BHS College & Career Connection

Greetings BHS Students and Families!

My name is Amy Shelton, and I am your College & Career Counselor for Battlefield High School. I'm here to help you navigate the transition from high school to your next chapter- whether that's college, vocational training, military service, or entering the workforce. Check the BHS College & Career Connection often to see updates on field trips, events, activities, college visits, scholarship info, etc!

Contact Info

Email: SheltonAB@pwcs.edu

Phone: 571-261-4400

Counseling Website: https://battlefieldhs.pwcs.edu/support_services/counseling/index

October 19-30: VA College Application Week (be on the look out for fee waivers!)

NOVEMBER 1: BIG APPLICATON DEADLINE FOR EARLY ACTION/EARLY DECISION FOR MANY COLLEGES (Sunday this year)

November 5: Field Trip to Aviation Career Fair. *This field trip is full*

November 6: Field Trip to George Mason University. *This field trip is full*

November 10: Old Dominion University On-Site Admissions- Sign Up Here

NOVEMBER 15: BIG APPLICATON DEADLINE FOR EARLY ACTION/EARLY DECISION FOR MANY COLLEGES

November 17: Leadership Initiatives Summer Internship Presentation (Flex 5) Sign up Here

November 18: FAFSA Hands On Session at BHS, 6:00-8:00 pm Sign Up Here

December 5: SAT at Battlefield HS. Register on College Board

December 10: Lockheed Martin Apprenticeship Presentation *Sign up Pending

December 16: Alumni Panel during Flex

January 20: ASVAB administration at BHS (Note date change). Register HERE

*Check your colleges for their Early Action/Early Decision/Regular Decision deadlines! Be sure to get your transcript requests two weeks before your deadlines.

**FAFSA is now open for the 2027-2028 school year

Old Dominion University will be coming to Battlefield HS for On-Site college admissions on Tuesday, November 10th! Seniors who register and submit their applications by the deadline will receive their admissions decision that day and have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an ODU Admissions Rep to ask questions about the university and their next steps.

Application Guidelines:

• Students may apply through the Common App or the ODU application.

• ODU is test-optional; however, official SAT/ACT scores may be submitted directly from the testing agency if students wish to have them considered.

• Essays and letters of recommendation are optional, but must be submitted with the application if students would like them included in the review.

• We recommend encouraging students with a 2.6 GPA or higher to apply. Those with a 2.5 GPA or below are typically waitlisted or denied admission.

• Students must submit their applications no later than Friday, November 6th by 11:59 pm.

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To register, please complete the following online form below.

Once you have completed the form for ODU, please email Amy Shelton to let her know you are planning to attend (sheltonab@pwcs.edu).

Leadership Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that places students with top summer internships in the fields of law, business, medicine, and national security in Washington, D.C. As part of this program, students also get access to SAT/ACT and college application preparation services. The specialized internships are at cost ($3,500-4,000); however, Battlefield HS students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to participate. On November 17 at 9:05 am (FLEX 5) Leadership Initiatives will be hosting a presentation on how your child can participate in this program. Sign up below to hear about this wonderful opportunity.

6:00-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – Live Zoom Webinar

Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in grades 8-11

Join us on Tuesday, October 27, for an informative webinar designed to help families learn about PWCS Specialty Programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities available for high school students.

During this session, families will explore the variety of Specialty Programs and CTE opportunities available to students, learn about the application process and important deadlines, and discover the resources and support available to help students and families make informed decisions about their high school pathway. Parents and guardians will leave with the information and resources needed to explore program options and navigate the application process with confidence.

All requests for language accommodations are due by October 22, 2026.

The FAFSA is open for the class of 2027! You will be filling out the 2027-2028 FAFSA FORM! Please check out the following PWCS Financial Aid page that may help you to complete the FAFSA and better understand how you may be able to pay for college. Here are some helpful direct links to get you started:

Eligibility Requirements for FAFSA

Pro Tips for the FAFSA Form

If you do not qualify for FAFSA, you can fill out the Virginia State Aid (the VASA). You can find more information on the VASA HERE. See VASA flyer below.

Please also note, some colleges require you to fill out another form of aid called the CSS Profile. This is through the College Board website. Please see the links below for more information:

Schools that Require the CSS Profile

How to Fill Out the CSS Profile

CSS Profile Info for Parents

A representative from ECMC will be coming to Battlefield HS to assist parents with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 6:00 pm.

It is recommended that both the student and parent attend. Please let us know you are coming so we can plan accordingly. Thank you!
Items needed for the session: 1) Personal laptop or student iPad (or student PWCS log-in information for lab computer) 2) social security number

For the past 10 years, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has teamed up with Virginia colleges, universities and the national education nonprofit ECMC to bring you Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). We’re thrilled to continue this annual event, dedicated to helping students access and succeed in higher education throughout the Commonwealth. This year's VCAWs will be held during the weeks of October 19-23 and October 26-30, 2026. Schools that are providing application fee waiver codes are listed below. If they are not listed, we will not have a code for them. We advise to submit your applications for these schools during these two weeks if you do not want to pay the fee. Check your email from 10/16/26 for these fee waiver codes!

• George Mason University
• Liberty University
• Longwood University
• Norfolk State University
• Old Dominion University (will be doing on-site admissions as well)
• Randolph College
• University of Mary Washington
• University of Virginia
• William & Mary
• William Peace University

College of Charleston - Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 at 8:00 am

University of Mississippi - Friday, October 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am

Wake Forest University - Friday, October 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

St. Mary's College of Maryland - Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Binghamton University, State University of New York - Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 8:00 am

West Virginia University - Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 at 11:30 am

Mount St. Mary's University - Thursday, November 12th, 2026 at12:30 pm

Culinary Institute of Virginia - Monday, November 16th, 2026 at 8:30 am

Virginia Commonwealth University - Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 9:00 am

George Mason University is hosting a Spanish-language family event on Saturday, November 11th. The event will include a panel for prospective students and families to hear directly from Spanish-speaking George Mason students about their experience attending the university. While it is geared towards prospective students, admitted students whose families would like to hear current students perspectives would benefit from attending as well. After the panel, families will go on a tour of campus provided by one of our Spanish-speaking Ambassadors.

Families can use the QR code provided in the flyer below to register for the event or by using this linkLinks to an external site.. They ask that families register for the event so that they can have an accurate count ahead of the event itself.

The Prince William NAACP Youth Council is looking for your support in identifying and encouraging students who are passionate about advocacy, equity, justice, and community leadership to consider joining our Youth Council.

They are seeking young people who are eager to develop their leadership skills, elevate their voices, advocate for meaningful change, and help build a stronger, inclusive community. Through this opportunity, students can build leadership skills, advocate for issues that matter to them, share ideas, and help advance equity, justice, and opportunity for all. Their goal is to select 15 committed students by November 15 to help advance the NAACP Youth Council’s mission and vision through youth education, community engagement, and leadership development.

PWNAACP Youth Council wants to know:

1. What do you hope to learn, experience, or gain from being part of the Prince William NAACP Youth Council?
2. What would make your experience within the NAACP Youth Council meaningful?

Students should include their responses to both questions in their Letter of Intent and email their submission to youthadvisor@pwnaacpyouthcouncil.org for consideration by November 15.

Reach for the stars with FREE Virginia Space Grant Consortium programs. These student opportunities are designed to inspire and prepare high school students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

1. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (10th grade) is an online program for students interested in exploring orbital and suborbital flight.

2. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (11th and 12th grades) is an interactive online course focusing on NASA's human spaceflight missions.

3. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (11th and 12th grades) focused on using NASA's satellites to investigate our planet's complex systems.

Selected scholars may be invited to a residential summer academy at NASA's Langley Research Center or Wallops Island. Each program is FREE of charge to students, delivered online, with flexible scheduling for accessibility; designed to foster 21st century skills including teamwork, research, and problem solving; taught and mentored by STEM professionals and educators.

Applications close October 25. Please visit www.vsgc.odu.eduLinks to an external site. for more information. See attached flyers.

The Summer 2027 Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internship Program application is open!

Program Timeline: June 22 - August 6, 2027

Current high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring cybersecurity and technology careers are encouraged to apply.

Selected students will participate in:

• A 3-day Professional Skills Bootcamp focused on budgeting, communication, presentation skills, strategic planning, and other workplace readiness competencies.
• A 6-week internship placement with a cybersecurity company in Northern Virginia. Previous host companies have included CACI International, CGI, Chainbridge Solutions, Leidos, Appian, ManTech, NT Concepts, Widelity, and many others.
• Valuable career exploration, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Paid Opportunity: Students who successfully complete the program will receive a $2,650 stipend.

Apply here:
https://form.jotform.com/213435926744057

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET

The 2027 Naval Science & Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) application portals are now open. The new website and application can be found here: https://www.navalsteminterns.us/internships/Links to an external site..

Eligibility

• High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 (see exceptions below)
• Must be currently enrolled in high school (may be taking college-level classes for college credit)
• Graduating seniors are eligible to apply
• Must be 16 years old or older by the internship start date (see exceptions below)
• Must be a U.S. citizen (see exceptions below)
• The SEAP internship has a duration of eight weeks (with a possible extension up to two additional weeks). Stipend levels are determined by new and returning SEAP students and will be paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.

• Stipends are as follows:

  • New participants: $4,000
  • Returning participants: $4,500

See website and flyer below. The application will close on 30 NOV 2026.

Information will be on the website at https://mgta.gmu.edu/mgta-program/

The cost per class is $595

10% discount codes for

Active or past military discount: Email jemswill@gmu.edu with proof of service to receive the promo code.

GMU employee or Staff discount: Email jemswill@gmu.edu with proof of employment to receive the promo code.

Returning students from 2025 discount: Email jemswill@gmu.edu with an email confirmation/receipt from a class in 2025 to receive a promo code.

Nominations are getting ready to open for our Operation Homefront hosts the Military Child of the Year® Awards!!

Every year (now in its 19th year) Operation Homefront hosts the Military Child of the Year® Awards. The awards are open to military children between the ages of 13-18. There are 7 recipients 1 child from each branch of service and each recipient receives $10,000 CASH, a laptop, other donated goodies, and a 3-day trip to Washington, D.C. with us and their families.

Children are entered by nominations. Anyone that knows a military child can nominate any military child. So, you may nominate your students, friend’s children, children can nominate their siblings and best friends and so on. The awards are open to Active Duty, reserves, Gold Star, National Guard, AND retired military children. The program is entirely FREE and exclusive to military children, and you do not need to create an account to submit a nomination.

Old Dominion University is hosting an upcoming recruitment reception near our area. These receptions are a great way for prospective students and their families to connect with our admissions team, meet other future Monarchs, and get a better sense of what it’s like to be part of the ODU community. We will have applications stations set up at the Woodbridge and Fredericksburg receptions for seniors to apply to ODU for FREE!

Fredericksburg Area Prospective Monarchs Reception

Wednesday, October 21

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Brock's Riverside Grill

Register Here: https://monarch.odu.edu/events/undergraduate/?typ=Reception

Autobell Car Wash is currently hiring students who are at least 16 years old to join its team. This opportunity provides students with valuable customer service, workplace readiness, teamwork, and operational experience in a fast-paced business environment. Applicants can benefit from flexible scheduling, hands-on training, scholarship opportunities, and base pay plus daily tips. Driver's licenses are preferred but not required. Click here for more information.

Business Partner: Able Moving & Storage

Links to an external siteDue Date: Open until filled

Able Moving & Storage is currently hiring seasonal employees ages 17 and older as Warehouse employeesLinks to an external site. and Movers/HelpersLinks to an external site.. The starting wage is $17 per hour.

To apply, complete this applicationLinks to an external site. and send to ahall@ablemoving.com or visit their employment siteLinks to an external site..

Audience: High School Students

Business Partner: AlphaBESTLinks to an external site.

Due Date: Open until filled

At AlphaBEST, you’ll make a difference in students’ lives while developing skills that last a lifetime. Join their team and lead engaging before and after-school programs at Prince William County Public Schools and Manassas City Public Schools.

Starting Wages:

• Group Leader Assistants start at $14 per hour
• Group Leaders start at $15 per hour
• Site Directors start at $21.50 per hour

Perks:

• Hands-on experience and professional training
• Clear path for career growth and advancement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• Child care discounts, PTO, and employee perks

Click hereLinks to an external site. for more information to apply.

Audience: High School Seniors

Business Partner: IEC Chesapeake

Due Date: Upon Graduation

Are you interested in an electrical apprenticeship? The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake offers apprentices the opportunity to work full-time with an electrical contractor and attend classes two nights per week for four years. This provides them with 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required for the Journeyperson Electrician's License.

Click here for more information about the opportunity and here to apply.

Audience: High School Students (Age 16+)

Business Partner: Interstate, Moving | Relocation | Logistics

Due Date: open until filled

Interstate, Moving | Relocation | Logistics is currently seeking motivated individuals to join their team! They have a variety of openings including Global Freight Forwarder, International Move Coordinator, Local Dispatch Admin Assistant, Class A/B and Non CDL Mover/Driver, Business Development Managers, Warehouse Specialist, Senior Director, and Moving Specialist.

Interested applicants should send their resume to Adrienne Kennedy, Corporate Recruiter, at adrienne.kennedy@invan.com. Click here to learn more.

HCG Real Estate School, LLC is accepting registrations for its Virginia Principles of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course, designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in real estate. The course includes eBooks, study guides, instructional videos, licensing and career resources, and live instruction delivered via Zoom.

The November 2026 session will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on November 10, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are no classes during Thanksgiving week. The course investment is $425.

Interested students and recent graduates are encouraged to review the informational flyer and explore the opportunity to earn the required pre-licensing education needed to begin a career in real estate. Registration closes November 3, 2026.

Students may visit the *Naviance Scholarship List to view local and national scholarships open to Prince William County students.

Directions for accessing the scholarship list:

• Log in to Naviance Student.
• Click on PWCS Portal.
• Click on Colleges at the top.
• On the right, look under Scholarships and Money.
• Click on Scholarship Search.
• Click the favorite heart to add the scholarship to your favorite list.
• Visit the list often for updates.

• BigFuture Scholarship - Last day of every month
• SallieMae No Essay Scholarship - Last day of every month

Battlefield High School will nominate ONE student for this award. The BHS Scholarship Committee will review all applications and select one student. The Pamplin Leadership Award is open to any high school senior who applies to Virginia Tech. The Pamplin Leadership Award is a $5,000 one-year academic, merit-based scholarship. Possible applicants include all qualified seniors enrolled at a Virginia public high school who have applied or will apply to Virginia Tech. There can be only one nominee from each high school.

STUDENTS MUST SELECT "HONORS COLLEGE" IN THEIR VIRGINIA TECH APPLICATION. THE NOMINATED STUDENT MUST BE IN THE HONORS COLLEGE. Minimum GPA is 3.8.

Read more about the scholarship HERE. Check Naviance under "Colleges" and "Scholarship Search" for more criteria for this scholarship. Student will need to submit a leadership essay and a resume for consideration. Application materials due to Mrs. Shelton (sheltonab@pwcs.edu) by 11:59 pm on Friday, November 20, 2026. You can email these items or drop off hard copies to the Counseling Center.

Scholarship Info: Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to high school seniors.

Walentas nominees must be first-generation, college-bound students

Value: Recipients receive the entire cost of attendance at UVA—a value of more than $400,000 for non-Virginians and $230,00 for Virginians.

Deadline: All nomination materials (See Naviance) must be submitted to Mrs. Shelton in Counseling by October 30th. Then BHS selection committee will then choose 1-2 students to nominate for the scholarship application process.

Nominee Profile: High-achieving students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship.

PLEASE SEE NAVIANCE FOR THE ESSAY AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.

Naviance Dashboard > Colleges > Scholarship Search

Do you have a student who will be pursuing a future in animal care after graduation in 2027?

My name is Jeannie and I am the founder of Tail Waggers H.O.P.P. in Woodbridge. We are a two-part non-profit organization, one part that includes therapy dog teams who work throughout the county including inside a handful of Prince William County schools. Our second part is community service; we are so excited to be kicking off our scholarship program in the spring of 2027. We will be issuing two $500 educational gifts in May of 2027 to qualified students that will be pursuing a career in animal care. This could be in any form of community college, university or a trade school, studying the following but not limited to becoming a veterinarian, behavioral specialist or Vet technician. These cash gifts will be going directly to the students to assist with needs as they start their next chapter. All the information, requirements and application can be found on our website under the "Chrissy White Memorial Scholarship" page.

BenGlassLaw promises $2,500 to a student who can demonstrate leadership skills they’ve learned through referee and umpire experience.

Outside of fighting insurance companies on our clients’ behalf, our founder, Ben Glass, has proudly served as a soccer referee in the local area for nearly 50 years. We believe referees play a vital role in shaping fair play, leadership, and resilience, and our scholarship is a way to celebrate young referees and umpires. We've awarded $5,000 to previous winners in the last year.

Some Details:

• The scholarship is open to students attending colleges, universities, or trade schools in the upcoming school year.

• Students have until December 15, 2026, to apply.

• The Scholarship Page on Our Website (and where students can apply)

Voice of Democracy (Grades 9–12)

• Established in 1947, this audio-essay competition gives high school students the chance to win scholarships at the local, state, and national levels.
• The 2026-2027 theme is: "What a Veteran Taught me about America"

Prizes:

• National 1st Place: $35,000 scholarship
• State Winners: Minimum $1,000 scholarship + trip to Washington, D.C. for the Parade of Winners

Deadline: Entries must be submitted to VFW Posts no later than October 31, 2026

For full details and submission information, please visit:

Voice of Democracy ApplicationLinks to an external site.

Post Website: vfwpost12218.orgLinks to an external site.

College Prep- Are you on track?

Check out the checklists below to guide your college preparation steps.

Your Battlefield Counseling Canvas has a wealth of Information Including:

• Booking links to make an appointment with your School Counselor
• Naviance "How To" Videos
• Post high school planning information
• Counseling classroom lessons
• College applications, admissions, and Common App Info

• Scholarship searching and FAFSA Info
• NVCC Programs
• Trade School, apprenticeship, workforce, and military Info
• PSAT/SAT/ACT/College Board Info & Links
• NCAA Academic Requirements & Eligibility Center Links

Instagram: @Battlefieldcounseling

X: BFHScounseling