PANTHER FUTURE CENTER NEWSLETTER

A specialist from RCC will be here on Friday, April 3 during 6th period to share information about all of their apprenticeship programs. Students will hear what steps they can take now to prepare for this high-demand, high-wage career path. This is open to all grades!

The Medford School District has begun a mentorship program for high school girls who are interested in careers in the trades. We have a fantastic group of women from the community who come to the schools to meet with girls and share what it's like to have careers in trade fields like construction, automotive, plumbing, welding, HVAC and more. These important connections can help our students decide if these careers are a good fit for them and provide support as they prepare. This is open to all grades!

Our next meeting is Monday April 6 during 5th period. The topic is Resources and Tools for Success. We will also be holding mock interviews. We will add more meetings each month.

RCC will be at South twice in April to help students apply to RCC and do the placement process. Doing it correctly the first time will set you up for success later! This is perfect for seniors heading to RCC next fall, and any freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in taking RCC class as part of our Early College program (reach out to Stacy at stacy.carle@medford.k12.or.us for more information).

A specialist from KCC will be here on Monday April 13 during 3rd period to share information about all of their apprenticeship programs. Students will hear what steps they can take now to prepare for this high-demand, high-wage career path. This is open to all grades!

The purpose of this scholarship is to support and promote vocational/technical educational opportunities for women.

The student must be qualified for admission to an accredited vocational/technical institution, or community college: An Oregon school is preferred but not required. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of determination, leadership, scholarship (2.5 average or higher), financial need, consistent attendance, community activities, work experience, and classes relevant in future educational career goals.

We often pick from women going to RCC for certificate programs or an AA. We have in the past selected women interested in EMT/paramedic, medical tech, beauty school, auto mechanics, therapy/personal training, pre-school education, and dental assisting.

Application-see the PFC for a paper or digital application. Applications must be emailed to stacy.carle@medford.k12.or.us by 4pm on Friday April 3.

If you missed the ECMC's Paying for College webinar, they have shared the link with us so you can use it as a financial aid resource. If you have any questions about the topics covered, please let us know!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone significant changes, and is now open for the 2026-27 school year (this is the correct form for our current seniors). This form allows students to see if they qualify for federal aid, federal loans, and aid from the state of Oregon. The Oregon Promise grant (free money for community colleges) also requires it.

Students and their contributors (see links below) need to create an FSA ID (username and password). If a parent already has an FSA ID, they do not need to create a new one.

Below are some helpful videos which explain the process and how to prepare to complete this important form. The PFC staff is happy to help students and families with this process.

The ORSAA is the alternative to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for undocumented students in Oregon, including students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. The ORSAA gives students access to state grants and scholarships.

By submitting the ORSAA - early, and each year you attend college - you can gain access to financial aid through the state of Oregon such as the Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise Grant*, and OSAC Scholarships*. You must meet eligibility criteria for each program. Financial aid helps you meet the costs of attending college. * You must complete additional applications for these opportunities by the deadline.

We are happy to help students complete this important financial aid document-please come see us in the Panther Future Center!

Would you like a kind, caring adult to help you with all of your college, scholarship and financial aid applications? How about working with someone who will text and remind you of all of the important deadlines and due dates? Then join Aspire and get your very own mentor! Pop into the PFC to get a permission slip and get started. Email stacy.carle@medford.k12.or.us with any questions.

TRiO is accepting applications for students in grades 9-11! TRIO is a great program to help you with your next step after high school. TRiO can help with college, career and academics. We offer free tutoring, field trips and so much more! If you are a First Generation College student and would like another person in your corner, scan the QR code and fill out the app today.

Questions about TRiO? Email Angel.garcia@medford.k12.or.us.

Make sure to accept your invitation to the PFC Canvas page and stay up to date on all the important information!

Our PFC website is full of vital information to help you get connected to college and career resources. Whether you are interested in college, a trade, the military, or the workforce, you will find what you need to help you get started!