I now have dedicated hours in the College & Career Center (next to Joe's Boathouse).

I know that high school can be scary and stressful, especially with all the added to-dos seniors have, but remember I am here to help! If you want to schedule a meeting with me, check my calendly. During lunch, I will be in the College & Career Center where you can just stop by.

I often add things to the bottom of the newsletter under the appropriate categories so remember to scroll!

Check out who's on the line-up this week and remember to sign up for Support Seminar with Alves

I subscribe to a plethora of different news summary emails so I can find out about not just world events but what's going on in the world of higher ed. While the majority of colleges are still using test optional when it comes to standardized tests, it appears that the SATs/ACTs are inching their way back in to some institutions. David Leonhardt, a columnist from The New York Times, wrote:

"Last week, Yale announced that it would again require test scores from applicants, joining Dartmouth, M.I.T., Georgetown and Purdue, among others. At selective colleges like these, standardized test scores predict academic performance better than high school grades, research shows.

A crucial part of the test requirement, however, is that colleges give applicants credit for overcoming disadvantage. The colleges don’t expect top students from struggling high schools to do as well on the SAT as private school students. Lower-income students, after all, have been running with the wind in their faces."

If you get an unsolicited call from a person claiming to be from the College Board or another educational organization, please do not give out any personal information or pay a fee upfront. As part of this scam, the caller claims to be confirming your address, so they can send test prep materials that your student requested at school. Several people reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker that the caller even had their student’s name, phone number, address, school information, and/or the date and location of their student’s scheduled test.

BBB Advice: How to Avoid Test Prep Scams
Always be wary of unsolicited callers - If someone calls out of the blue asking for payment, always research their organization before you share personal information or agree to receive services or products. Look up the business they claim to represent at BBB.org. Search the name along with the words “scam” or “complaint” to find out if others had negative experiences. Check BBB Scam Tracker to see if anyone else has filed a report about the company.

Double check with your student - If scammers say they are calling because of a service your student requested, tell them you need to check with your student first and hang up. Make sure their claims are legitimate before you call back or accept a return call. Don’t send any money or make a payment if there is any doubt about the call. The same is true for emergency scams.

Understand the College Board’s practices - The College Board will never ask you for bank or credit card information over the phone or via email. If a caller suggests otherwise, hang up. Learn more about the College Board’s policies.

Use your credit card when possible - Credit cards may refund your money if they spot a fraudulent charge or if you report one in a timely manner. You may not be offered the same protection if you pay with your debit card or other payment options. Never agree to pay a stranger with a money wire, prepaid cards, or digital wallet, such as Cash App or Venmo.

Learn more at BBB Scam Alert: Watch out for SAT prep scams.

One of the most asked questions among LOHS students is "What is a CRLE?" I wanted to take a moment to answer that question!

Career-Related Learning Experiences (CRLEs) are structured educational experiences that connect learning to the world beyond the classroom. Some CRLEs happen at school and are arranged by your teacher like an Oceanography Field Study Day. Other CRLE opportunities could be an industry-sponsored career day or career exploration like OHSU's Dental Exploration Program. Many students arrange their own half or full day job shadows by asking a neighbor, family friend, or a friend's family member to host them. Another way to earn your CRLE would be by working and submiting a CRLE form for your job. Whichever path you choose to complete your CRLE, you need to complete two different learning experiences (minimum 5 hours each) by the end of senior year.

Something to note about the two CRLEs is that one requires the performance evaluation on the back of the form to be completed by a supervisor/organizer/teacher and one does not. The Laker Talk CRLE opportunity would be a CRLE that does not require a completed performance evaluation. If you already have a CRLE on file that does not have the performance evaluation, the Laker Talks would not work as a second CRLE.

Even if you have fulfilled your CRLE requirements, I hope that you will attend if one of the many fantastic speakers we have lined up interests you.

After an incredible launch of our Laker Talk series last year, I heard a lot of feedback about how to be even more successful this year. One of the main takeaways was for students and teachers to have a list ahead of time to know who is coming. Here is the list of confirmed speakers coming during my Support Seminars:

As those acceptances start to trickle in, students should do a few things:

1. That final college essay was sent and you have heard back. Celebrate!
2. Log into Naviance and click the box that indicates you were accepted.
3. Visit the College & Career Center to notify Ms. Stevie. She wants to celebrate with you! And when you decide where you're headed in the fall (don't worry, you still have plenty of time), be sure to let her and your counselor know!
4. Remember, senior year is not over just because you received a college acceptance. Continue to study and do all of your work.

Oregon State University (Orange & Black Days)

• March 23, 2024
• March 29, 2024
• April 6, 2024
• April 12, 2024

Oregon Tech

• April 6, 2024

Pacific Northwest College of Art

• March 30, 2024
• April 20, 2024

Pacific University (Spring Reception)

• March 7, 2024
• March 10, 2024
• March 12, 2024
• March 14, 2024
• March 15, 2024

Reed College

• April 1, 2024

University of Oregon (Duck Days)

• Duck Days will take place on select Fridays in February, March, and April 2024. Check your student portal.

University of Portland (Weekend on the Bluff)

• April 6-7, 2024

Willamette University (Bearcat Day)

• March 15, 2024
• April 5, 2024
• April 19, 2024

Eastern Oregon University

• March 15, 2024
• April 20, 2024

Linfield University

• March 15, 2024
• May 10, 2024

Oregon State University

• April 19, 2024

Oregon Tech

• April 9, 2024 (Wilsonville)

Pacific University

• March 2, 2024

Portland Community College

• April 19, 2024 (Cascade Campus)

Reed College

• March 22, 2024

Southern Oregon University

• April 5, 2024

Western Oregon University

• April 5, 2024

Did you know the state of Oregon has a fantastic grant program for those of you planning to attend a community college?

The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion. The application is open with varying deadlines based on graduation date. Click here to apply.

The main difference between public and private colleges/universities are where they receive their funding. Public colleges and universities are funded by the federal government while private institutions are supported by their own endowment funds and students' tuition fees. Though private colleges and universities have a more expensive price tag, they often offer generous financial aid packages to cut down on overall cost of attendance.

This article from US News breaks down the differences quite nicely.

One outcome from the Covid-19 pandemic that looks like it's here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, is colleges/universities putting less emphasis on standardized tests. Many colleges have changed their testing policy to test optional. This means that you will not have to enter your test scores as part of the application process. However, some students still opt to take one of the standardized tests either because they would like to see how they do and/or one of the colleges they are applying to requires their score. If you fall into one of those categories, you might be wondering how to choose between the SAT and the ACT. As far as college/universities are concerned, unless a school explicitly states otherwise, both standardized entrance exams are widely accepted at schools across the U.S. This article breaks down the difference between the two tests and links to practice tests for each.

See an updated list of test-optional universities here.

If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver, please see your counselor.

Throughout the year, LOHS will be hosting College and Career related events. Here is what's on the docket for January & February:

Throughout the year, we will have opportunities to attend College and Career related field trips. When we have them, they will be posted here.

If you are interested in attending this upcoming event, please email Ms. Stevie. We are extremely limited on the amount of students we can bring.

Northwest Youth Careers Expo

When: March 19, 2024

Where: Oregon Convention Center

Who: any student is welcome

What: The annual Careers Expo features top employers and draws students from Oregon and SW Washington. Exhibitors include colleges, apprenticeship training centers and the region’s leading employers who offer mock interviews, demos and support.

Check out last year's highlights of this amazing event below:

Throughout the year, there will be events in the Portland Metro area related to College and Career that you may be interested in attending:

Winter Career Days

Portland Workforce Alliance hosts various Career Days for high school students to explore careers in real-world workplaces. Registration for their Winter Career Days is open:

• April 17: IT Cyber Security
• April 18: Oregon Anesthesiology Group

ACE Mentor Program will be hosting two career-learning experiences next week AFTER SCHOOL.

1. Mortenson Virtual Career Panel: Tuesday, March 5, 2023, 4:30-5:30 PM

Hear from a construction firm who has been based in Portland for the last 40 years! Meet inspiring professionals and hear how they got started in their careers paths, such as business, marketing and the trades. Some of their well known projects include the LeBron James Building at the Nike World Headquarters, OHSU, and more.

2. Swinerton Library Site Tour: Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 4:30-6:00 pm

Join Swinerton for a tour of the Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233) while it is still under construction. If you have yet to see a live construction site, this is a great opportunity to grab a hard hat and hear from construction professionals about what's involved in building a beautiful, functional and lasting library. PPE and food will be provided! A field trip form will be required to participate.

Students can attend one or both experiences (they occur outside school hours). Interested students can learn more and sign up here. Come learn from inspiring professionals and see what their jobs are like! These events are to celebrate Women in Construction week, but all gender identities are welcome.

Throughout the year, there will be virtual events available to you pertaining to College and Career. Here are those opportunities you may wish to take advantage of:

Vet Technicians are animal care specialists who assist veterinarians caring for animals and improving an animal's overall health. A love for animals is most important in a veterinary career as you will be working with cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and other creatures the majority of your day. In addition, you will also need strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to interact with owners in many different situations including those high stress and melancholic scenarios of euthanasia. You will need to show kindness and empathy at a very difficult time for owners.

The median salary of a Vet Tech in the state of Oregon is $37,630. Vet Techs are currently in high demand and is expected to grow even more. Job security is high in this field.

• Steps to becoming a Vet Technician

  
  

  1. Earn your high school diploma or GED.

  2. Complete an AVMA-accredited postsecondary program.

  3. Fulfill all externship & clinical hour requirements.

  4. Pass the VTNE & obtain state-required credentials.

  
  

  Read more about the steps to becoming a Vet Tech here

  
  

  As a high school student, this is a great time to prepare for your vet tech career by taking biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and other science courses.
  

  
  

  The following colleges offer a AVMA-accredited program:

  • Portland Community College
  • Central Oregon Community College

The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Summer Experience is a hands-on and engaging experience for academically talented high school students interested in veterinary medicine. Participants stay on the Oregon State Corvallis campus for the duration of the program. Participants will learn about college admissions, careers in veterinary field, get to do some exciting hands-on activities, and much more!

Application closes April 15th. For more information and to apply, click here

The College Place has graciously shared the recording from their virtual financial aid night for those of you who were unable to attend or would like a refresher. After this week's edition of the chronicles, I will move the presentation down under the 'Nuts & Bolts' section so you may go back to it whenever you'd like. Click the photo below and it will take you to the recording.

The White House and U.S. Department of Education officially announced that colleges and universities will not receive FAFSA applicant information until "the first half of March.” With the already delayed financial aid process being pushed back even further, financial aid awards likely will not be sent until April. I understand how frustrating this is but I can assure you that colleges are doing the very best they can given the current situation. Many colleges are extending their decision date from May 1st to June 1st to alleviate some of the stress that this is causing. Check the colleges that you have applied to and check if they have updated their decision date.

Did you know that I was a Financial Aid Counselor for almost a decade? I would be happy to help you navigate this lengthy form. Make an appointment with me and we'll tackle the FAFSA together.

What do you need in order to file the FAFSA:

• FSA ID
• if you have not applied for an FSA ID, do it before you sign up for support seminar. You will not be able to access the FAFSA without it and it takes 3-5 business days to receive.
• Social Security Number for both you and your contributor(s)
• unsure who your contributors are? Watch the video below.
• Date of Birth for both you and your contributor(s)
• Emails for both you and your contributor(s)
• the emails cannot be the same.

On November 1st, the OSAC Scholarship Application opened!

The OSAC Scholarship Application is a common application that supports between 500-600 scholarships each year. These scholarships are for Oregon students with each scholarship having it's own criteria and limitations. Some of these scholarships DO allow students to attend college outside of Oregon.

To access the OSAC Scholarship Application, click here

Jim’s Team 4 Diabetes Scholarship Program

Jim’s Team 4 Diabetes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Foundation created by its namesake (Jim Loria) after being diagnosed with Late Onset Type 1 Diabetes on June 11, 2021 at the age of 66. The organization offers scholarships valued at $500 each for students who have been diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in order to help cover medical supplies for the student when they first begin their college studies. Apply here by May 17th.

Psst...Scroll down to this page and click on the scholarship button to find more scholarship opportunities.

**there are also scholarship opportunities listed on Naviance

SOLVEOregon is a local environmental non-profit organization that specializes in hosting volunteer projects aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Oregon. SOLVE believes that by actively involving students in these projects, it can inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. SOLVE events have been designed to provide students with hands-on experiences, allowing them to actively contribute by participating in environmental projects such a neighborhood litter cleanups, invasive plant species removal, and sustainable gardening. Check the SOLVE website for more information and volunteer opportunities.

Rotary’s Educational Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Lakewood Center on Tuesday, March 16, from 5:30-8 p.m. They are seeking 2 volunteers to assist with the setup of refreshments, greet guests, and check them in. Volunteers should dress in "business casual" attire.

• Contact: Malcolm Mathes - malcolmmathes@gmail.com

Lake Oswego Sustainability Resource Fair at Lakeridge Middle School on Saturday, April 20, during either the 9:45-11:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. shifts. They need 1-2 volunteers for each shift (volunteers can work both shifts if desired) to greet attendees and provide general assistance to the organizers. The attire for this event is casual.

• Contact: Mary Kay Larson - larsonm@loswego.k12.or.us (day-of contact will be Larry Zurcher - zurcherl@loswego.k12.or.us)

Help Ms. Foster beautify campus and earn hours towards a CRLE. Check out the calendar below:

Looking for a great summer opportunity for your students to experience college life, develop leadership skills, and network with top Oregon executives? Look no further than Business Week by Oregon Business Academy! This immersive 7-day program at Oregon State University offers rising 10th-12th graders the chance to live on campus, work collaboratively in teams to create a business and uncover their leadership potential. With several full scholarships available, Business Week promises to be a transformative experience for students ready to dive into the world of business. Applications due April 15th. Learn more and apply at: https://www.oregonbusinessacademy.com/enroll.

Leadership Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with outstanding high school students to provide them with hands-on experience that builds their ability to collaborate, communicate, and confidently pursue their futures. Unlike other education programs where simulations are the key component, our students intern with real law firms, business development organizations, security agencies, and hospitals to build their resume and their knowledge. This practical, real-world experience is invaluable, surpassing the limitations of traditional classroom learning. Check out their website for information about their different programs and to register.

Banson NYC is excited to offer 2 In-Person Fashion Summer Camps for high school students in 2024. Each camp is a week-long. The programs will be dynamic, interactive and fun! It is designed to give high school and college students a chance to experience fashion week in NYC by themselves, with their friends or with a relative (parents, grandmothers and aunts are welcome!). The program will be 5-days long with at least two of those days being focused on fashion shows and all that goes into the execution of these fabulous events.

ASE Applications are OPEN!

Through the Saturday Academy, you can apply for exciting apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth. Applications are due March 8 at 11:59PM. NO EXCEPTIONS. You can learn more about this phenomenal possibility to have a summer filled with a meaningful internship by visiting the ASE website.

Girls Who Code’s Free Virtual Summer Programs

• These free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary. Any coding experience level is welcome!

• In addition to the free programs, Girls Who Code offer a financial support grant of up to $300 and laptop and hotspot access for eligible students.

• This year, students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence! As they build computer science skills, students will learn about the many diverse careers in tech through virtual events with professionals in the field.

For more information, join these webinars.

2024 Summer SAIL Program

The University of Oregon's SAIL Program provides rising sophomores to rising seniors with the opportunity to live in a UO Residence Hall and experience college firsthand through exciting, hands-on, and interactive activities taught by distinguished UO Faculty. Registration opens April 1st

The Career Summit is a four-day workshop for young people who are new to the workforce and want to build job readiness skills. This event centers on teens and recent graduates—ages 16 to 26—who want to learn, grow and explore their professional potential. The Career Summit will be held at the University of Oregon JULY 25 - JULY 28, 2024. For more info and to register click here

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers a multitude of exciting opportunities for study abroad during the summer for high school students.

Cardiovascular Lab Opportunity

The Cardiovascular Labs at the University of California-Irvine and Oregon Health and Science University are teaming up to offer a unique 3 week long opportunity this summer to high school students. Chosen students will perform hands-on experimental and computational activities, learn about basic aspects of heart development and heart function, and work in coordination with students from both labs to create and present their work. Like many other STEM opportunities, the admissions process is competitive. If this interests you, make sure you apply by the March 15th deadline. For more information and to apply click here

Washington State University is pleased to announce that a Junior Veterinary Scribe Certificate is now being offered to current high school students ages 16 and 17. The course consists of 10 asynchronous online learning modules, meaning the students can complete the program at their own pace. Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate acknowledging their success in completing the Junior Veterinary Scribe certificate.

What Are the Student Benefits of This Certification?

· Additional skill sets for obtaining a job while in high school or in a post-graduation veterinary career. Career possibilities include full or part time scribing for remote online companies, in-clinic scribing careers and further education for receptionists, veterinary assistants, and other team members.

· A unique educational experience earning an entire certificate in the field of veterinary scribing to showcase on both college and job applications.

· The ability to demonstrate professional communication with the ability to facilitate appointments and client interactions to strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship within the veterinary practice.

· Prepare for college level courses with the introduction to veterinary medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and pharmacology.

Are you a working professional or know of someone who would like to host a LOHS student for a half day job shadow experience? We are currently seeking interested individuals to fill a variety of hosting opportunities. If interested, please click the button below: