  • FAQs


Professionals

Interested in becoming a featured partner? Complete this form if you would like to be our next feature in the months to come.

Helpful Links Helpful Links

LHS - College & Career Resource Center (CRC)

  • August Alerts Newsletter - sent to seniors and senior families
  • Back To School Newsletter

  • Google Classroom codes - junior and senior CRC pages - updated frequently

  • Senior Class Meeting Slides (Aug. 19)

  • Rep Visit Schedule

  • Rep Visit Sign Up Directions

  • Where The Wildcats Go - Class of 2025

VHHS - College & Career Resource Center (CRC)

  • August CRC Connection Newsletter (contains our Remind and Classroom Join Codes)
  • 2025 - 2026 VHHS CRC Program Calendar

  • VHHS CRC September Events


  • 2025-26 VHHS CRC College/Military Visit Details

  • VHHS College Visit Registration Process

  • Where The Cougars Go - Class of 2025

D128 Career Pathway Guides
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D128 General Resources

  • College & Career Readiness Resources Website
  • Follow us on Instagram!


Contact us!


Kassandra Vasquez, Community Partnership Administrative Assistant: kassandra.vasquez@d128.org

Ben Rodriguez, Director of College and Career Readiness: benjamin.rodriguez@d128.org

Kassandra Vasquez
Kassandra is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
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