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College & Career Update

September 22nd, 2026

College & CareerUpdateSeptember 22nd, 2026

In this update... In this update...

  • Future Center Events - September 21st - October 2nd
  • Southern Colorado College Fair 🎉
  • Colleges Visiting Palmer
  • Military Recruiter Visits
  • Colorado's Free College Application Days
  • College Admissions Webinar
  • Scholarships

Future Center Events Future Center Events

This Week in the Future Center - September 21st - 25th

Wednesday, September 23rd, 10:00am - Lincoln Tech Trade School Visit

Thursday, September 24th, 9:00am - Colorado State University Pueblo

Thursday, September 24th, During Lunch - U.S. Army Lunch Visit

Friday, September 25th, 10:00am - Match Application Workshop

Next Week in the Future Center - September 28th - October 2nd

Monday, September 28th, 9:45am - University of Puget Sound

Monday, September 28th, 5:30-7:30pm - Southern Colorado College Fair! 🎉

Tuesday, September 29th, 8:00am - Vanderbilt University

Tuesday, September 29th, 10:00am - Wesleyan University

Tuesday, September 29th, 10:30am - Reed College

Tuesday, September 29th, 12:00pm - Portland State University

Tuesday, September 29th, 2:00pm - George Washington University

Wednesday, September 30th, 12:00-3:00pm - Peak Ed Senior 1:1 Meetings

Thursday, October 1st, 8:00am - Willamette University

Thursday, October 1st - FAFSA & CASFA Application Opens

Friday, October 2nd - Selective College Conversation with Dartmouth Grad

Interested in attending an event?

Sign up from your SchooLinks dashboard under the Events tab to receive a pass invite!

✨ Southern Colorado College Fair ✨ ✨ Southern Colorado College Fair ✨

Exploring options after high school? Get answers to all your college questions at the 2026 Southern Colorado College Fair, Monday, September 28th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Coronado High School in the main gym. This is one of the largest college fairs in Colorado with over 100 colleges attending from Colorado and across the country. Meet directly with college admissions representatives to learn more about college admissions, college majors and programs, scholarships, financial aid and more. The fair is FREE and only happens once a year so don’t miss out!

Flyer for the 2026 Southern Colorado College Fair presented by Palmer High School. The flyer has a light blue background with orange sunburst graphics on the sides. Event details read: Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Coronado High School Gym, 1590 W. Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs, CO. A Palmer Terrors logo appears above a registration section with a QR code and the registration link bit.ly/registerSoCo26. Instructions say: “Select which type of attendee you are” and “Follow prompts to complete registration.” The bottom of the flyer states: “Speak to representatives from over 100 colleges!” and provides additional information at bit.ly/SoCoCollegeFair26.
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Participating Colleges
Register for the Southern Colorado College Fair

Colleges Visiting Palmer Colleges Visiting Palmer

Front entrance of a modern Lincoln Tech campus building with large glass windows, red and gray architectural accents, and a prominent “Lincoln Tech” sign above the main doors. A paved walkway leads to the entrance, with landscaped plants and accessible parking signs visible in front of the building. Bright daylight and a clear blue sky frame the exterior.
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Lincoln Tech

Denver, Colorado

Wednesday, September 23rd, 10:00am

A landscaped college campus plaza features a circular fountain with multiple water jets spraying into the air. Brick walkways and curved seating areas surround the fountain, while several people walk across the plaza and nearby lawn. Mature trees with green, yellow, and orange autumn foliage frame the scene, and campus buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky.
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Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, Colorado

Thursday, September 24th, 9:00am

An aerial view of a university campus featuring red-brick academic buildings, landscaped lawns, and a network of paved walkways surrounded by tall evergreen trees. In the distance, a residential neighborhood stretches toward breathtaking view of a snow-capped mountain rising above the horizon under a clear blue sky. The campus grounds appear well-maintained, with open green spaces and a scenic natural backdrop.
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University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, Washington

Monday, September 28th, 9:45am

A courtyard on a university campus is framed by a large stone archway, revealing historic red-brick Gothic-style buildings with decorative stone accents, arched windows, and a tall central tower rising in the background. A paved walkway leads through the courtyard and passes beneath another archway at ground level. Landscaped garden beds, small trees, and seating areas line the open space, creating a traditional collegiate setting under an overcast sky.
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Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Tuesday, September 29th, 8:00am

A tree-lined university campus walkway stretches between historic and modern academic buildings. Benches and landscaped green spaces border the paved path, while two pedestrians walk toward a large red-brick building in the distance. Vibrant autumn foliage in shades of green, yellow, orange, and red frames the scene, with sunlight casting shadows across the path on a clear day.
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Wesleyan University

Middletown, Connecticut

Tuesday, September 29th, 10:00am

A historic red-brick academic building with Gothic-inspired architectural details stands behind a large green lawn on a college campus. The building features ornate stone trim, tall multi-pane windows, decorative bay windows, and a central entrance illuminated by traditional lantern-style lights. Several students walk along paved pathways that cross the lawn, while mature trees and landscaped shrubs frame the scene. The image is taken during autumn, with colorful foliage and soft evening light creating a welcoming campus atmosphere.
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Reed College

Portland, Oregon

Tuesday, September 29th, 10:30am

An aerial view of a waterfront city at sunset features a dense downtown skyline with high-rise office buildings, residential neighborhoods, and tree-lined streets displaying colorful autumn foliage. A wide river runs through the city, crossed by several bridges, including a prominent steel truss bridge in the foreground. A marina filled with docked boats sits along the shoreline, surrounded by apartments and green spaces. The sky is tinted with soft pink and orange hues, reflecting on the calm water and creating a scenic urban landscape.
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Portland State University

Portland, Oregon

Tuesday, September 29th, 12:00pm

Students and campus visitors walk and gather in an outdoor plaza beneath a white, columned pavilion topped with a dark domed roof. The structure bears the partially visible inscription “George Washington University.” A large tree with bright yellow autumn leaves frames the left side of the image, while additional trees, landscaping, and campus buildings surround the plaza. Tables, chairs, and pedestrian walkways create an active campus setting on a sunny fall day.
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George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, September 29th, 2:00pm

A scenic university campus features a narrow canal winding through a large grassy lawn surrounded by mature trees. Several students sit, relax, and socialize along the water’s edge, while others gather on the lawns and walkways throughout the campus. A bicycle rests on the grass near a group seated beside the canal. In the background, red-brick academic buildings and a clock tower overlook the landscaped setting. The scene is bright and sunny, with lush green foliage and reflections visible on the calm water.
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Willamette University

Salem, Oregon

Thursday, October 1st, 8:00am

Military Recruiter Visits Military Recruiter Visits

U.S. Army Lunch Visit

Thursday, September 24th

During Lunch by the Trophy Case

A group of people wearing black T-shirts with the word “ARMY” printed in large yellow letters walk together across a grassy outdoor field. One person in the foreground carries a sports ball, while another holds a water bottle. A modern building and additional participants are visible in the background. The scene appears to be an outdoor fitness, recreational, or team-building activity.
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Colorado's Free College Application Days Colorado's Free College Application Days

Seniors! Colorado Free Application Days will take place from Oct. 20-22. All public and some private institutions will waive application fees on those days. This is your chance to apply for free! Get started on your applications now so that you'll be ready to submit your applications during the free application window. Workshop time will be provided for seniors to work on applications on October 8th during the Future Ready Day Event as well as Palmer's College Application Day event on October 13th in the Library from 12:00-3:00pm, so mark your calendars!

Promotional graphic for Colorado Applies Month featuring a stylized mountain logo and the text “Colorado Applies Month” on the left. On the right, large white text reads “FREE Application Days,” with the dates “Oct. 20–22” displayed in yellow. Below is the Colorado Department of Higher Education logo and name. A yellow box on the right states “NO Application Fees.” The design uses navy blue, white, yellow, orange, and red colors and promotes free college application days in Colorado.
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College Admissions Webinar College Admissions Webinar

The College Essay Guy, Ethan Sawyer, is an expert on college essays/ admissions, and a great resource as you prepare to apply to college. Check out the upcoming webinar.

Logo for College Essay Guy featuring a cartoon-style illustration of a person with glasses and a beard on the left. To the right, large black text reads “College Essay Guy.” Beneath the name, the website address “www.collegeessayguy.com” appears in black lowercase letters. The logo is displayed on a light gray background with a simple, clean design.
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Promotional graphic for a free live webinar for students and parents. The dark blue background features white and orange text. At the top, the text reads “FREE LIVE WEBINAR FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS.” Below, event details state: “Thursday Sept 24, 2026 · 5:00–6:00 PM PT (8:00–9:00 PM ET).” The main headline in large white text reads: “Back-to-School Night: Your Top Admissions Questions, Answered by Experts.” The design is simple and text-focused, emphasizing college admissions guidance and event information.
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Informational graphic with a dark blue background describing a college admissions planning open house hosted by the College Essay Guy Team. The text invites students, counselors, and parents to attend an interactive event where participants can join expert-led breakout rooms, ask questions, receive practical advice, and focus on topics most relevant to them. A closing note at the bottom reads: “Can’t make it live? We’ll send the recording within 1–2 business days.” The design is text-focused and intended to provide details about a college planning and admissions support event.
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Register for the Webinar

Scholarships Scholarships

Coca-Cola Scholarship Coca-Cola Scholarship

Description: Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the U.S. Students need a 3.0 GPA and to fill out an online application which requires no essay, no recommendations and no transcripts. This is an achievement-based scholarship that recognizes students for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.

Deadline: September 30th - 5:00pm Eastern Time

Eligibility: Coca-Cola Scholarship Eligibility

Website: Coca-Cola Scholarship Website

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Description: Dream big and apply for full four-year scholarships to over 50 top colleges through QuestBridge. Through the National College Match, high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds can apply for early admission and full four-year scholarships to the nation’s best colleges. Applications are reviewed holistically, and there are no absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors. Take this chance to dream big.

Deadline: October 1st, 2026

Eligibility: QuestBridge Scholarship Eligibility

Website: QuestBridge Website

Daniel's Fund Scholarship Daniel's Fund Scholarship

Promotional banner for the Daniels Scholarship Program. The background features a large group photo of students wearing matching blue shirts gathered on steps outside a campus-style building. A blue overlay on the right highlights application information, including the text: “Daniels Fund Apply Sept 1–Oct 15” and “Daniels Scholarship Program.” Along the bottom are icons and key benefits of the scholarship: “Graduate Debt Free,” “Personal Support,” and “New MacBook.” A call to action at the bottom reads: “Visit DanielsFund.org/Scholarships to learn more!” The design uses blue, white, and gold colors and promotes the scholarship application period and program benefits.
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Description: A Life-Changing Scholarship Opportunity

The Daniels Scholarship Program is one of the most comprehensive and generous college scholarships in the country. It helps make college possible for high-achieving, values-driven students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, offering a full ride at partner schools or up to $25,000 per year at any accredited college in the United States.


We’re looking for students with strong character, leadership potential, and a heart for giving back. Daniels Scholars work hard, dream big, serve others, and take pride in their communities and country. Sound like you or someone you know? Learn more and apply online from September 1 to October 15 at www.danielsfund.org/scholarships.


As a Daniels Scholar, you receive:

· Full cost of attendance covered at partner schools

· Up to $25,000 per year at non-partner schools

· Graduate debt-free

· Personal support before, during, and after college

· Career readiness, internships and fellowships

· Financial literacy and civics built into the program

· A new MacBook


Application Opens: September 1st, 2026

Deadline: October 15th, 2026

Eligibility: Daniel's Fund Scholarship Information & Eligibility

Website: https://www.danielsfund.org/

Boettcher Scholarship Boettcher Scholarship

Description:

The Boettcher Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that awards $20,000 per year for a total of 4 years. On top of the $20,000 provided from Boettcher, colleges agree to cover the remaining costs of either full cost of attendance or full tuition and fees. Students must be graduates from a Colorado high school and plan to attend college in Colorado.


Selection for the Boettcher Scholarship is based on superior scholastic ability, intellectual curiosity, a demonstrated commitment to school and community activities, and strength of character. A successful candidate also demonstrates a strong potential for continued leadership and service. As a merit-based scholarship, we define merit to mean the selection criteria above and more. We care deeply about lived experience and the context in which a student has thrived as a leader, either because of or in spite of personal circumstances.


Deadline to your counselor: October 26th, 2026

Scholarship Deadline: November 1st at 5:00pm

Eligibility: Boettcher Scholarship Information & Eligibility

Website: Boettcher Scholarship Website


Webinars:

The Boettcher Foundation hosts webinars annually. Titled “Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships,” the webinars go over how students can “ACE” their college and scholarship applications, including tips on how to make their applications stand out.

2026 Webinars:

  • Tuesday, September 8 from 5-6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 23 from 12-1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 6 from 5-6 p.m.
  • Monday, October 12 from 12-1 p.m.

An abbreviated version of the presentation is also available here. Ver el vĂ­deo: todo lo que debes saber de las becas.

Past College & Career Newsletters
Palmer Community Newsletter

Maria Torres

College & Career Counselor

William J. Palmer High School

Email: maria.torres@d11.org

Phone: 719-328-5015

MARIA TORRES
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