College & Career Center Newsletter

Approximately 30% of the class of 2026 have completed their FAFSA. Have you? If you are planning on applying to colleges, trade programs or for scholarships, you will need to complete these applications.

• FAFSA is an application for federal financial aid for students with a social security number that plan on attending a college/university or trade program.
• ORSAA is an application for state financial aid for students without a social security number that plan on attending a college/university or trade program.
• The Oregon Promise Grant is state funding for students that plan to attend an Oregon community college.

Need help completing your FAFSA or ORSAA? Please attend one of these sessions from The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion for individualized help.

• 1/15/26- 4-5pm
• 1/28/26- 5-6pm
• 2/12/26- 4-5pm

OHSU's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Summer Internship Program provides opportunities for high school and early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferable skills and learn about various career paths in health care and disability.

Application opens December 1st

Applications closes January 12th

Learn More

Meet journalism professionals and get a behind-the-scenes look at the largest media company in Oregon. Explore how the pros use video, photography, and social media to tell stories. You will participate in hands-on learning, including a mock press conference.

Wednesday, December 10th

Learn more

Date: January 6th, 2026

Time: 3rd period

Where: SBHS Library

Are you interested in attending a high achieving college or university such as Yale? This coming January you have the opportunity to hear from a current Yale student. Please sign up in advance as space will be limited. https://forms.gle/BM9YFYD3M4zJMCDRA

"The Yale Ambassador Program seeks to connect with high school students, particularly those from public schools across the country, who may not have previously considered Yale University. As an ambassador, I am eager to engage with students, share insights into our academic and social environments, and provide information about Yale's financial aid policies."

Seniors, Thinking of applying to Southern Oregon University? A representative will be at Barlow on December 9th during 4th period in the library. If you apply during this visit, your $60 application fee will be waived. Click on the photo for more information about SOU. Please keep in mind that you are not committing to attend by applying.

Please sign up here for the workshop: https://forms.gle/aaSXchGRnWEEWuUs8

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship (seniors) - Due Jan 15

Equitable Excellence Scholarship (seniors)-due Dec. 18

Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship (seniors-trade programs)-Due Dec 31

Around the Corner Scholarship (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) due Dec. 31 and June 30

APIA Scholarship (seniors) Due January 15

Rose Festival Court (junior or senior) due Jan 20

Bezos Scholars (juniors) due Jan. 15

Alexander Hamilton Scholars (juniors) due TBD

Sister Adele / CASA Scholarship for Oregon Farmworker Families due TBD

Al Forthan Scholarship (seniors) due Feb 2

McDonalds Hacer Scholarship (Hispanic heritage/senior) due Feb. 17

Bruin Pride Scholarship (seniors) due Feb 6

Daniel Paul Memorial Scholarship (senior athletes)-due TBA

Ford Family Foundation Scholarship (seniors)-due March 2

PCC Future Connect-(seniors) due March 1

OSAC Scholarship (seniors)-due March 2 (Early bird deadline: Feb 17)

Gresham Rotary MHCC Scholarship-(seniors) TBD

Diversity in Leadership in Oregon Scholarship (seniors) due March 2

Jiffy Lube What Drives You Scholarship (grades 9,10,11,12) due March 9

Horatio Alger Scholarship (juniors) due March 1

Don't forget to visit Oregon Goes To College's scholarship list .

Keep track of your scholarships here.

The OSAC Scholarship is one application that includes more than 600 scholarships. The Scholarship Application includes student contact and background questions, college plans, transcripts, activities chart, and personal statements. Click on the photo to access the application and website.

Want more information? Join The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion for one of the following webinar info sessions.

• 1/6/26- 12-1pm
• 1/22/26- 5-6pm
• 2/17/26- 3-4pm
• 2/25/26- 4-5pm
  
  

Deadlines: Early bird 2/17, regular 3/2

The Al Forthan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an Oregon high school senior from a family affected by alcohol or drug addiction. Affected by addiction means you have been raised by a parent or guardian who has experienced addiction or you have abused alcohol or drugs and are now pursuing recovery. One $10,000 scholarship will be awarded in 2026. It will be allocated in $2,500 installments over four years. To be eligible for the $10,000 scholarship you will need to include in your application a one page (maximum) letter of support from a teacher, coach, school counselor, adult mentor, pastor, etc. describing your character and why they recommend you for this scholarship.

Scholarship awards are based on the students’ response to each of six questions or statements.

Please, please, please report any scholarship offers to Tia Molony in the College and Career Center or by email @

molony5@gresham.k12.or.us. Thank you!

Just a reminder...please try to give two weeks notice when asking a teacher, counselor, anyone for a letter of recommendation. You will also want to provide an activity chart or resume and transcript to help your recommender write the best letter possible for you. If you need a letter sooner, you should ask the teacher in person and explain your situation.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when requesting. Letter of Recommendation

Check out this video and article from Get Schooled for help.

Midge Collins (she/her) - Career Coordinator

collins53@gresham.k12.or.us 503-258-4885

Tia Molony (she/her) - College Coordinator

molony5@gresham.k12.or.us 503-258-4890