9th/10th grade college and career information booklet grade college and career information booklet...
TRANSCRIPT
9th/10th Grade College and Career
Information Booklet
It is the policy of Amarillo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, na onal origin, sex or handicap in its
voca onal programs, services or ac vi es as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of
the Educa on Amendments of 1972; and Sec on 504 of the Rehabilita on Act of 1973, as amended.
Es norma de Amarillo ISD de no discriminar por mo ves de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus
programas, servicios o ac vades vocacionales, tal como lo requiren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964,
según enmienda; el Titulo IX de las Enmiendas en la Educacion, de 1972, y la Seccion 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitacion
de 1973, segun enmienda.
Amarillo ISD
Department of Guidance and Cou
nseling
2011—2012
2
2
Amarillo Independent School District
7200 Interstate 40 West • Amarillo, TX 79106‐2598 • (806) 326‐1000 • Fax (806) 354‐5062
Dear Student,
Welcome to High School! The next few years will go by quickly, and very soon you will be walking
across that stage and receiving your diploma! All of us wish you well and
hope your high school years are successful.
The informa on in this booklet will help you in planning for gradua on and
post‐secondary educa on. Please read this and share it with your parents.
Good planning is essen al in reaching any goal, and now is the me to think
about those goals.
The Amarillo Independent School District offers a variety of programs to meet
your needs. Each year your counselor will meet with you individually to review
and discuss your goals.
It is our hope that this booklet will get you to thinking about your future.
Your school counselor is available any me to answer ques ons you or your
parents may have.
Sincerely,
Your High School Counselor
3
3
Table of Contents
Sec on 1 – What Do I Need To Know About High School Page Page #
Recommended High School Program 6 Dis nguished Achievement Program 6 Gradua on Requirements 7 AISD Plan of Study Worksheet 9 Alterna ve Credit 11 The Academic Record 12 GPA and Class Rank 12 High School Transcripts 12 Credits 13 A endance 13 Tes ng Requirements for Gradua on 14 Tes ng Calendar 2010/2011 16‐17
Sec on 2 – Career Explora on
We Have Choices! – Bridges Explorer/Planner 19 The Sixteen Career Clusters ‐ Career Clusters Survey 20‐21 Panhandle HOT Jobs! 22
PRO—Pursuing Real Opportuni es 23 Sec on 3 – Post‐Secondary Planning
What Are My Post‐Secondary Op ons? 25
Admissions
Admission Criteria 27
Top Ten Percent 27‐28
Apply Texas 29
College Tes ng 29
Requirements for Athletes 29
College/Career Planning Time Table
9th grade 30
10th grade 32
Sec on 4 – Money For Post‐Secondary Educa on and Training
Types of Financial Aid 34
FAFSA 35
Texas Financial Aid Informa on Center 36
TExAS Grant Program I & II– Toward Excellence, Access and Success 37‐38
Texas B‐On Time 39‐40
Early High School Gradua on Scholarship 41‐42
Sec on 5 ‐ Supplemental Informa on and Websites What are So Skills? 44
R U Job Ready? 45
4Ever 4Everyone 46
Career Planning Websites 47
Colleges/Universi es 48‐49
Notes Pages 43
4
4
Contact us
Amarillo High School Counseling Office 326‐2019 Career Center 326‐2024
Caprock High School Counseling Office 326‐2217 Career Center 326‐2278
Palo Duro High School Counseling Office 326‐2416 Career Center 326‐2426
Tascosa High School Counseling Office 326‐2607 Career Center 326‐2625
Each high school campus has a College and Career Informa on Center. The College and
Career Center is a resource tool that can be used to help student and parents with the
process of career explora on and development for all students. The primary goals of the
College and Career Center are to assist students and parents to develop the essen al skills
for making informed educa onal and career decisions, prepare students to meet the
changing demands of the twenty‐first century workforce, help with student transi ons to
postsecondary experiences, and lay the founda on for lifelong learning and career
planning.
Contact either the College and Career Informa on Center (CCIC) Specialist or your
counselor for informa on for assistance.
College and Caree
r
Specialist
5
5
What Do I Need To Know About
High School
6
6
What is the Recommended High School Program?
The Recommended High School Program requires 26 credits.
The requirements help ensure that all Texas high school students have the skills and
knowledge necessary to succeed in the real world a er gradua on.
The program allows students to pursue their own interests in a variety of college
preparatory courses.
The program requires challenging academic course; students will be be er prepared to
complete technical school, community college or a four‐year university.
What is the Dis nguished Achievement Program?
The Dis nguished Achievement Program requires 26 credits
Within those credits, students must complete advanced measures that reflect work at college
or professional level as assessed by outside evaluators.
For this designa on on the transcript, the Recommended High School Program must be
completed with the following modifica ons:
*Second Language – 3 credits in the same language
*Elec ves –4 credits
In addi on, four measures from the op ons listed below must be completed.
1. a grade of 3.0 or higher on courses that count for college credit – each semester of dual credit
counts as 1 measure
2. earn a score of 3 or be er on a College Board AP exam or score a 4 or be er on an IB exam
3. a score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recogni on as a Commended Scholar or higher
4. complete original research or project judged by a panel of professionals (limit 2)
Why are these programs important to me?
You want to be sure that what you do in high school prepares you for success in later life.
The RHSP and the DAP provide the founda on you need for the future. Research show
that students who take at least one mathema cs course a er Algebra II have the best
chance to complete college. Students with two Advanced Placement courses more than
double their chances to successfully complete college.
You want to be well prepared — the RHSP and the DAP help assure that you will be.
TEXAS MINIMUM GRADUATION PLAN
Any student considering gradua ng on the Minimum Plan (22 credits) must see a counselor. Only students mee ng strict criteria will
be able to select the minimum gradua on plan. A waiver acknowledging understanding of the Texas Minimum Gradua on Plan must
be signed. Students’ gradua ng on this plan may not be eligible to a end a four‐year university upon gradua on.
7
7
RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
SUBJECT AREA CREDITS
English 4.0
Communica on Applica ons .5
Math 4.0
Science 4.0
Social Studies 3.5
Economics .5
Health .5
Physical Educa on 1.0
Languages Other than English 2.0
Fine Arts 1.0
Elec ves 5.0
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 26.0
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
SUBJECT AREA CREDITS
English 4.0
Communica on Applica ons .5
Math 4.0
Science 4.0
Social Studies 3.5
Economics .5
Health .5
Physical Educa on 1.0
Languages Other than English 3.0
Fine Arts 1.0
Elec ves 4.0
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 26.0 PLUS FOUR (4) ADVANCED MEASURES
One measure maximum: na onal recogni on on PSAT Two measures maximum: original research/project Four measures maximum:
Performance on AP exams (Scoring 3, 4, or 5); Grades in college credit courses (Grades of “A” or “B”)
NOTE: Any student considering gradua ng on the Minimum Plan (22 credits) must
see their school counselor. Only students mee ng strict criteria will be able to select
the minimum gradua on plan. A waiver acknowledging understanding of the TX
Minimum Gradua on Plan must be signed.
SUBJECT RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
ENGLISH
English I, II, III, and IV required. Immigrant students with
limited English proficiency may subs tute English I SOL and
English II SOL for English I and II ONLY
COMMUNICATION
APPLICATIONS
One‐half credit Communica on Applica ons required.
MATHEMATICS
Four credits required. The four credits must include Alge‐
bra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Math Models MAY NOT be
taken once Algebra II has been successfully completed.
* SCIENCE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and 4th Science or
Biology, IPC, Chemistry, and Physics
SOCIAL
STUDIES
Three and one‐half credits required and must consist of
World Geography, World History, US History, and US
Government.
ECONOMICS One‐half credit required.
HEALTH One‐half credit required; may subs tute Health Science
PHYSICIAL EDUCATION
One credit required. Waivers: Drill Team, Marching Band
(fall semester only), Cheerleading, Dance, ROTC, or ap‐
proved private programs. See your counselor for specific
waiver informa on.
LOTE Two credits of the same language.
FINE ARTS
One credit required, selected from courses in the areas of
Art, Music, Theatre Arts, Dance, or Art Apprecia on on‐
line. Floral Design may count towards the required credit
for fine arts.
ELECTIVES Five credits required.
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (DAP)
English I, II, III, and IV required. Immigrant students with limited English proficien‐
cy may subs tute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II ONLY
One‐half credit Communica on Applica ons required.
Four credits required. The four credits must include Algebra I, Algebra II, and
Geometry. The fourth math credit must have an Algebra II prerequisite. Math
Models MAY NOT be taken on the DAP.
Four credits required. The 4 credits must include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
IPC and Principles of Technology will not count on the DAP.
Three and one‐half credits required and must consist of World Geography, World
History, US History, and US Government.
One‐half credit required.
One‐half credit required; may subs tute Health Science Technology (one credit) in
One credit required. Waivers: Drill Team, Marching Band (fall semester only),
Cheerleading, Dance, ROTC, or approved private programs. See your counselor for
specific waiver informa on.
Three credits of the same language.
One credit required, selected from courses in the areas of Art, Music, Theatre
Arts, Dance, or Art Apprecia on on‐line. Floral Design may count towards the
required credit for fine arts.
Four credits required.
* Seniors Only: 4 credits required. The 4 credits must include Biology and 2 cred‐
its from either IPC, Chemistry, Physics or Principles of Technology and a 4th year
8
8
CORE plus FLOPS plus ELECTIVES = 26 credits
Elec ves = 5
Confused about Graduation
Use the worksheet on the opposite page to help you
plan out the courses you intend to take in high school to
meet gradua on requirements. Keep the worksheet
handy as it can then be helpful to you when you update
your plan of study in the “Course Plan Builder” in Bridg‐
es Choices Planner. (www.bridges.com). Your high
school counselor can help you with this process.
CORE = 4 by 4 = 16
English I, English 2, English 3, English 4 = 4 credits
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2, 4th year math = 4 credits
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 4th year science = 4 credits
World Geog., World Hist., U.S. Hist., Govt/Eco = 4 credits
= 16
= 5
F = Fine Arts = 1 credit
LO = Languages Other
than English = 2 credits
P = Physical Educa on = 1 credit
S = Speech and Health = 1 credit
Pre‐ap / AP recommenda ons….
English 1‐P, English 2‐P, English 3‐AP, English 4‐AP
Algebra I‐P, Geometry‐P, Algebra 2‐P, Pre‐Cal‐P, Calc‐AP
Biology‐P, Chemistry‐P, Physics‐P, AP level of Bio, Chem, or Physics
W. Geography‐P, W. History‐P, U.S. Hist‐AP, Govt‐AP/Eco‐AP
9
9
Amarillo ISD Plan of Study Worksheet
High School Credits taken in Middle School
(circle any that apply)
Algebra I Health Spanish I
Career Connec ons Communica on Applica ons
Other:
High School Credits (26 credits)
English (4) ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ PE (1)
Math (4) ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Fine Arts (1)
Science (4) ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Health/Speech (1)
Social Studies (4) ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Languages other than English (2)
Regular Schedule
Course # 9th Grade Course
1240 English I
4070 Algebra I
4350 Biology
4640 World Geography
Course # 10th Grade Course
1250 English II
4092 Geometry
4370 Chemistry
4650 World History
Course # 11th Grade Course
1260 English III
4080 Algebra II
4390 Physics
4660 U.S. History
Course # 12th Grade Course
1270 English IV
4th Year Math
4th Year Science
4690/4700 U.S. Government/Economics
Student Name: _________________________________________________________
Career Cluster of Interest: ________________________________________________
Website: www.bridges.com (go to page 19 for more informa on)
Por olio Name: amaisd+student ID: ________________________________________
10
10
Alterna ve Credit
CORRESPONDENCE: Credits from correspondence
courses may be accepted as part of the high school gradua on
requirements, provided the courses are from ins tu ons that have
been approved by the counselor and principal prior to taking the
course. The two approved ins tu ons for AISD are Texas Tech
University and The University of Texas at Aus n. These courses
are used only for emergency purposes or enrichment. Informa on
is available in counselors' offices.
Resident students may earn a maximum of three of the total credits re‐
quired by the state through correspondence courses. Students temporarily living abroad and out‐of‐school
youths and adults shall earn a minimum of 12 state‐required credits in residence.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION: Students may use credit by examina on to demonstrate
mastery to earn credit in any academic course at the secondary level, with the prior approval of the princi‐
pal. No fee shall be charged for an examina on provided by the District. If a parent or student requests
an alterna ve examina on, the District may administer a test purchased by the parent or student
from a State Board‐approved university. A registra on process for these examina ons will be established
and communicated at the individual campus level. For credit by examina on with or without prior instruc‐
on, students must register for individual examina ons at their home school according to district deadlines.
There are three scheduled tes ng dates per year in November, April, and June. Addi onal informa on on
credit by examina on is available at the counselors' office and local policy EEJA and EEJB.
Amarillo On‐line School (AOS) and Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN): AOS includes three full semes‐
ters of course content in the fall, spring, and summer semesters via the Texas Virtual School Network
(TxVSN) as both a Provider and Receiver of courses including a broad range of both core and elec ve cours‐
es as well. This means that all districts in Texas (except Amarillo ISD) that are par cipa ng as "Receiver"
districts are eligible to take courses we provide. Amarillo ISD students may take any course in the TxVSN
catalog except, by law, the ones offered by AISD Online School. Because Art Apprecia on is not offered by
any other provider, Amarillo ISD students may sign up for this two‐semester course locally by seeing their
counselors. Please visit h p://www.amaisd.org/aacal/ for more informa on
SUMMER SCHOOL: Summer classes will be offered by each high school campus. Students will be permi ed
to enroll in a maximum of three semester classes for regaining credit or two semester classes for advance‐
ment in summer school. A fee per semester course is required.
11
11
Addi onal Informa on
DUAL CREDIT:
Dual credit refers to the prac ce of awarding credit at two educa onal ins tu ons for a course completed at
one ins tu on. Amarillo Independent School District and Amarillo College have entered into an agreement to
award dual credit for specific courses taken by junior and seniors. These courses vary by high school campus.
Students interested in dual credit should check with their counselor for courses offered at their campus and
the AC campus
ADVANCED PLACEMENT:
Advanced Placement courses are offered on every AISD high school cam‐
pus, although course offerings at each campus will vary. The Advanced
Placement Program is a coopera ve endeavor between U.S. secondary
schools and colleges and universi es. It exposes high school students
to college‐level material through involvement in an AP course, and it
gives them the opportunity to show that they have mastered it by taking
an AP Exam in the spring. Colleges and universi es can then grant credit,
placement, or both to students scoring at a certain level. Those levels for
which credit is awarded and the terms for doing so vary from college to college. Students should check with
the post‐secondary ins tu on they wish to a end for its policy on how (or if) credit is awarded for AP Exam
scores
Miscellaneous Opportuni es Programs For The Gi ed And Talented: Amarillo Independent
School District’s G/T program is implemented at the high
school level through Pre‐AP and AP (Advanced Placement)
courses. Iden fied G/T students are cluster‐grouped in these
courses taught by teachers who have met state and local training
requirements for teachers of gi ed students.
Superintendent’s Scholars: Superintendent’s Scholars is a
program that is unique to the Amarillo Independent School
District. It was established to recognize academic excellence
in high school students. Students who qualify for this honor
are recognized through school presenta ons, luncheons,
publicity
in the local newspaper and district publica ons, cer ficates,
plaques and other incen ves.
To qualify for Superintendent’s Scholars in a given semester:
freshmen, sophomores, and juniors must be taking at least
five of the courses included in the Superintendent’s Scholars
Program.
seniors must be taking at least four of the courses included
in the program
all students must make at least a 95 average in regular
courses, and at least a 90 average in AP and Pre‐AP courses.
All courses offered at the four AISD high schools (including
AACAL) will count towards Superintendent’s Scholars except:
• English as a Second Language (if TEKS are not met)
• Special Educa on classes
• Physical Educa on Classes
• Athle cs
• Local credit courses
• Americorps internship
Extracurricular Ac vity Par cipa on Requirements (State
Mandated): In order to par cipate in extracurricular
ac vi es, students must meet the side by‐ side guidelines.
(for more informa on visit: h p://www.uil.utexas.edu/
12
12
The Academic Record
Computa on of GPA and Class Rank:
All eligible grades are to be submi ed in sufficient me
for data processing purposes.
Lost‐credit grades (failed courses), duplicated course
grades, and passing credit by examina on grades must
be included.
No more than 3 credits of correspondence courses may be
used for gradua on purposes.
The grades earned in mul ple‐period courses will be
counted only one me.
Valedictorian, salutatorian and honor graduate GPA's are computed at the end of the
5th six weeks of the senior year.
Encouragement for Pre‐AP& AP courses‐extra 5 points for semester average for GPA
(won't see on report card or transcript but averaged.)
Semester averages are calculated by 3‐6 weeks averages and semester test grades
counts 25%. Semester test grade .
High School Transcripts: A transcript is a document detailing a student’s academic
achievement high school. Although the appearance of the high school transcripts varies
from school to school, most high school transcripts include the following informa on:
1. Courses, grades, and credits for each grade completed, beginning with grade nine
2. Cumula ve GPA and class rank
3. Gradua on date
4. PLAN, PSAT, SAT and/or ACT scores
State gradua on test scores (TAKS test)
A transcript provides admissions and scholarship commi ees with important objec ve
data. All post‐secondary ins tu ons, and most scholarship programs, request that an
official transcript be submi ed with each applica on. Unless they are
electronically transferred directly from one ins tu on to another, all
transcripts must have a signature, stamp, or seal verifying their au‐
then city. An unofficial transcript is exactly the same as an official
transcript except that there is no signature, stamp or seal. Students
and parents can usually obtain an unofficial transcript to check cred‐
its or to take on a college visit by calling their high school guidance
office.
13
13
School Profile: AISD high schools have a school profile that they send with your transcript if requested. A
school profile is a one or two page document that includes per nent informa on about the school and the
community. Profiles usually include informa on on the size of the school, the average ACT and SAT scores
of the previous gradua ng class(es), and informa on on how GPA is calculated. While the transcript pro‐
vides colleges and scholarship commi ees with informa on about the student, the school profile provides
informa on about the high school the student is a ending.
Credits: Each semester grade equals 1/2 credit. Semester classes that are taken and passed will receive a
1/2 credit. Yearlong classes are divided into 2 semesters with each semester grade independent of the oth‐
er. For example, in Algebra I (which is a year‐long course), the first semester grade is separate from
the second semester grade. High School Credit Recovery: A high school student who fails the first semester of any
core course with a grade no lower than 60, but who passes the second
semester of the course, may receive credit if the average of the two se‐
mesters results in a grade of 70 or above. Otherwise, to receive credit in
a core course, the student must u lize credit recovery to obtain a passing
grade for any semester failed. Credit recovery op ons include retaking
the class, taking a correspondence course, or receiving credit by examina‐
on with prior instruc on.
A endance: Each student must be in a endance in each class at
least 90% of the days in each semester. Students who are not in a endance at least 90% in each semester
may lose credit in each class that falls below this number. Students who fall short of the 90%
rule must appeal to an a endance commi ee to solicit permission to receive credit in a class. The com‐
mi ee will consider all circumstances and will decide whether to grant or deny credit. More informa on on
a endance can be found in the student handbook.
Four~Six Year High School Plan:
The four‐six year high school plan is a lis ng of courses a student plans to take during his/her freshman,
sophomore, junior, and senior years to prepare him for the “next‐step”
a er gradua on . When making a four‐six year plan, students and parents
should take into considera on high school gradua on requirements, ca‐
reer plans, college/postsecondary training requirements, and if the student
is an athlete, athle c eligibility requirements.
A student s four‐six year plan should be developed by the eight grade. It
should be reviewed and revised each year with adjustments made for aca‐
demic performance, personal interests, revised career plans and changes in
curriculum offerings.
See page 19 for more informa on about developing a 4‐6 year plan
14
14
Information on State Mandated Testing
Classification
2011-2012
All students enrolled in high school who earn 6 credits,
including Algebra I, shall be classified as a sophomore
(grade 10); a student who earns 11 credits, including
Algebra I, shall be classified as a junior (grade 11); and a
student who earns 17 credits, including Algebra I, shall be
classified as a senior (grade 12).
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)
A New Assessment Model beginning with incoming 2011‐2012 Freshman
Beginning with the 2011‐2012 school year incoming Freshman
will be subject to the STAAR tes ng system. The majority of the
new STAAR assessments will test content students studied that
year, as opposed to tes ng content studied over mul ple years.
There are twelve end‐of‐course assessments in the four founda‐
on content areas—English, mathema cs, science and social
studies. These assessments will replace the current high school
TAKS tests.A Freshman student enrolled in English I, Algebra I,
Biology, and World Geography during the 2011‐2012 school year
will take STAAR exams in each of these subject areas. As the stu‐
dent enters
his/her sophomore year and beyond, STAAR exams will be admin‐
istered at the end of the year in the appropriate subject
areas. The cumula ve score must meet sa sfactory performance
set forth by TEA.
For addi onal informa on, contact your student’s school counse‐
lor or visit h p://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/
TAKS: Texas state laws have mandated that students must pass the Exit Level
TAKS in order to receive a high school diploma. AISD policy requires passing the
TAKS and fulfilling all course requirements in order to par cipate in gradua on
ceremonies.
The Exit Level TAKS will be given in 11th grade and will assess English, Math, So‐
cial Studies, and Science skills. Students in grade 10 will also take TAKS exams.
15
15
Tes ng Requirements for Gradua on
Texas Administra ve Code
§101.7. Tes ng Requirements for Gradua on.
a. To be eligible to receive a high school diploma, a student must demonstrate sa sfactory performance as
determined by the State Board of Educa on (SBOE) on the assessments required for gradua on as speci‐
fied in the Texas Educa on Code (TEC), Chapter 39, Subchapter B.
1) To fulfill the tes ng requirements for gradua on, a student must be tested by either a Texas school dis‐
trict, Texas educa on service center, open‐enrollment charter school, the Texas Educa on Agency (TEA),
or other individual or organiza on designated by the commissioner of educa on.
2) On the tests required for gradua on, a student shall not be required to demonstrate performance at a
standard higher than the one in effect when he or she was first eligible to take the test.
Source: The provisions of this §101.7 adopted to be effec ve November 15, 2001, 26 TexReg 9088; amended
to be effec ve March 23, 2005, 30 TexReg 1632; amended to be effec ve December 23, 2009, 34 TexReg
9200.
16
16 Tes ng Calendar
2011—2012 h p://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?
(subject to change) please
refer to TEA web site o en
for updates and changes
17
17
18
18
Career Explora on
19
19
Bridges Explorer/Planner
Explore your interests and post‐secondary
opportuni es with Choices® Explorer and
Choices® Planner
Amarillo ISD is pleased to provide an educa onal and career planning service for students. Choices Explorer
and Choices Planner are two online programs that enable you to explore individual interests, educa on op‐
ons, discover a wide variety of occupa ons, and make plans to achieve your goals—from
school or from home!
Bridges Planner is available in Spanish.
Search and compare careers by salary, educa on needed, skills, interests, and field of work
Build a resume, prac ce for a job interview, create a cover le er, and build a thank‐you le er
Search and compare schools by loca on, programs and other characteris cs
Search for scholarships that match your circumstances
Check out career profiles and zones as well as personal interest assessments
Build a career plan and por olio
Choices Planner and Choices Explorer offer many ways to learn more about yourself and
your possibili es
Follow these steps to access your Bridges Por olio:
Go to www.bridges.com and select the “Sign In” link for “Students” in the lower‐le sec on of the page.
Enter your Por olio Name: amaisd “6 digit student id #” For example, if your student id number is
980762 your Por olio name would look like this amaisd980762
Now enter your Password: 8 digit birthday‐ For example, if your birthday is January 5, 1997 you would
enter your password like this 19970105
You may now go directly into a Bridges website using the links under Your Tools. Or, you may choose to
remain in the sign‐in area to browse the ar cles on guiding your student through the career explora on
and planning process.
For addi onal informa on please contact your counselor or your Career Informa on Specialist
on your campus.
20
20
The Sixteen Career Clusters
The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horti-culture, and other plant and animal products/resources.
Careers in designing, planning, managing, building, and main-taining the built environment.
Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and pub-lishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
Business Management and Administration careers encom-pass planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business opera-tions. Business Management and Administration career op-portunities are available in every sector of the economy.
Planning, managing, and providing education and training services, and related learning support services.
Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
Executing governmental functions to include governance; na-tional security; foreign service; planning; revenue and taxa-tion; regulation; and management and administration at the local, state, and federal levels.
Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diag-nostic services, health informatics, support services, and bio-technology research and development.
Hospitality and Tourism encompasses the management, mar-keting and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions and recreation events, and travel-related services.
21
21
10
Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs.
11
Building linkages in IT occupations framework for entry-level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, de-velopment, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.
12
Planning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, pro-tective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services.
13
Planning, managing and performing the processing of materi-als into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engi-neering.
14
Planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives.
15
Planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering), including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
16
Planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transpor-tation infrastructure planning and management, logistics ser-vices, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.
The Career Cluster I am most interested in is:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
www.achievetexas.org www.careerclusters.org
22
22
Panhandle Workforce Commission
High Demand Panhandle Occupa ons
Occupa on Amarillo College Program
Accountant/Auditor AAS
Aircra Mechanic/Service Repairer AAS
Automo ve Body Repairer Cer ficate
Automo ve Service Tech/Mechanic AAS
Bus/Truck Mechanic/Diesel Engine Specialist Cer ficate
Carpenter Appren ce
Computer Support Specialist AAS
Computer Systems Analyst AAS
Construc on Equipment Operator CTT*
Correc onal Officer AAS
Dental Hygienist AAS
Electrician AAS
Emergency Medical Tech/Paramedic AAS
Engineering Technician AAS
Execu ve Secretary/Admin Assistant AAS
Farm, Ranch & Other Agriculture Manager SPC Co‐op
Fire Fighter AAS
Hea ng, AC/Refrigera on mechanic AAS
Industrial Machinery Mechanic AAS
Industrial Truck/Tractor Operator CTT*
Licensed Prac cal/Voca onal Nurse Cer ficate
Machinist Under Review
Maintenance/Repair Worker, General AAS
Manager, General & Opera ons AAS
Medical Assistant NA
Medical Eligibility Specialist yes/no
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician AAS
Medical Records/Health Informa on Technician AAS
Network/Computer Systems Administrator AAS
Pharmacy Technician Cer ficate
Plumber, Pipe fi er and Steamfi er Appren ce
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer AAS
Radiologic Technologist/Technician AAS
Registered Nurse AAS
Respiratory Therapist AAS
Surgical Technologist AAS
Teacher, Elementary AAT
Teacher, Secondary AAT
Teacher, Special Educa on AAT
Truck Driver, Heavy and Tractor‐Trailer Workforce
Welder, cu er, Solderer and Brazier AAS
"High‐Demand Occupa ons"
are those projected by TWC
to have 100 or more openings
in the current ten‐year projec on
period, 15 or more openings
per year due
to any combina on of growth
and replacement, or that have
been targeted for WIA training
due to employer input/
local wisdom.
Totals may not add due to
suppression and rounding.
‡Panhandle WDA High‐Priority
(WIA targeted) Occupa ons
*Defined as Armstrong, Briscoe,
Carson, Castro, Childress,
Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf
Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall,
Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill,
Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore,
Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer,
Po er, Randall, Roberts,
CTT Customized Technical Training
AS Associates in Science
AAS Associate in Applied Science
AAT Associate in Arts Teaching
FAQ?
What is the difference between an AS
and an AAS degree?
Basically, the difference between the
two is: an A.S. degree is typically award‐
ed to people that plan on transferring to
a four year college/university. An A.A.S.
degree on the other hand, is awarded to
people that plan ongoing straight into
the workforce a er they graduate.
23
23
www.pro2day.com PRO – Pursuing Real Opportuni es – is a community‐wide ini a ve to develop a more skilled
local workforce. It began as a collabora on of Amarillo Economic Development Corpora on, Amarillo
ISD and Amarillo College. Ini ally, the program targeted industries that currently had the greatest
workforce needs including:
Architecture and Construc on
Finance
Manufacturing
Transporta on, Distribu on & Logis cs
However, the AISD internship opportunity has expanded to all 16 Career Clusters.
Many students, parents and adult career seekers have a percep on that a four‐year degree is the
only op on for students a er high school. However, Amarillo employers and educa on partners
offer viable training and resources to prepare individuals for successful careers in technical fields
and skilled labor.
PRO leverages community partnerships and resources to make high school and community
college students, parents and adult career seekers aware of the career op ons that exist in Amarillo
and the surrounding areas. PRO helps bridge the gap that exists between employers/businesses and
capable employees to help develop a thriving local workforce.
Talk to your counselor for more informa on
****Be sure to enroll in the “PRO” Internship
Classes on your campus, “Problems and Solu ons I & II”
course #’s 0962 and 0963, your senior year
24
24
Post‐Secondary Planning
25
25
What are my post‐secondary op ons?
• University/College
University ‐ A university grants bachelors, master's degrees, doctoral degrees and some
mes includes a professional school such as a law school or medical school. Universi es tend to be larg‐
er than colleges, focus more on scholarly or scien fic research, and might have larger class sizes.
College ‐ A four‐year college grants bachelor's degrees (Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of
Science). Some colleges also award master's degrees and possibly doctoral degrees.
• Community College
A public two‐year college gran ng associate's degrees and some mes cer ficates in
par cular technical (career‐related) subjects. Some students start their postsecondary
educa on at a community college and then transfer to a four‐year school, either because a
community college tends to be cheaper than a four‐year college, or because admissions standards at
community colleges are o en less stringent than at four‐year schools.
• Professional, Trade or Technical School
These terms are o en used interchangeably. They may be public or private, two‐ year or less‐than two‐
year. Career schools offer courses that are designed to prepare students for specific careers, from weld‐
ing to cosmetology to medical imaging, etc. The difference between technical schools and trade schools
is that technical schools teach the science behind the occupa on, while trade schools focus on hands‐on
applica on of skills needed to do the job.
• Cer fica on
O en called simply cer fica on or qualifica on, is a designa on earned by a person to as sure
qualifica on to perform a job or task. Cer fica ons are usually earned from a professional society or
educa onal ins tute, not the government.
• Licensure
Refers to the gran ng of a license, which gives a 'permission to prac ce.' Such licenses are usually is‐
sued in order to regulate some ac vity that is deemed to be dangerous or a threat to the person or the
public or which involves a high level of specialized skill. The danger and skill elements inspire govern‐
ments not to allow a free‐for‐all, but to regulate the ac vity, and licensing is a well‐established and con‐
venient method of regula on.
• Appren ceship
Appren ceship is a system of training a new genera on of prac oners of a skill. Most of their
training is done on the job while working for an employer who helps the appren ces learn their
trade, in exchange for their con nuing labor for an agreed period a er they become skilled.
Theore cal educa on may also be involved, informally via the workplace and/or by a ending
voca onal schools while s ll being paid by the employer.
• Military
Enlistment in the armed forces such as Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.
26
26
Checklist for Choosing a
Post‐Secondary Ins tu on
1. Consider the “Post‐Secondary Ins tu on Characteris cs” on the previous page.
_____ Majors and Educa onal Programs
_____ Loca on & distance from home
_____ Size of campus
_____ Fees and Financial Aid
_____ Admission Policy
_____ Campus Ac vi es
_____ Honors Programs
_____ Transfer of Credits
_____ Student Support Services
_____ Student/faculty ra o
2. Visit post‐secondary ins tu on websites, request informa on for admission, housing and scholarships.
3. Become familiar with the admission requirements for each post‐secondary ins tu on.
4. Visit the campuses—Take tours and ask ques ons. Every campus has its own personality.
5. Discuss with your family the affordability of the post‐secondary ins tu ons you are considering.
Helpful website:
www.knowhow2go.org
27
27
Admission Criteria
POST‐SECONDARY ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:
Post‐secondary ins tu ons use some, if not all, of the informa on
listed below when determining whether or not to accept an applicant.
Individual ins tu ons, however, differ in how they evaluate
this informa on. One may, for example, place a great deal of importance
on test scores, while another may focus more on other factors.
* Grade point average * Special talents
* Strengths of subjects * Personal quali es
* ACT/SAT scores * Ac vi es/awards
* Class Rank * Essays
* Recommenda ons * Interviews
* Credits * A endance
TOP 10 PERCENT: Explana on of Eligibility for Automa c College Admission
h p://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485632
Under the Automa c Admission policy (Texas Educa on Code §51.803), Texas students may be eligible for auto‐
ma c admission to a state college or university as an undergraduate student if they meet certain criteria. To
qualify for automa c admission, a student must:
(1) earn a grade point average in the top 10 percent* of his/her high school gradua ng class,
(2) graduate from a Texas public or private high school (or, if the student is a Texas resident, from a high school
operated by the U.S. Department of Defense),
(3) successfully complete the requirements for the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) or the Dis n‐
guished Achievement Program (DAP) (or the equivalent if enrolled in private school) or sa sfy ACT's College
Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT college entrance exam or earn a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 on the
SAT college entrance exam, and
(4) apply for admission to a state college or university within the first two school years a er gradua on from high
school.
Students who meet the criteria for automa c admission must submit an applica on before the deadline set by
the college or university to which they are applying. Students must also provide a high school transcript or diplo‐
ma that indicates whether they have sa sfied or are on schedule to sa sfy the requirements of the RHSP or DAP.
Curriculum Requirements
Not later than the end of a student’s junior year in high school, his or her official transcript should indicate
whether the student has sa sfied or is on schedule to sa sfy the requirements for the RHSP or DAP. Students
who are unable to sa sfy the curriculum requirements of the RHSP or DAP because the courses necessary to
complete the requirements are unavailable as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or an‐
other cause not within the student's control, are considered to have sa sfied the requirements of the relevant
program. In such cases, the student must have successfully completed the por ons of the RHSP or DAP curricula
that were available and the student’s official transcript or diploma must indicate this.
28
28
Apply Texas h ps://www.applytexas.org
On ApplyTexas you can accomplish a mul tude of tasks including:
• Apply for admission to any Texas public university, as well as to par cipa ng community and private
colleges.
• Apply for undergraduate, interna onal and graduate admission.
• Copy a submi ed applica on to another ins tu on.
• Submit your applica on essays online.
• Apply for scholarships from par cipa ng universi es.
• Apply for housing with par cipa ng universi es.
• Search for and view both general and university specific informa on.
Please read through the informa onal pages of this website before you begin using
TOP 10 PERCENT: Explana on of Eligibility for Automa c College Admission (Con nued)
Admission and Enrollment
State colleges and universi es may admit a student accepted under the Automa c Admission policy for either the fall semester
of the academic year for which the student applied or for the summer session that precedes that fall semester. Addi onally,
the admi ng college or university may require that applicants in need of addi onal prepara on for college‐level work enroll in
enrichment courses or programs during the summer immediately a er the student is admi ed. Colleges and universi es are
required to admit an applicant as an undergraduate student if the applicant is the child of a public servant who was killed or
fatally injured in the line of duty and who meets the minimum entrance requirements set by the college or university.
*The University of Texas at Aus n
For the 2012‐2013 academic year, UT has determined that it will automa cally admit all eligible applicants who rank within the
top 9% of their gradua ng classes. Please note that students admi ed to UT under the Automa c Admission policy will be re‐
quired to complete at least 6 semester credit hours during evening or other low‐demand hours in order to ensure the efficient
use of available classrooms.
Addi onal Resources
For the complete text of this statute, please refer to the Texas Educa on Code (TEC), §51.803, available online at h p://
www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm#51.803.
For ques ons related to the Automa c Admission policy, please visit the Texas Educa on Agency’s Automa c College Admis‐
sion webpage at h p://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485632.
A list of state colleges and universi es appears in TEC §61.003(3), general academic teaching ins tu ons, available online at
h p://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.61.htm#61.003.
29
29
The Common Applica on –www.commonapp.org
The Common Applica on currently provides both online and print versions of its First‐year and Transfer Applica ons.
Our membership of nearly 400 ins tu ons now represents the full range of higher educa on ins tu ons in the US:
public and private, large and small, highly selec ve and
College Tes ng:
PLAN – a prac ce test for the ACT. The PLAN available to sophomores.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/Na onal Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – a prac ce test for the SAT Reasoning
Test. This test is also used to determine Na onal Merit semifinalists. The PSAT/NMSQT is given in October, primarily
to sophomores and juniors.
ACT‐ a college entrance examina on that student s generally take during their junior and/or senior year. Students
receive scores in English, Reading, Math and Science, and a Composite score. There is also a recommended Wri ng
Test that students are strongly encouraged to take.
SAT Reasoning Test – a college entrance examina on that students generally take during their junior and/or senior
year. The SAT has three sec ons; Cri cal Reading, Math and Wri ng.
SAT Subject Tests ‐ one‐hour tests that measure a student’s knowledge in specific subject areas. SAT Subject Tests
are required by some of the more compe ve colleges.
Requirements for Athletes
In Order to par cipate in athle cs and receive athle cally‐based financial aid, you must register
with the NCAA Ini al‐Eligibility Clearinghouse and meet eligibility standards. If you wish to register
on‐line with the Clearinghouse, you must have a valid US Social Security Number and a VISA or MasterCard. The PDF
version is found at www.eligibilitycenter.org or www.ncaaclearinghouse.net under Prospec ve Student
Athletes.
You must meet academic eligibility requirements. The specific requirements can be found in THE GUIDE FOR
COLLEGE‐BOUND STUDENT ATHLETES that can be viewed and downloaded at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net under
Prospec ve Student Athletes. The guide lists specific course, grade and SAT/ACT score requirements for Division I
and Division II colleges. Be sure to read the ques on and answer sec on of the guide.
Remember, in order to par cipate in athle cs and receive athle cally‐based financial aid, you must
register with the NCAA Ini al –Eligibility Clearinghouse and meet eligibility standards. Mee ng
NCAA academic rules does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must s ll apply for
admission to that college.
30
30
College and Career Planning Timetable
9th GRADE
Visit with you Guidance Counselor and the College and Career Informa on Specialist on your campus.
1. Review your electronic por olio and Texas Achievement Plan (4‐year plan) that you created in mid‐
dle school using the Bridges Explorer/Planner Program. If you do not have a por olio see you Ca‐
reer Center Specialist and they can help you create one. Your counselor can help you create your
Texas Achievement Plan.
A career por olio is an excellent tool that you can use to document your journeys through the career
development process. Your por olio should contain informa on pertaining to self‐assessment, docu‐
ment career explora on efforts, highlight skills and experiences, showcase exemplary student prod‐
ucts or products, and reveal student personal reflec ons.
It is suggested that the career por olio for secondary students contain, at minimum, the informa on
listed below, and organized in an uncomplicated manner. Student’s por olios may be maintained in a
folder, in a binder, or on so ware such as the Bridges program. This informa on is best kept in a se‐
cure loca on in order to ensure that students update the informa on regularly.
Career Por olio Contents
• Career goals
• Program of study (4‐6 plan) and courses completed (transcript)
• Interest inventories, strengths, ap tudes
• Work experience (note all job shadowing, internship, and part‐ me job experiences)
• Student Resume
• Le ers of recommenda ons or references
• Documenta on of skills and abili es
• Showcase projects
• School awards and honors
• Memberships in clubs and organiza ons (note any offices held)
• Hobbies
31
31
2. Choose courses needed to prepare yourself for jobs, training programs or colleges you are considering.
The courses should reflect the decisions arrived at in the development for your four‐year plan and allow
for all the op ons you are considering.
3. Strive to maintain an "A" or "B" grade point average. ** You are earning grades right now that will be on your
college applica ons. Many scholarship/financial aid opportuni es are available to high‐achieving stu‐
dents, including the TEXAS grant program/Texas‐B‐On‐Time (pages 37‐42) which covers college tui on/
fees for eligible students.
4. Write to colleges or voca onal schools that interest you; ask about academic requirements for admissions.
Plan your high school schedule accordingly.
5. Inform your counselor of your plans. If your plans have changed make an appointment with your counselor
discuss those changes.
6. Select courses and extra‐curricular ac vi es designed to help you reach your goals.
Emphasize course work that meets your par cular career requirements.
A. Par cipate in academic enrichment programs offered at your school or at local colleges
universi es.
Request informa on about these programs from your guidance counselor or campus career
specialist.
B. Get involved in one or two extra‐curricular ac vi es you like best and work toward leadership
posi ons in later years. (Don't spread yourself thin with too many ac vi es.)
7. You may want to create a personal file with items such as:
• a copy of your report cards, diplomas and cer ficates presented to you
• a list of awards and honors you receive, dates included
• a list of all school and community clubs and organiza ons you join, (dates included)
• a list of all offices you hold in these clubs and organiza ons, length of service included
• a list of jobs you hold (paid or volunteer)
32
32
10th Grade
1. Iden fy, confirm, or change your career plans so that the plans will be consistent with your abili es,
past achievements, and current needs.
The Career Informa on Centers on each campus can assist you in this.
2. At pre‐registra on, confirm or change your academic plan so it agrees with your career choices and/
or post high school plans.
3. Parents, if your child is planning post high school training and/or college, begin to discuss with your
child the financial requirements necessary. Begin to make appropriate plans.
4. Students, take the PSAT and/or PLAN to gain predicted score results on the SAT or ACT and to see
what changes are needed in course choices to strengthen possible weaknesses. A small fee is
required.
5. Get involved in one or two ac vi es you like best and work toward leadership posi ons.
(Don't spread yourself thin with too many ac vi es.)
6. Strive to maintain an "A" or "B" grade point average.
7. Find out about 2 opportuni es for college bound students from the State of Texas:
a. automa c college admission to the top 10% in each gradua ng class (page 8),
and
b. the TEXAS grant program/Texas‐B‐On‐Time (p. 35‐36) for eligible students who
complete the Recommended and DAP programs.
8. Par cipate in academic enrichment programs.
UPDATE YOUR BRIDGES PORTFOLIO AND PERSONAL FILE AT
THE END OF EACH SEMESTER (grades, credits, extra‐
curricular ac vity informa on, etc.)
33
33
Money For Post‐Secondary
Training and Educa on
34
34
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid is money given to students to help with post‐secondary educa on training and costs
Scholarships are free monies based on academic, merit and athle c achievements.
Grants are free monies and mostly based on a family's financial need.
Job opportuni es are available on and off campus. Students can work in order to pay for college. Col‐
leges offer job opportuni es that are need‐based.
Loans are borrowed monies and must be repaid. ex. Stafford, Perkins ‐ Some loans can be forgiven.
Check with Texas B‐On‐ Time, your college or high school counselor.
Tui on exemp ons are waivers for eligible students to help lower the cost of college.
CO‐OPS are programs in which you work in your program area as part of your degree plan.
Work Study – employment available on campus and some mes off campus; limited opportuni es.
Military o en offers government programs to assist students in college payment
All types of financial aid require an applica on
Scholarships have different applica ons and requirements, but all types require an applica on.
Applying for scholarships varies.
Watch for deadlines—most are during the senior year!
ALWAYS START WITH THE FAFSA
WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV
(see next page for more details regarding the FAFSA)
35
35
*************Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov We have simplified the process of filling out the FAFSA. You can follow each sec on all of the way
through for a comprehensive set of instruc ons.
Get organized!
To simplify the applica on process, gather required documents and other informa on ahead of me.
Determine Your Dependency Status
FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
Search for School Codes
Students & Parents Apply For a PIN
Check Applica on Deadline Dates
Fill out the applica on online!
The FAFSA contains ques ons that ask about you, your financial informa on, your school plans, and more.
Fill Out Your FAFSA
Open Your Saved FAFSA or Correc on Applica on
Sign Electronically With Your PIN
View your results online!
You can check the status of your applica on, make correc ons to a processed FAFSA, and get other informa on.
Check Status of a Submi ed FAFSA or Print Signature Page
Make Correc ons to a Processed FAFSA
Add or Delete a School Code
FAFSA ALERTS and Deadlines:
The 2011‐2012 School Year (July 1st, 2011 ‐ June 30th, 2012):
• FAFSA on the Web applica ons must be submi ed by midnight Central Daylight me, June 30, 2012.
• Correc ons on the Web forms must be submi ed by midnight Central Daylight me, September 15, 2012.
Note: Your school must have your complete and correct informa on by your last day of enrollment in the
2011‐2012 school year.
Pay close a en on to deadlines! Ask your school about their defini on of an applica on deadline ‐
whether it is the receipt date and me or the process date and me of the applica on.
36
36
Texas Financial Aid Informa on Center
Toll Free
1 (877) 782‐7322
7 am to 7 pm Monday thru Thursday
Training and educa on a er high school are very important when compe ng for jobs.
State and federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work‐study programs are available to
help you pay for college. The financial aid office at any college or university can help and
the Texas Financial Aid Informa on Center can help. By calling the toll free number
1‐(877)782‐7322, students and parents in Texas receive free informa on.
The Center is a combined effort of the Texas Higher Educa on
Coordina ng Board, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corpora on,
and the Texas Associa on of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Trained financial aid representa ves provide informa on on
scholarship, grants and loans to students and parents.
Texas Higher Educa on Coordina ng Board
P.O. Box 1278
Aus n, Texas 78711
COLLEGE FOR ALL TEXANS
www.collegefortexans.com
37
37
TEXAS Grant Program
Toward Excellence, Access & Success
Purpose
The TEXAS Grant Program provides money to enable well‐prepared eligible
students to a end public and private nonprofit colleges and universi es in
Texas.
Who can apply?
Individuals who:
• Are Texas residents
• Have financial need
Register for the Selec ve Service or who are exempt from this requirement
Graduated from a public or accredited high school in Texas no earlier than Fall 1998
Enroll at least ¾ me in an undergraduate degree or cer ficate program within 16 months
ofigh school gradua on
Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance
Completed the Recommended High School Curriculum or Dis nguished Achievement
High School Curriculum or its equivalent
How can I apply?
Submit a completed Free Applica on for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a er January of the stu‐
dent's senior year. The financial aid office at the college or university the student applied to
will no fy the student if he/she is eligible.
More informa on is available at
www.collegefortexans.com
38
38
TEXAS Grant II Program
Toward Excellence, Access and Success
Purpose
The TEXAS Grant II program provides grant money to enable well‐prepared
eligible students (those not gradua ng on recommended or Dis nguished
Achievement Program) to a end public community colleges, technical colleges
or public State Colleges in Texas. (Public state colleges include Lamar State
College‐Orange; Lamar State College‐Port Arthur; and Lamar Ins tute of Technology)
Who Can Apply?
Individuals who:
Are Texas residents
Have financial need
If applying for his/her first award, have a family contribu on of no more than
$2000
Have applied for any available financial aid or assistance
Are enrolled at least 1 me in the first 30 hours (or the equivalent) in an associ‐
ate's degree or cer ficate program at a public two‐year ins tu on of higher
educa on; and
Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance
When should students apply?
Deadlines vary by ins tu on, but fall and spring grants are generally awarded
in the spring of the senior year in high school prior to enrollment in college.
How can I apply?
Awards will be made through the financial aid office of the college. Persons interest‐
ed in the program should contact the financial aid office of the college to find out
about deadlines and procedures.
39
39
The purpose of the Texas B-On-Time Loan program is to provide eligible Texas students no-interest loans to attend colleges and universities in Texas. If the student meets specified goals, the entire loan amount can be forgiven upon graduation. Your institution's financial aid office will determine if you are eligible. If this loan is offered to you, the financial aid office will instruct you to complete an application and promissory note online. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS -- Applicants must:
Have completed a FAFSA and be eligible to receive federal financial aid
Be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree or certificate program at an eligible institution and
Be a Texas resident or be entitled to pay resident tuition rates as a dependent child of a member of the U.S. armed forces and
Have graduated in the 2002-2003 academic year or later from a high school operated by the U.S. Depart-ment of Defense or under the recommended high school program from a public or accredited private high school in Texas or
Have earned an associate's degree from an eligible institution no earlier than May 1, 2005
Persons who have earned a bachelor's degree are not eligible for B-On-Time loans.
ANNUAL LOAN AMOUNTS FOR 2010-2011
4-year public and private institutions: $3,390/semester ($6,780/year)
2-year public and private junior colleges: $890/semester ($1,780/year)
Public technical colleges: $1,575/semester (3,150/year)
a 3% originatin fee will be deducted from the loan proceeds.
ANNUAL LOAN AMOUNTS FOR 2009-2010
4-year public and private institutions: $3,040/semester ($6,080/year)
2-year public and private junior colleges: $890/semester ($1,780/year)
Public technical colleges: $1,340/semester ($2,680/year)
A 3% origination fee will be deducted from the loan proceeds.
RENEWAL ELIGIBILITY
To maintain eligibility for future disbursements, the student must:
In the 1st Academic Year - make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate as deter-mined by the institution.
In the 2nd and Subsequent Academic Years - complete at least 75% of the semester credit hours at-tempted in the most recent academic year and have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent) on all course work previously attempted at institutions of higher education.
A student may not receive B-On-Time loans for more than 150 hours.
Texas B‐On‐Time (BOT) Loan Program Fact Sheet
40
40
REPAYMENT
Texas B-On-Time (BOT) Loan has a 6-month grace period from the date the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution. Repayment begins after the expiration of the 6-month grace period. The BOT loan has a 15-year repayment period or a minimum monthly payment of $75.00. BOT loans have a 0% interest rate.
Deferments for education enrollment or forbearance (financial hardship) are available. If the account defaults and a judgment is entered against the borrower, interest will begin to accrue at the legal rate described in the Terms and Notices from the date of judgment until the entire debt is paid in full.
FORGIVENESS REQUIREMENTS
A Texas B-On-Time Loan shall be forgiven if the student receives an undergraduate degree or certificate from an eligible institution and the student either:
Graduated with a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a four-point scale, within:
4 calendar years after the date the student initially enrolled in an eligible institution,
5 calendar years after the date the student initially enrolled in an eligible institution, if the degree is in architecture, engineering, or any other program determined by the board to require more than 4 years to complete; or
2 calendar years after the date the student initially enrolled in a public or private 2-year
institution;
OR
Graduated with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with a total number of credit hours earned (including transfer hours) that is no more than 6 hours beyond what is required to complete the degree or certificate. Hours earned exclusively by examination and dual credit hours should not be included in the total credit hours.
Forgiven B-On-Time loans must be reported to the IRS as taxable income.
TO APPLY
You can apply for a B-On-Time Loan online. https://helmnet.thecb.state.tx.us/borrowers/apply/LoanAppCheckList.asp?AppType=AL&LoanType=BOT
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Review Coordinating Board Rules, Chapter 21, Subchapter E , Texas Education Code, Chapter 56 or please call us in Austin (512) 427-6340 or toll-free (outside Austin metro) 1-800-242-3062.
A person submi ng misleading or fraudulent informa on to the Texas Higher Educa on Coordina ng Board in an a empt to obtain financial aid is subject to criminal prosecu on.
Please contact the State Auditor's Fraud Hotline to report suspected fraud.
Texas B‐On‐Time (BOT) Loan
41
41
ProgramPurpose (Warning – it is possible this program will not be funded beginning with the Fall 2011 semester. Please
refer to website for updated informa on.)
Please refer to other possible financial aid resources at "Types of Financial Aid” link on this web site.
The purpose of the Early High School Gradua on Scholarship Program is to provide tui on and fee assistance
to students comple ng grades 9 ‐ 12 early or with a significant number of college hours; thus, enabling and
encouraging the student to a end college in Texas.
EligibilityRequirements Students who graduated between 9/1/2005 and 6/14/2007 and …
Graduated from a Texas public high school;
Completed either the recommended high school curriculum or the dis nguished achievement high school
curriculum* in no more than 36 consecu ve months, no more than 41 months or no more than 45 months;
A ended high school in Texas only;
Register for the Selec ve Service or are exempt from this requirement; and
Are Texas residents.
Students who graduated on or a er 6/15/2007 and …
Graduated from a Texas public high school;
Completed either the recommended high school curriculum or the dis nguished achievement high school
curriculum* in no more than 36 consecu ve months, no more than 41 months or no more than 46 months;
A ended one or more public high schools in this state for the majority of me the person a ended high
school;
Register for the Selec ve Service or are exempt from this requirement; and
Are US ci zens or otherwise lawfully authorized to be in the United States.
* A student who does not sa sfy the high school curriculum requirement will be considered to have sa sfied
those requirements if the high school from which the student graduates notes on the student’s transcript that
the student was unable to complete the appropriate curriculum within the me allowed because the necessary
courses were unavailable due to course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity or another cause not in the
student’s control.
Eligibility to receive an award through this program begins with the first regular semester or term following
high school gradua on (excluding the summer session between gradua on and the first fall term). Eligibility
ends six years later, unless the student seeks and is granted a hardship extension.
Early High School Graduation Scholarship
COLLEGE FOR ALL TEXANS www.collegeforalltexans.com
42
42
EligibleInstitutions May be used at both public and private, non‐profit colleges and universi es in Texas. If the award is used at a
Texas non‐profit private college or university, the college or university must provide a matching scholarship (or
combina on of smaller scholarships of matching value) to use this credit. No funds may be used to pay for con‐
nuing educa on classes for which the college receives no state tax support. To access lis ngs of Texas colleg‐
es and universi es, follow this link to Texas Ins tu ons of Higher Educa on www.collegeforalltexans.com
AwardAmount
An otherwise eligible student who graduates in no more than 36 months receives $2,000 for use toward
tui on and required fees. If he/she also graduates with at least 15 semester credit hours of college credit, he/
she may receive an addi onal $1,000.
An otherwise eligible student who graduates in more than 36 months but no more than 41 months re‐
ceives $500 for use toward tui on and required fees. If he/she also graduates with at least 30 semester credit
hours of college credit, he/she may receive an addi onal $1,000.
An otherwise eligible student who graduates in more than 41 months but no more than 45 months (46
months for students gradua ng a er 6/15/2007) can receive $1,000 if he/she graduates with at least 30 se‐
mester credit hours of college credit.
ApplicationProcess To obtain an applica on for this program please visit h p://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/pdf/1473.pdf to
download the Early High School Gradua on Scholarship applica on. High school counselor must submit a cer ‐
fica on form to the Texas Higher Educa on Coordina ng Board on the student’s behalf. The Board then as‐
sesses the student’s eligibility, determines his/her award, and if the student qualifies, sends an award le er to
the student, the relevant high school and the college the student plans to a end.
AdditionalInformation Ques ons may be e‐mailed to [email protected]
To read more about this program check out:
Texas Educa on Code, 56.203 and Coordina ng Board Rule, Chapter 21, Subchapter CC
Contact Us! www.collegeforalltexans.com
Early High School Graduation Scholarship (Con’t)
43
43
Supplemental
Supplemental Informa on
44
44
What are So Skills?
“So skills” is a simple term for traits and habits
commonly sought by employers. So skills are habits that have
been developed over me.
Students who possess these skills have the poten al of performing
well at work while paving the way to good rela onships in all
areas of their life.
So skills are highly valued by employers because they are hard to find.
The so skills most o en sought by employers include:
1. Strong Work Ethic. Are you mo vated and dedicated to ge ng the job done? Will do your best work?
2. Posi ve A tude. Are you op mis c and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and good will?
3. Good Communica on Skills. Can you express your thoughts, feelings and Can you make your case and
express your needs in a way that builds bridges with friends, family and peers?
4. Time Management Abili es. Do you know how to priori ze tasks and work on a number of different
projects at once? Will you use your me on the job wisely?
5. Problem‐Solving Skills. Are you resourceful and able to crea vely solve problems that will inevitably
arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else?
6. Ac ng as a Team Player. Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be coopera ve and take a
leadership role when appropriate?
7. Self‐Confidence. Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire
confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask ques ons that need to be asked and to
freely contribute your ideas?
8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Cri cism. Will you be able to handle cri cism? Are you coachable
and open to learning and growing as a person and as a student?
9. Flexibility/Adaptability. Are you able to adapt to new situa ons and challenges? Will you embrace
change and be open to new ideas?
10. Working Well Under Pressure. Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will
you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?
45
45
IF YOU HAVE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING,
YOU MIGHT NOT BE JOB READY…..
CRIMINAL HISTORY
DRUG TEST FAILURE
POOR CREDIT
BAD DRIVING RECORD
46
46
47
47
OTHER CAREER PLANNING WEB‐SITES
ASVAB www.asvabprogram.com
Employment Guide www.employmentguide.com
Fast Web Scholarship www.fastweb.com/
Occupa onal Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco
US News & World Report www.usnews.com (click Career Guide under Money)
US Dept. of Educa on www.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml?src=ln
USA JOBS www.usajobs.opm.gov
Other Career Planning Web‐Sites
ACT www.actstudent.org
Achieve Texas www.achievetexas.org
Adventures in Educa on www.adventuresineduca on.org/
College Board (SAT) www.collegeboard.com
College for Texans www.CollegeforTexans.com/
E‐Scholarships www.collegeguidanceconsultants.com
My Future www.myfuture.com/
Think College Early www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/thinkcollege/early/edlite‐tcehome.html
NCAA Eligibility Center www.eligiblitycenter.com
Texas Workforce (has links to 100’s of sites) www.texasworkforce.org/svcs/youthinit/
youth_links.html
**Bridges Explorer/Planner www.bridges.com
**FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov
**How to Go to College www.knowhow2go.com
**PRO: Pursuing Real Opportuni es www.pro2day.com
**Texas Common Applica on www.applytexas.org
48
48
Colleges/Universi es (with Title IV Codes)
Baylor University— P. 0. Box 97028, Waco76798 (003545) www.baylor.edu
Hardin‐Simmons University ‐ Box 16075, Abilene 79698 (003571) www.hsutx.edu
Howard Payne University— 1000 Fisk Ave., Brownwood 76801 (003575) www.hputx.edu
Lubbock Chris an University ‐ 5601 West 19th Street, Lubbock 79407‐2099 (003586) www.lcu.edu
McMurry University ‐ S 14th & Sayles Blvd., Abilene 79697 (003591) www.mcm.edu
Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio ‐ 411 Southwest 24th Street, San Antonio 78207
(003598) www.ollusa.edu
Rice University ‐ Fin. Aid Dept. MS‐P. 0. Box 1892, Houston 77251 (003604) www.rice.edu
St. Edwards University ‐ 3001 South Congress Ave., Aus n 78704 (003621) www.stedwards.edu
St. Mary's University of San Antonio ‐ One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio 78228
(003623) www.stmarytx.edu
Southern Methodist University ‐ SMU P.O. Box 750196, Dallas 75275 (003613) www.smu.edu
Southwestern University ‐ University Ave., Georgetown 78626 (003620) www.southwesten.edu
Texas Chris an University ‐ P.O. Box 30787, Fort Worth 76129 (003636) www.tcu.edu
Texas Lutheran College ‐1000 West Court, Seguin 78155 (003641) www.tlu.edu
Trinity University ‐715 Stadium Drive, San Antonio 78212 (003647) www.trinity.edu
University of Dallas ‐ 1845 East Northgate Drive, Irving 75062‐4799 (003651) www.udallas.edu
University of St. Thomas ‐ 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston 77006 (003654) www.s hom.edu
Wayland Bap st University ‐1900 West 7th Street, Plainview 79072 (003663) www.wbu.edu
Lamar University ‐ POB 10007, Beaumont 77710 (006360) www.lamar.edu
Texas A&M University ‐ 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Chris 78412 (000366) www.tamucc.edu
Texas A&M University ‐ POB 1675, Galveston 77553 (006835) www.tamug.edu
49
49
Tarleton State University ‐ P. 0. Box T249 Tarleton Sta on, Stephenville 76402
(003631) www.tarleton.edu
Texas A&M University ‐ Box 115 Sta on 1, Kingsville 78363 (003639) www.tamuk.edu
Texas A&M University ‐ The Pavilion, College Sta on 77843 (003632) www.tamu.edu
Texas Southern University ‐ 3100 Cleburne St., Houston 77004 (003642) www .tsu.edu
Texas Woman's University ‐ P. 0. Box 22628, Denton 76204 (003646) www.twu.edu
University of Houston ‐ 4800 Calhoun ‐ Dept. SFA, Houston 77204 (003652) www.uh.edu
University of North Texas ‐ P. 0. Box 13525, Denton 76203 (003594) www.unt.edu
University of Texas at Arlington ‐ P. 0. Box 19199, Arlington 76019 (003656) www.uta.edu
University of Texas at Aus n ‐ P. 0. Box 7758, Aus n 78713 (003658) www.utexas.edu
University of Texas at El Paso ‐ 202 W. Union Bldg., El Paso 79968 (003661) www.utep.edu
University of Texas at San Antonio ‐ 6900 North Lp 1604 West, San Antonio 78249
(010115) www.utsa.edu
West Texas A&M University ‐ WTAMU Box 939, Canyon 79016 (003665) www.wtamu.edu
Public Community or Two‐Year Colleges
Amarillo College ‐ P. 0. Box 447, Amarillo 79178 (003540) www.actx.edu
Clarendon College ‐ Box 968, Clarendon 79226 (003554) www.clarendoncollege.edu
Frank Phillips College ‐ Box 5118, Borger 79007 (003568) www.fpctx.edu
South Plains College ‐ 1401 South College Avenue, Levelland 79336 (003611) www.spc.cc.tx.us
Blinn College ‐ 902 College Ave., Brenham, TX 77833 (006043) www.blinn.edu
Community College Lis ngs www.community‐college.org
Na onal Center of Educa on Sta s cs www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
50
50
Notes……………………...
51
51
Notes……………………...