College, Career, Military Readiness

Discover the latest updates, resources, and opportunities in Volume III of the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year, South Texas ISD!

College, Career, Military Readiness (CCMR) Newsletters are full of information, resources, tips and strategies to help our students be successful both in and out of the classroom. We welcome our entire South Texas ISD community to read below to help support and guide our students as they prepare to be CCMR and Life ready!

College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) is an initiative introduced by the state of Texas to ensure students are well-prepared for success after high school. The program emphasizes the development of essential skills and knowledge required for college education, career readiness, and military service. It focuses on providing students with comprehensive guidance, support, and resources to explore a wide range of post-secondary pathways.

Students and parents will be able to find important information regarding graduation guidelines, CTE programs of study, IBC's, Testing requirements, scholarships, college applications and much more!

Business Management Program

At STISD you will prepare to become a leader in the business world! This program builds skills in management, organization, and technology, equipping students for careers in corporate and entrepreneurial settings.

Certifications Earned:
✅ Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert
✅ Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert

Course Progression:
📌 Year 1: Business Information Management I
📌 Year 2: Business Information Management II
📌 Year 3: Business Management
📌 Year 4: Practicum in Business Management or Career Preparation I

Marketing & Sales Program

Step into the exciting world of marketing and entrepreneurship at STISD! Learn how to promote, sell, and manage brands while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Certifications Earned:
✅ Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Course Progression:
📌 Year 1: Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance OR Marketing
📌 Year 2: Virtual Business Marketing & Sports & Entertainment Marketing
📌 Year 3: Social Media Marketing & Sports & Entertainment Marketing II
📌 Year 4: Practicum in Marketing OR Practicum in Entrepreneurship

The University of Texas Austin – McCombs School of Business:

https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/undergraduate-programs/bba/admissions-and-cost/

University of Houston – C.T. Bauer College of Business

https://www.bauer.uh.edu/undergraduate/future-students/high-school/requirements.php

Texas State University - McCoy College of Business

https://www.admissions.txst.edu/future-students/additional-program-requirements.html

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley- Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship

https://www.utrgv.edu/rcvcobe/

1. Marketing Manager

• Median Annual Salary: $140,040
• Job Growth Rate (2022-2032): 6% (Faster than average)
• Description: Develops strategies to promote products or services, oversees marketing campaigns, and manages teams.

2. Business Operations Manager

• Median Annual Salary: $98,100
• Job Growth Rate (2022-2032): 7% (Faster than average)
• Description: Plans, directs, and coordinates an organization’s business operations to improve efficiency and productivity.

3. Social Media Specialist

• Median Annual Salary: $62,810
• Job Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8% (Faster than average)
• Description: Manages social media campaigns, creates digital content, and analyzes online engagement trends to enhance brand visibility.

To access EOC scores: https://www.texasassessment.gov/

• Click on "How do I look up my access code?" (attached image)

• TSDS ID or PEIMS ID number can be found on student's transcript. Social Security number can also be used.

To access TSI scores: https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/#/studentisr

• Steps to access scores:https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/accuplacer/pdf/how-access-test-scores-from-student-portal.pdf

To access ACT scores: https://my.act.org/account/signin?location=https://my.act.org

To access SAT scores: https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home

With ACT and SAT links, students need to create/access their portal using their own credentials. If student cannot access their portal, they will need to call customer support.

How do I find scholarships?

You can discover scholarship opportunities by reaching out to the financial aid office at your chosen school, visiting your local library, or searching online. Just be cautious—ensure that any scholarship offers are legitimate, and remember that you shouldn't have to pay for scholarship or financial aid information. For tips on avoiding scams, check this link. avoid scams.

Try these free sources of information about scholarships:

• the financial aid office at a college or career school

• a high school or TRIO counselor

• the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool

• federal agencies

• your state grant agency

• your library’s reference section

• foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups

• organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest

• ethnicity-based organizations

• your employer or your parents’ employers

All applicants are required to meet the following criteria before applying for our scholarship:

• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.
• Be a permanent resident (5 or more consecutive years) of and have a permanent South or West Texas address in one of our 30 counties.
• Have earned/completed at least 12 undergraduate credit hours at a U.S. accredited college or university before applying for the scholarship (Dual and Advanced Placement credits accepted.).
• Have a minimum college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
• Have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to the Fall of the new academic year.
• Are enrolled in a U.S. accredited 2 yr. community college (enrolled part-time or full-time) in a degree-seeking program, or a 4yr. university undergraduate program (enrolled full-time) seeking a Bachelor’s Degree, or a university graduate program (enrolled full-time) seeking a Master’s, Law or Doctorate degree

Traditional VAMOS Scholarship

APPLICATION OPENS – December 1, 2024

Requirements:

• Scholarship application
• High School Senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county
• An official high school transcript with grade point average (GPA), class rank, and class size
• U.S citizen or permanent resident
• Must be of Hispanic heritage
• Student’s resume
• SAT/ACT scores
• Parent’s income tax return (include tax return used to apply for FAFSA (please redact SSNs)
• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Financial aid award letter
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, principals, or other school professional staff
• Applicant must be eligible for Pell Grant eligible
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited, public, or private two-year college or four-year university in the Fall 2025 Semester
• A 600-word essay, please include the following:
  • Personal statement
  • What are your academic and career goals?
  • Why do you believe obtaining a degree in higher education is necessary?
  • Did you experience any obstacles or exceptional/difficult circumstances that inspired you to pursue a post-secondary education?
  • Closing statement

This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, or until graduation (whichever comes first). Students selected may receive up to $20,000.

Submit your scholarship application online and mail required items/documents by the deadline noted below to: VAMOS Scholarship Committee, 800 N. Main St., Suite 410, McAllen, TX 78501

DEADLINE TO APPLY – April 3, 2025 by 5PM.

HSF/VAMOS Scholarship

APPLICATION OPENS – January 15, 2025

Requirements:

• High school senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam
• Must be Pell Grant eligible

Selected students attending the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley will receive $3,000 per year, for four years ($12,000 total). All other selected students attending other institutions will receive $5,000 per year, for four years ($20,000 total).

DEADLINE TO APPLY – February 22, 2025 by 5PM

Unique Scholarships

Quest for Excellence Awards

Quest for Excellence Awards, offered through the College Prep Scholars Program, give additional resources and opportunities to highly qualified high school juniors with a range of specialized interests. Awards are designed to help you become a stronger applicant to the nation’s top colleges and universities.

Quest for Excellence Awardees receive $1,000 for:

• A new laptop

• Travel costs to QuestBridge college partners

• Resources to enhance your college application (online courses, test prep, test registration fees, etc.) …and more!

College Prep Scholars are notified in April, and those selected as Quest for Excellence Award Recipients will be be notified in late June.

Who should apply

• Academically outstanding high school juniors who demonstrate strength in character and motivation to succeed.

• Students from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members).

• Students with special skills and interests, or who reside in certain geographic areas. Specific categories and awards offered may vary year-to-year.

How to apply

• Start a free College Prep Scholars Program application.

• On the Awards form, select the categories that you are eligible for and interested in, and complete the corresponding short essays.

• Complete and submit the College Prep Scholars Program application and the Awards form by their deadlines

Becoming a Resilient, Goal-Focused Student

Life as a student comes with challenges, but developing resilience and staying focused on your goals can help you navigate obstacles and achieve success. Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks, staying motivated, and pushing forward even when things get tough. By building strong habits, setting clear goals, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can develop the strength needed to overcome challenges and reach your full potential.

Key Ways to Build Resilience and Stay Goal-Focused:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve and break it down into small, manageable steps.
• Stay Positive: Develop a growth mindset by seeing failures as learning experiences rather than setbacks.
• Build Healthy Habits: Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body strong.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to stay calm under pressure.
• Stay Organized: Use planners or apps to track tasks and deadlines, keeping you on top of your responsibilities.
• Surround Yourself with Support: Build a strong network of friends, family, mentors, and teachers who encourage you.
• Learn to Adapt: Be open to change and flexible when things don’t go as planned.
• Practice Self-Discipline: Stay committed to your goals even when motivation fades. Consistency is key.
• Seek Help When Needed: Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from trusted adults, counselors, or mentors.

By embracing resilience and staying focused on your goals, you’ll develop the confidence and strength needed to face any challenge and create a successful future.

Supporting Your Child in Setting and Achieving Goals

As a parent, you play a vital role in guiding your child toward success by helping them set meaningful goals and stay on track to accomplish them. Your support, encouragement, and involvement can make a significant difference in their motivation and ability to overcome obstacles. By fostering a goal-oriented mindset, you can empower your child to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic that will benefit them throughout their life.

Ways Parents Can Help Their Child Set and Achieve Goals:

• Encourage Goal-Setting: Help your child define clear, realistic, and achievable goals based on their interests and strengths.
• Break Goals into Steps: Teach them to break big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more achievable.
• Model Goal-Setting Behavior: Show them the importance of goal-setting by sharing your own goals and how you work toward them.
• Provide a Structured Environment: Create a supportive and organized space where they can focus on their goals without distractions.
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and reward their achievements, no matter how small, to keep them motivated.
• Teach Time Management: Help them develop a schedule or use tools like planners and apps to stay on track.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Reinforce the idea that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning and growth.
• Offer Emotional Support: Be their cheerleader, offering encouragement and reassurance when they face challenges.
• Promote Independence: Allow them to take responsibility for their goals while providing guidance when needed.
• Stay Involved: Regularly check in on their progress, offer support, and help them adjust their plans if necessary.

By being a positive and engaged supporter, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence they need to set goals, stay committed, and achieve their dreams.

District Website: www.stisd.net

Facebook: www.stisd.net/about/cte