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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Don't just get into college, get funded


Oregonian It's Only Money blog entry that describes the Financial Aid Handbook. Both are well worth reading.

Also, here are links to tools mentioned in the article.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Chemeketa Updates

Here are a few important updates about Chemeketa:

1) If students expect to get financial aid (through Fafsa, etc.) from Chemeketa, they MUST APPLY for admission there before April 1. Otherwise, the money runs out.I learned last week that students from ours and other high schools who wait until late spring or even summer to apply are pretty much out of luck. Apparently it happens pretty frequently that late students then show at Chemeketa asking about the financial aid they expect to receive --only to find they will be getting none. ARGGGGG this April 1 date was news to me.The other lesson here seems to be to encourage all students to make sure their chosen college has received their FAFSA info and that all is in order.

2) Students applying for the Chemeketa Scholars Program, WILL be able to drop off their applications at the Yamhill Valley Campus (YVC)in McMinnville. Likely, there will be limited times and days to do so since their staffing is limited. You may recall that this year, Chemeketa is requiring the Scholars applications be hand-delivered to them. Delivering to the Mac campus will save students a drive to Salem.   Also, please remind your students that the Scholars application period is much shorter this year: April 16-20, 2012. And, Scholars applicants must take the Chemeketa placement test (unless they have SAT/ACT scores in lieu of) before April 13.

3) “Getting Started at Chemeketa” Workshops will be held at the YVC Campus in McMinnville from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 in Building 1, room 205.

4) “New Student Advising and Registration” sessions will be held at the YVC Campus from 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 6 and 9; and from 4 -6 p.m. Dec. 7.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Portland 2011 Fall College Fair Flyer


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Here's an awesome interactive site to check out, especially for 9th and 10th graders!


http://knowhow2go.org/

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and the Oregon and SW Washington Region are now accepting applications for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing, which recognizes young women at the high school level for their aspirations and achievements in technology and computing! The Award is open to young women in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in grades 9-12. 

Application, Information, & Dates
Information and application are available online at: www.aspirationsaward.org.
Applications accepted from September 15 to October 31, 2011
Teacher and parent supporting statements by November 7, 2011 

Award Purpose
The “NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing” acknowledges the computing achievements and aspirations of young women, and generates visibility for women’s participation in computing-related pursuits. 

Award Region
The “NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing” is available at both National and Regional levels. Our region includes all of Oregon and the areas of SW Washington near Vancouver and Portland. Girls applying from this region will automatically have their applications entered at both national and regional levels. 

Award Criteria
» Applicants must be high-school level girls (grades 9-12).

OSU Admissions Blog

If you are interested in attending OSU take a look at the OSU Admissions Blog for information on events, campus life, and so forth.

7 College Admissions Myths

Good short article from the Washington Post

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

SENIORS: Take a look at these SCHOLARSHIPS!!


Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation , has $3 million to give away!
If you demonstrate Leadership, Commitment to Community and Academic Achievement,
Apply by OCTOBER 31. Go to: www.coca-colascholarships.org

Foundation for Individual Rights in Education has $12,500 to give away.
Send in your entry for the “Freedom in America” essay contest by Nov. 5.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program for minority students. If you have demonstrated leadership,
Participated in extracurricular activities and have a GPA of 3.3, apply by Jan. 11, 2012. Go to:

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for Young Volunteers. If you’ve volunteered in your school or community in the last year, apply by Nov. 1. Go to: www.nassp.org/spirit

Seattle University’s Leadership Award covers  tuition, room and board and meals for four years at Seattle U.
They’re looking for students who are leaders, good communicators, committed to justice, and a 3.5 GPA apply by Nov. 15. Go to: www.seattle.edu/sullivan

Wendy’s High School Heisman Program. If you are accomplished in academics, athletics and leadership, apply by Oct. 2. Go to: www.wendyheisman.com.

 

Important Changes to the Chemeketa Scholars Applcation Process

A couple changes to the Chemeketa Scholars program:

Applications must be hand-delivered

The application window has been shortened substantially and will be: April 16-20, 2012
 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Preview/Information Days for Northwest Schools

OREGON UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Representatives from each of Oregon‘s  public colleges will be available to provide information. 

They are your first connection to a college’s ADMISSIONS OFFICE, so get a jump on things: Attend one of these evening sessions, and introduce yourself!

2011 TOUR, Corvallis/Willamette Valley


Monday 10/17/11
7:00 PM Yamhill County College Night

Co-Hosts: McMinnville & Newberg High Schools
Held at: Newberg High School,
2400 Douglas Ave, Newberg
(2012)Kay Johnson: (503) 554-4413 johnsonk@newberg.k12.or.us

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CREATIVE ARTS STUDENTS: Portland Visual/Performing Arts College Fair will be held Oct. 25 at Portland State University.



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CONSIDERING COLLEGE IN WASHINGTON? Attend Fall Campus Day at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma on Sept. 24.



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PLAN YOUR VISIT TO OREGON UNIVERSITY SYSTEM CAMPUSES
Oct. 6          University of Oregon Connections event                                                        
Oct. 13        Roads to PSU event                                                                                     
Oct. 14        PSU Preview event                                                                                      
Oct. 15        WOU Fall Preview Day                                                         
Oct. 22        UofO Duck Preview Day                                                                                     
Oct. 27        UofO Connections event                                                                                   
Oct. 29       OSU Open House                                                                                              

Oct. 29        OIT Preview Day

OSAC Web Site Has Changed



Please be sure to look it over as there are several changes we’ll need to point out to the students; These include the website changing to www.OregonStudentAid.gov (instead of GetCollegeFunds.org, which by the way is supposed to redirect to the new site.)

Paper OSAC applications are NO LONGER AVAILABLE. The good news is that the online application is already up and running NOW and JUNIORS can even begin their 2013-2014 application NOW!

2011-2012 Oregon Opportunity Grant

The Oregon Student Access Commission has published information about the 2011-2012 grant amounts.



For 2012-13, the Opportunity Grant award is a flat amount of $1950, regardless of the type of Oregon college or university the student attends. Both the minimum and maximum award amounts will be $1950. For half time students the award amount is half of the flat award.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Uncle Sam ranks college costs

For the first time ever, the government is ranking American colleges and universities by affordability.

Using a new interactive tool launched by the Department of Education, students and parents can search public and private colleges by not only their published tuition prices, but also by their "net price" -- the average costs after tuition, room and board, book fees and financial aid are all taken into consideration.

The tool, called the College Affordability and Transparency Center, was mandated by education reforms passed by Congress in 2008, and is meant to reveal the true costs of going to college.
Each individual college self reports its data and has had several opportunities to revise their numbers if needed.

This site, along with the linked College Search are great tools to help drill down to the true cost of attendance at a school.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Free Test Prep Guides Available Online

The McMinnville Library has Test Preparation Guides for a number of different tests, including the SAT, available online at no cost.
To access these materials:

  • Go To www.maclibrary.org
  • Click on Research
  • Click on Test Preparation
  • Click on Learning Express

Monday, May 9, 2011

YCHS Students Visit Chemeketa

On May 5th several YCHS students and ASPIRE Mentors visited the Chemeketa Community College Salem Campus and the new McMinnville Campus. 

The McMinnville campus is currently under construction so the tourists donned stylish hard hats and safety vests as seen below.


College Financial Aid Podcasts

ASPIRE staff has been busily producing new podcasts for your listening pleasure.

Visit www.osac.state.or.us/podcast.html to start listening now!

Topics include:
  • The OSAC eApp Process & Interview
  • Tips for High School Juniors
  • A Testimonial of the OSAC eApp Experience
  • Making the Most of a College Fair
  • American Tax Credit
  • The OSAC eApp scholarship application
  • Avoiding Scholarship Scams
  • Financial Aid for Former Foster Youth
  • What do I do after I submit the eApp

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tiger Tracks April 2011


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Nine Mistakes That Destroy Scholarship Applications

Are there mistakes that can disqualify a college scholarship application? You bet. Generally speaking, most local scholarship committees may find a few minor mistakes acceptable, but the higher the level of competition, the less tolerance there is for a faux pas. And when you go for the gold at the national level of competition, no mistake is permissible. Even at the local level, if the competition is heavy, one error can result in the loss of money.

Even small spelling mistakes can cause an application to be thrown out. A judge reviewed a submission from a girl who was second in her class. She had a 3.95 GPA. The problem? She misspelled salutatorian. Believe it! How does that happen? Surely, it should have been noticed. Was it a keyboarding error? Maybe.

Another application from a boy on the baseball team noted that he won the league batting title with a .259 average. Know anything about baseball? Most likely, the number 2 should have been a 3, 4, 5, or even 6.

Yet, another listed the applicant’s age as “88.” Do you suppose she was the oldest high school student in the country…in the world? But wait, she listed her birth date as eighteen years earlier. Those are the kinds of silly little miscues that can disqualify good candidates. 

Use the computer spell check and have someone read for context and spelling problems. Most people cannot do a good job of proof-reading themselves. Why take a chance?

Another blunder is leaving spaces blank. The committee may think that you are trying to hide something. If the question or statement is not applicable to you, write DNA on the line, which is the standard abbreviation or acronym for Does Not Apply.

Use a computer and keyboard whenever possible. Investigate the many inexpensive and free form-filling computer programs. No long hand here. Never write in pencil. And, NEVER, NEVER. EVER, EVER use whiteout.

Follow directions exactly. It is not unusual to see lists where paragraphs are required and vice versa. Sometimes a signature is needed with the name printed. A simple YES or NO may be necessary, Instead, an opinion is given.

Here’s a tricky one that trips many juniors and seniors with honor roll credentials. After ten years in school, they still have problems using to, too, two, and they’re, their, there.

Oops! I saw a sure regional and possible national winner disqualified, because her application missed the deadline date…by one day. Always beat the deadline. Mail early.

How could this happen? An app arrived without the parent permission slip signature.
Check, Check, Check.

This bears repeating: most mistakes can be eliminated when others proof the application. 

Then read it aloud while someone else listens.

What can you do, if the mistake cannot be corrected? Be sure to make a copy before you start. If it says “copies are not permitted,” go back for one or two more originals.
Planning produces positive outcomes when the scholarship effort is truly a family affair.

Author: Dale Clifton, The Scholarship Doctor; Courtesy of ArticlesBase

12th ANNUAL OSU ENGINEERING EXPO

12th ANNUAL OSU ENGINEERING EXPO
 11 a.m.-4 p.m. MAY 20.     FREE ADMISSION

See inventions developed by OSU engineering students for their senior design projects in the following majors:
Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering; Civil and Construction Engineering; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering; and Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics

Don’t miss the Robo*Palooza, a variety of robot activities with a TekBot(r) Triathlon, a "best dressed “contest, maze race, and freestyle events. A contingent of FIRST robots built by local high school students will also be moving about. Race cars built by OSU students for international competitions will be on display.  along with other wheeled contraptions. Sustainability Showcase features wave power and biofuels; earth-friendly agricultural devices.

Support OHCC Programs!

Greetings!

The Oregon Health Career Center (OHCC) Board of Directors is holding its 2nd annual online auction starting the week of April 25, 2011. This event raises funds for our educational enrichment programs that support underserved youth in science, college preparation and health career exploration. Through programs such as our Health Careers Opportunity Program, our annual Health Career Day, and our Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program, OHCC is supporting the career aspirations of youth while increasing and diversifying Oregon’s healthcare workforce. Learn more about us by visiting our website at www.ohcc.org.

We have a bunch of fantastic items up for bid, such as a Trader Joe’s gift bag, an instant wine cellar, a 3 night stay in a coastal rental, tickets to Les Miserables, dance lessons, a whitewater rafting trip down the Deschutes River for two, gift cards to many Portland restaurants, and much more!

We want to have a great auction this year and we need your help! Please watch for emails from OHCC for more information about the auction. On April 25, 2011 log on and bid to support our Health Careers Opportunity Program, our annual Health Career Day, and our Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship Program!

If you have any questions please feel free to call Kaitlin Ellson at 503-682-1300 ext. 103 or by email at kellson@ohcc.org.

Best Regards,
Sara Diaz
Health Careers Program Manager
Oregon Health Career Center
25195 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 204
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070
Office: (503) 682-1300, ext. 113

Our annual online auction starts April 25th! Look for more information soon!

Please consider supporting our education programs for disadvantaged youth. Visit our website at http://www.ohcc.org/donation.htm for details on how you can help!


Legislative Blog; Economic and Political Information

DAILY UPDATES LEGISLATIVE BLOG
$5.7 Billion K-12 Budget Passes Ways & Means Ed Sub, Full Committee Vote on Friday
http://www.osba.org/Resources/Article/Legislative/DailyUpdates



Mt. Hood Community College's full-time faculty is prepared to strike
http://www.oregonlive.com/gresham/index.ssf/2011/04/mt_hood_community_colleges_ful.html


The Greater Yamhill Watershed Council Needs Your Help! Volunteers Needed!

Dear Friends of the Greater Yamhill Watershed Council,

It’s spring (I think?) and time to start water quality sampling again! This season, we’ll be doing pesticide sampling as part of DEQ’s Pesticide Stewardship Partnership and need volunteers to help us collect samples throughout the Yamhill River basin. Volunteers will accompany GYWC staff to collect the samples and conduct water quality tests (conductivity & turbidity). From 1 to 3 volunteers are needed each sampling day. Also, if you have a vehicle that can carry 2-3 people and equipment and would be willing to drive to the various collection sites, that would be greatly appreciated. Your volunteer time and mileage counts as matching funds for the DEQ grant and is very valuable to the Council.

On sampling days, we typically meet at 9:00 a.m. and return by 3:00 p.m.. Please bring your own lunch/snack and water (I’ll have some extra drinks & snacks on hand), a rain coat and shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting dirty. If needed, we have a some boots in limited sizes available to lend. Please note that field monitoring involves some walking on uneven and steep terrain, wading in or collecting samples near moving water, and exposure to weather and other hazards associated with field work.

The sampling days are scheduled for Sundays to allow for folks who work during the week to participate. However, we are happy to schedule any sampling day for the following Monday if it is more convenient. Just let me know when you sign up.

Following is a list of the dates we need volunteers:

Sunday, May 1st (or Monday, May 2nd)

Sunday, May 15th (or Monday, May 16th)

Sunday, May 29th (or Monday, May 30th)

Sunday, June 12th (or Monday, June 13th)

Sunday, June 26th (or Monday, June 27th)

Volunteers will meet at the GYWC office parking lot (also the YCAP parking lot), located at:

800 NE 2nd Street
McMinnville, OR

To sign up, please email me at gywc_administrator@co.yamhill.or.us with your name, phone and email contact information. Let me know if you are able to drive, if your vehicle can carry coolers and 2-3 people, and the day(s) you would like to volunteer. Volunteers who offer to drive will need proof of a current driver's license and insurance. I will then follow up with everyone to confirm the schedule and logistics.

This is a terrific way to get outside, do something good for our “little part of the world”, and have some fun too! You’ll also learn about the water quality issues facing nearly every river system in Oregon. So please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or want more information. Thank you for your help!

Bernadette Hansen
Council Administrator
Greater Yamhill Watershed Council
800 NE 2nd Street
P.O. Box 1517
McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: 503.474.1047
gywc_administrator@co.yamhill.or.us

THANK YOU TO MENTORS IN HONOR OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

10 Tips for College Students

10 tips to help you create a productive and memorable college experience...

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Two Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors

Opportunity 1: Nordstrom Scholarship Program

Opportunity 2: www.inlikeme.com

Junior Financial Aid Night Thursday, April 7th

Junior Financial Aid 101 Night for students and their parents is coming on Thursday, April 7th. 

 ASPIRE sponsors the event, and one of the state's ASPIRE regional coordinators makes the presentation. Last year, attendance was so good that we overflowed the library; hence, this year, we're moving the event to the CAFETERIA.  

Time is 7-8 p.m.

A Josten's rep will be on-hand ahead of time to discuss class rings and other graduation items that will be needed next school year when these students are seniors.


  View/Download Flyer

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2010-2011 Student Behavior Survey


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YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS BUSINESS WEEK at OSU

July 12-23, 2011
Attend and:
Earn college credit;
Live on campus;
Run a simulated business;
Compete for prizes.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
For info, visit www.YEBW.org or call 800-755-9329

Summer in New York City!

SUMMER IN NEW YORK CITY
PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS
OFFERED BY BARNARD COLLEGE 

·       Architecture in the City
·       Writing in the City
·       Young Womens Leadership Institute
 
Open to high school juniors and seniors.
One- and four-week sessions

for info go to

Thursday, February 3, 2011

CHEMEKETA SCHOLARSHIP INFO

March 14 - April 29, 2011, for foundation scholarships

This is timeframe when students can apply for Chemeketa FOUNDATION Scholarships for
the Academic year of 2011 2012.

Appy online at: 


March 1- March 31, 2011, for Scholars Program

NOTE:  A reminder that the Chemeketa FOUNDATION Scholarship application is
COMPLETELY different and separate from that used for the Chemeketa SCHOLARS Program.
And the Scholars Program application is IN ADDITION TO the application for admission to the college itself.

(You can find more info about the Scholars Program at: 
http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/payingforcollege/aidtypes/scholars/

CHEMEKETA COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORKSHOPS

CONSIDERING CHEMEKETA AS YOUR NEXT STEP?  

Learn More at Weekly “Getting Started” Workshops 

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions this free workshop is for you -
§       Thinking about attending Chemeketa, but not sure how to get started
§       Unclear about how financial aid works
§       Not yet a Chemeketa student and just need some questions answered
§       Looking for tips to succeed in college
§       Want to learn how to save money before you take the placement test

§       Every Thursday
§       3 - 4 pm
§       Bldg. 2, Rm. 116  on the Salem campus

 
CHEMEKETA VIDEOS AND HELPFUL LINKS

1.“College 101” Workshop Video and McMinnville Campus Virtual Tour http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/communitylocations/mcminnville/gettingstarted/index.html


PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP INFO

March 4 through April  29, 2011

This is the timeframe when students can apply for PCC FOUNDATION Scholarships for
the Academic year of 2011 – 2012.

An "oh-so-true" Article About the College Board

http://sites.google.com/site/janeteastmanmedia/humor/college-and-sats

2010 - 2011 Advisory Assignments


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Friday, January 28, 2011

Tracker Handouts

This document lists the handouts that go with each numbered step on the Tracker.

     
View/Download (Tracker Handouts.doc 37kb)

2011 FAFSA Help Night

GET HELP WITH YOUR FEDERAL & STATE FINANCIAL AID FORMS!

On Wednesday, February 9th, 6-8 p.m. in YCHS computer lab room #102.

Bring in your parents, along with all required information, and get help completing your FAFSA & OSAC applications from ASPIRE mentors.

Get your applications filled out now.

Get the help you need before it’s too late!

Surgical Technologist Career Highlight on February 16

This is a brief overview of a career area that we are highlighting in February Surgical Technologist.  Many students are not familiar with this job which requires a two year Associates Degree, pays around $22.00 hourly (median for Oregon) and & fills a crucial role on the surgical team. Furthermore, this occupation is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the regional average (Worksource Oregon). This Career Highlight is being held at
Providence Portland Medical Center on February 16th (Flyer is attached).  Students who attend can expect the following:

ü      Learn how to “Gown & Glove Up” in scrubs
ü      Understand the role of a Surgical Tech. – Not only do they sterilize/prepare the equipment, they also assist with some procedures
ü      Interact in small groups with Surgical Technologists
ü      View & Touch hundreds of pieces of equipment that are utilized in surgery
ü      Participate in simulation activities with laparoscopic surgery equipment & stapling devices
ü      Learn about education requirements, local programs & Skill/personality fit for this job  

Just a reminder that registration is a two part process.
Part one Register online at: www.eventbuilder.com/providence/schooloutreach and print the “printable registration packet
Part two Fax the signed registration form to 503-893-6087 or scan/email to the address on the form

  View the Flier (Surgical Technologist Career Highlight Flyer 2-16-11.pdf 52kb)