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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

IRS Data Retrieval Tool Offline Until Start of Next FAFSA Season, in Fall 2017

The US Department of Education and the IRS announce that the FAFSA’s Data Retrieval Tool will be unavailable until the next FAFSA season: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/irs-drt-unavailable

For current students who are trying to complete their FAFSAs, the announcement stated that “The income information needed to complete the FAFSA form can be found on a previously filed tax return. (Remember: Both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA forms require your 2015 tax data.) If you don’t have a copy of your tax return, you may be able to access the tax software used to prepare the return or contact your tax preparer to obtain a copy. You also may visit irs.gov/transcript to view and download a summary (called a “transcript”) of your tax return or to request that a tax transcript be sent to you by mail.”

New Scholarship

Just found this in my e-mails that came in over break. Sounds like an interesting scholarship offered by Best Mattress Reviews. Looks like a pretty simple application. Please pass it along to your mentees. -- Janet

We’re offering a $1,000 scholarship to eligible HS seniors, current college and graduate students in an effort to give back and also promote sleep awareness.

Check out all of the details here: https://www.bestmattressreviews.com/sleep-scholarship/

Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Please remind your students to apply for this generous scholarship by April 10. Good activity for Spring Break!

Oregon Promise Application, Toolkit, and Webinars

March 10, 2017
Contact: Endi Hartigan, Communications and Policy Specialist | Office: 503-378-6769 | Cell: 971-701-4032 | endi.hartigan@state.or.us
Source: Juan Baez-Arévalo, interim director of the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)
 

Oregon Promise Application Open through July 3, Learn More at OregonStudentAid.gov   
OSAC launches a 2017 toolkit for students and counselors, including upcoming counselor webinars 
 
Eugene, Oregon  | The Higher Education Coordinating Commission Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is pleased to announce a new toolkit of informational materials to help Oregonians learn about and apply for Oregon Promise. The application for the Oregon Promise grant is open through July 3 for students who will graduate high school (or complete a GED) in spring 2017 and attend community college in fall 2017. Visit www.OregonStudentAid.gov to apply.

Oregon Promise is a state grant that covers most tuition at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® recipients. This grant is already helping thousands of students attend community college. Provided the Oregon Legislature continues funding for the program, it will be available again to Oregon students for fall 2017. Students, families, school leaders and counselors are encouraged to utilize a newly launched 2017 communications toolkit that includes the following materials:  
  • Oregon Promise Video: Brief introduction to Oregon Promise for students and families.
  • Flyers (for High School)(for Community College): Materials can be posted widely to encourage students to learn more and apply.
  • Handout: Summary document geared toward students and families.
  • Infographic: A quick visual of the program to share on social media.
  • Counselor Presentation: Detailed slides for teachers and counselors who will be presenting to students and families.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Detailed answers to many questions on Oregon Promise eligibility criteria and the application process.
In addition, the Office of Student Access and Completion will be hosting online counselor webinars in late March. Community college advisors, high school teachers, counselors and other student support staff are encouraged to attend. Seating will be limited. Webinar dates will be announced soon; sign up for the Oregon Promise Listserv or see our website to receive timely updates.

Who is Eligible:  A student must be a recent Oregon high school graduate or GED® recipient, have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA, reside in Oregon for at least 12 months prior to community college attendance, attend an Oregon community college at least half time within six months of graduating high school, and meet any other specific requirements. Students must complete the application process (see below). Visit www.OregonStudentAid.gov for full details.

What it Covers: The Oregon Promise grant helps pay for most community college tuition (up to 12 credits per term) after other state and federal grant aid has been applied. However, there are other college costs that are not fully covered by Oregon Promise such as books, fees, housing, and costs of living. Additionally, the community college automatically deducts a $50 co-pay from the Oregon Promise award each term. Eligible students whose full tuition is already covered by state or federal need-based grants can receive $1,000 toward their other expenses. Students are encouraged to explore all financial aid options to meet their goals.

How to Apply: Students must complete the Oregon Promise application. The application deadline is July 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m PDT. For early notification, students should complete their application by April 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m PDT.  Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) at OregonStudentAid.gov and list at least one Oregon community college on the FAFSA or ORSAA. The ORSAA is specifically for undocumented students, including students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status.     

Get Support: If you have questions about Oregon Promise, contact info@oregonpromise.org or (541) 687-7400.

The Oregon Promise program was launched by legislation passed in 2015, and is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC). Funding for the 2017-2018 academic year is subject to Oregon Legislative approval. OSAC awards more than $80 million dollars each year in grants and privately funded scholarships to help students meet their college expenses. Learn more about all programs at www.OregonStudentAid.gov.


--
The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion is committed to expanding opportunities to Oregonians to complete their higher education and career training goals through information, mentoring, and financial aid.

The HECC is dedicated to fostering and sustaining the best, most rewarding pathways to opportunity and success for all Oregonians through an accessible, affordable and coordinated network for educational achievement beyond high school. For more information, go to
www.Oregon.gov/HigherEd   

 

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

How to Help Students Work Around the IRS DRT Outage

Attention NCAN members:

NCAN has become aware that the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is currently not working. If you are assisting a student or family attempting to complete a FAFSA and click to go the IRS website, you will receive this message:
This service will be unavailable due to system maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience. If more information is available, you can find it by selecting the service from the Tools page.
NCAN recommends that until the system is available again, families bypass this option and manually enter all the required financial information in both the student and parent sections of the FAFSA. This will allow the form to be completed and submitted.
At this point, NCAN has not received any guidance regarding how the DRT system outage will affect students in terms of being selected for verification. We encourage our members that are still assisting with FAFSA completion to relay a message to your families about bringing all appropriate 2015 tax forms and information with them to their appointment or workshop so that you may assist them with completing the FAFSA.
NCAN hopes that this issue will be resolved quickly, as state and institutional deadlines are prevalent in the month of March. Thank you for your support.

A Way to Apply Free to Private Colleges

Never too early to tell your  juniors about this great summer opportunity to see private colleges and apply to them free.

http://oregonprivatecolleges.com/

Reserve you tour for the OSU College of Engineering Undergraduate Expo May 19!

The 18th Annual Engineering Expo will take place on May 19, at the Kelley Engineering Center, Community Plaza, and Johnson Hall on the Oregon State University campus. This free event is open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s Engineering Expo promises to be another spectacular showcase of innovative creations.

The day will be a buzz with student ingenuity.  We will be featuring inventions developed by Oregon State engineering students for their senior design projects in the following disciplines:

·       Biological and Ecological Engineering   

·       Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering

·       Civil and Construction Engineering

·       Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

·       Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering

·       Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics

FIRST robots from local high schools will also be on display.

Racecars built by students in the champion Global Formula Racing team will be on display along with other wheeled contraptions.

The Expo is a great learning opportunity for high school students who are interested in science and technology or may be considering a career in engineering.

If you would like to attend teachers must make reservations for a tour using the following link, http://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_72mruqc5QHNpEix


Oregon State University
College of Engineering
Corvallis, OR 97331

Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships ~ applications due March 31, 2017

The deadline to apply for Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships is just over a month away. If you plan to attend Chemeketa in the fall, don’t miss out on your chance to get money for college. 

Fill out only ONE application to be eligible for awards from more than 100 different scholarship funds. Many students complete the process in as little as 30 minutes. Last year 1 in 4 students who applied were awarded scholarships.

The Foundation awards scholarships for students in specific programs, students with children and first-generation college students among other criteria. You don't need to be a 4.0 student to qualify. The application deadline is March 31st.

Important information –
1.     Scholarships are for fall, winter, spring term of 2017-2018
2.     This is your ONLY opportunity to apply for Chemeketa scholarships for 2017-2018
3.     Awards range from $300 - $4,000
4.     Scholarship funds may cover tuition, fees, textbooks and other expenses like uniforms or equipment
5.     Foundation scholarships are open to all students, including students without a social security number

Once you apply, continue checking your My Chemeketa e-mail for an award notification beginning in May. You should check your e-mail account weekly to avoid missing a scholarship e-mail and acceptance deadline.

To access the application –
1.     Log into your MyChemeketa account.
2.     Click on the Services tab -> Financial Aid
3.     On the right menu, click Scholarships & resources
4.     Select Foundation scholarships

If you have questions while filling out the application, call the Foundation office at 503.365.4747.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Charan Cline on Local Matters with Ken Moore

Hope you can take a few minutes to watch this video of our superintendent talking with local politician Ken Moore -- who, by the way, was one of the charter ASPIRE mentors when it started at YC back in the late nineties.


I learned a lot about the newer programs at YC from listening to their discussion about our school district.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90QJ20YOwCs

Financial Aid for Undocumented and DACA Students


OSAC just added a new page to its website:
 
Currently, students can find this page by clicking on I Am A…. Undocumented or DACA Student on the right sidebar when they are inside the “Plan & Pay” section of the OSAC website.
 

Chemeketa Scholars Eligibility Options

You may not be aware that some recent changes have occurred with eligibility for Chemeketa Scholars.  You will find details about these changes on the following webpage in the document that is linked to "Smarter Balanced scores from 11th grade may be used in place of testing within the first year...."
http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/testing/placement.html

OSU Business Scholarships

Choosing where to attend college is one of the biggest decisions our students will make. At the College of Business at Oregon State University, we know this choice can be exciting… and sometimes stressful.  Thank you for the work you do to support future college students.
 
Below are some opportunities for students to engage with the College of Business as they make their decisions.  If you, or your students, have any questions or ideas for collaboration, please feel free to contact me at laura.scott@bus.oregonstate.edu or 541-737-4330 .

Go Beavs!
Laura

Business Events At OSU (Juniors and Seniors)
We invite high school juniors and seniors to spend the day with us! This is a great way to meet OSU students, see what goes on in college classes and get a feel for the Beaver Nation community.  For a complete list of events, click HERE.  We will continue to add to this list, so check back often.

Future Business Leaders Scholarship (Juniors)
Applications are now being accepted for our Future Business Leaders Scholarship for current high school juniors. Applications will be evaluated by candidates' demonstrated entrepreneurial/innovative mindset, work ethic and commitment to social responsibility. We seek candidates who will bring diversity to the College of Business student population in terms of students' career interests, hometown, racial/ethnic background, and/or experiences.

Scholarship Eligibility:

  • Current high school junior attending high school in the state of Oregon
  • Will graduate before September 2018
  • GPA of 3.75 and above
  • Domestic student
  • Complete application by March 1, 2017
  • Apply HERE

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Local Scholarship Updates

The list of local scholarships is coming together nicely (MANY thanks to Shelly in Counseling and Jo for taking on the lion's share of this project!!). If we get the 2017-2018 applications, they're being posted on the wall by the office.

Please keep an eye on these folders, and if one becomes empty -- let me (or one of our aides) know. Or take the master from the green accordion file on the work table by the sink and make some more copies. The applications are filed alphabetically; sometimes extra copies are also stored in the accordion file.

Anyway, I'm noticing that some of the "old standards" awarded every year have changed. Below are the ones I've noticed so far.


Western Oregon University ASPIRE partnership Scholarship
(for students who have applied at  WOU)

There is no longer a paper application as this award has been folded in with others in their scholarship database.The student will complete and submit it online. After that, I will be asked in an email if I would like to nominate him/her, and I respond accordingly.

It will still be available to two students from YC.

Please pass this info, and the link below, to your WOU-bound students -- otherwise I'm afraid they might miss it in WOU's database.
We'also post the new details on the Scholarship Wall near our office.

This non-renewable scholarship is awarded to incoming freshman nominated by their high school ASPIRE program coordinator. Each ASPIRE program is limited to two nominations per year.
  • $500 nonrenewable scholarship
  • Must be nominated by qualifying ASPIRE coordinator
  • Must be enrolled in 12 credits per term at WOU to receive the scholarship.
To apply for the ASPIRE Scholarship, complete the General Scholarship Application at https://wou.academicworks.com. You must have a WOU Portal username and password to access the General Scholarship Application.\
Deadline March 1, 2017.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Columbia Bus Company

This award used to be available only to students who rode the school bus.
It is now open to all students.

For 2017-2018, there is no application to complete. Mid Columbia prefers that YC admin make the selection.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you have mentees you think should be considered.

The scholarship amount remains at $500.
Deadline April 15, 2017
_________________________________________

ASPIRE Mentors' Scholarship

This award, supported entirely by donations from ASPIRE mentors, has waxed and waned over the last decade. For 2017-2018, it is again alive and well: A member of our mentor team has made a very generous donation to the fund. We have $500 to work with!

Only students who have participated in the ASPIRE program will be considered.
Deadline April 15, 2017

WOU Campus Plan (Oregon Public Universities Tour)

Greetings from Western!
In keeping with tradition, we are inviting you and your students to our annual Campus Plan on Wednesday, February 22nd! Students will get to meet with representatives from all 8 Oregon public universities. The program will run from 9:10am-11am, with an optional 60 minutes tour of our campus at 11:30am. I've attached the letter that should arrive in your physical mailboxes soon (weather permitting). Please let me know if you plan on bringing any students to this event! 


Kristin Mahoney
Admissions Counselor/Social Media Coordinator
Western Oregon University
345 N. Monmouth Ave.
Monmouth, OR 97361 503-838-8194

PLC News and Updates

Below is the link to a power point that was shown at a Willamette Promise workshop last week.
Thought you might be interested.

View the Presentation

Looking Ahead to Next Term



The new term begins on Feb. 6th, which means new class schedules and transcripts for the students.

Since there are so many last-minute schedule changes, the new schedules won’t be finalized and ready to print until Feb. 10. Until then, I can check a student’s schedule in the computer: If I’m not here, and you need to figure out where someone is – please see Amanda in the main office or Shelly down in Counseling.

Transcripts for the first semester, that ends next week, will be available the week of Feb. 13.

It takes considerable time to get all these new pieces printed out and placed in students’ files – please be patient. Again, I can check things in the computer until transcripts are uploaded and printable.

The new 2017 Oregon Careers booklets have arrived. Feel free to give them out – generously: I ordered a lot.

The local scholarship applications are coming in at a steady pace. As they do, we’re making copies and placing them in the colored folders out on the wall adjacent to the ASPIRE office.

The application masters will be kept in an accordion file in the office. Please, if you see that a folder is empty, check the accordion file for extras. If there are none, either put the master on my desk with a note; or make some copies and replenish the folder on the wall. The senior newsletter that goes out mid-February includes a list of all these local awards: That’s usually when the students make a bee-line for the applications.

PLEASE DO YOUR BEST to talk students into applying for these. At least four of these generous sponsoring groups, usually swamped with YC applications, received none from our students last year. . . .sigh……
 

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Ford Family Scholarship Application Guidelines for Undocumented Students

The Ford Family Foundation is pleased to share the following information regarding changes to our policy that allow students who meet the tuition equity criteria at Oregon’s four-year public universities to compete for Ford Family scholarships. If you or the student you support have questions regarding the process or our specific programs, please email our office at fordscholarships@tfff.org or call 877-864-2872.

http://www.tfff.org/sites/default/files/UndocScholarshipInfo2016Oregon.pdf

Linfield's Upcoming Priority Application Deadline


Greetings from Linfield,

We know the recent winter weather has caused quite the disruption to your schools, students and teachers. While we’ve been encouraging students to use their time at home to work on their application for admission to Linfield, we can imagine you (and your teaching colleagues) have much to get caught up on before you get to uploading recommendations and transcripts.

Linfield’s priority deadline is coming up on February 1. While we will strongly encourage all interested students to submit their applications by February 1, and will need all required materials (School Report, official High School Transcript, one Teacher Recommendation, official SAT or ACT scores) before reviewing an application, students will not be penalized if those items from the school are not received on February 1.

As soon as a student’s application is complete, it will be processed for review. We would simply ask that all materials are submitted as soon as possible, and, to keep students on track toward the May 1 matriculation deadline, by February 28. That also includes mid-year transcript updates, if delayed due to later semester finals.

If you have questions or concerns about providing Linfield materials, please contact the Office of Admission at admission@linfield.edu or 800-640-2287. You, and your students, can also connect with the admission counselor who works with students from your school with any updates.

Thank you for your continued support of Linfield.

Office of Admission
Linfield College

Thursday, January 19, 2017

New Video: OSAC Scholarship Application: Step by Step

I’m pleased to pass along the news that we now have a step-by-step video on how to complete the OSAC scholarship application.  The link is below; please feel free to utilize this video in classrooms, volunteer meetings, financial aid or parent nights, etc.

https://youtu.be/gnJfYxbKIZM

Upcomming Events


Seniors and Juniors
YOU'LL BE A WINNER OF MONEY FOR COLLEGE WHEN YOU ATTEND
PATHWAY TO SCHOLARSHIPS WORKSHOP
Saturday January 21 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the YC Library
This has been postponed
Includes Breakfast
Spend a single Saturday morning with scholarship coaches and
COME AWAY WITH A UNIQUE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY
YOU CAN USE REPEATEDLY
TO WIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE!!
Sign up in ASPIRE, Counseling or Main Office by end of the day Tuesday January 17

**
Seniors and Juniors
Come along on the annual JumpStart trip to
Chemeketa's Yamhill Valley Campus in McMinnville
Tuesday January 24
This has been postponed 
Tour the campus, sit in on a class, see the health care careers center, take your placement test, have a complimentary lunch in the cafeteria

Get a permission slip in ASPIRE, Counseling or Main Office. Return it -- and write your name on the trip sign-up sheet -- by end of day January 17.

SENIORS

If you want FREE money for college, submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) NOW before it's too late! Apply, and get your FSA ID #, online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or get help in ASPIRE office. Do this by Feb. 1 to be considered for FREE college money through the Oregon Opportunity Grant.

SENIORS AND JUNIORS -- REMAINING TEST DATES FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR

March 11 -- Registration deadline Feb. 10
May 6 -- Registration deadline April 7
June 3 -- Registration deadline May 9

ACT -- ACT.org
February 11 -- Late registration January 14-20
April 8 -- Registration deadline March 3
June 10 - Registration deadline May 5

COLLEGE NEWS & VERY IMPORTANT DATES

If you are going to attend Chemeketa Community College, you must register then check in Counseling Office to determine whether or not you need to take the Accuplacer Placement Test. You can prepare and find practice questions at https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/ To schedule and take the test at the McMinnville campus, call 503-316-3240. Chemeketa Community College

Jan. 18 -- Chemeketa Scholars info session in McMinnville 6:30-7:30 p.m. An overview of eligibility, application process, followed by a time for questions and answers. If time allows we will take a campus tour.

Jan. 22 -- Making WOU Happen at Western Oregon University
Feb. 1 -- Admissions and Financial Aid deadline at: EOU, PSU, OSU.
Feb. 6 and March 24 -- Campus previews at WOU
Feb. 12-13 -- Preview weekend at SOU
Feb. 15 --Admissions and Financial Aid deadline at SOU.
Feb. 26 -- Admissions and Financial Aid deadline at WOU
Feb. 15 --Trek Day at Oregon Tech and Wilsonville Campus Preview
Feb. 4 & 25, Mar. 3, Apr., 21, May 5 & 12 -- Connections Day at UO
Feb. 27 and March 18 -- Preview Days at EOU
March 1 -- Deadline for Foundation Scholarships at Portland Community College
March 2 -- Criminal Justice Career Day at WOU

March 3 – Learn about Apprenticeships in Oregon and Southwest Washington; 9-11 a.m. at
      Salem Career & Technical Education Center, 33309 Highway 99E, Tangent, OR             

March 3 -- Special Chemeketa Scholars application day for Yamhill Valley area students. Hand-deliver applications from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 6-10 -- Application period for Chemeketa Scholars -- deliver to Salem campus
March 11 and 18; April 1, 15 and 22 -- Duck Preview Days at UO
March 15 --Admission and financial aid deadline at Oregon T ech
March 24 --Preview Day at OSU Cascades Campus
Feb. 1--March 31 -- Deadline for Foundation Scholarships at Chemeketa
April 24 -- Spring College Fair at University of Portland
April 30 --Preview Day at Oregon Tech
June 16 --Summer Preview Day at OSU Cascades Campus

SCHOLARSHIPS GALORE!

Deadline January 29 ($1,000) Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship – Recurring Annual Business and Finance Scholarship ($1000 award)

Deadline February 1 ($4,000) Linfield College Alumni Scholarship -- for relatives of Linfield Alumnus, 3.25 GPA. Application in ASPIRE. Or call 503-883-2607.

OSAC Scholarships -- DUE February 15 for chance at extra $500 scholarship; otherwise March 1This single application can put you in the running for nearly 500 scholarships! Apply now at https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/; wath this youTube video to see how to complete the application https://youtu.be/gnJfYxbKIZM

Deadline March 30 ($500) Oregon PTA's Teacher Education Scholarship. Application in ASPIRE.

Deadline April 15 ($5,000) Dan Hilger Memorial Scholarship for those pursuing Forestry.

CHECK OUT SOME SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH ENGINES FOR STILL MORE