Scholarship Program Open!

 The application period opened today for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program. This is the largest undergraduate scholarship in the nation, providing up to $40,000 per year for four years of study for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.

The application period will remain open until Nov. 30.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

CFNC College Application Week

College Application Week will be held beginning at 7am on November 14 through November 18th at 5pm. During this time, the following colleges/universities will waive their application fees for any North Carolina senior who applies using cfnc.org...

Barton College

Bennett College

Belmont Abbey College

Brevard College

Catawba College

Chowan University

Davidson College

Elizabeth City State University

Fayetteville State University

Greensboro College

Guilford College

Johnson C. Smith University

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Livingstone College

Mars Hill University

Meredith College

Methodist College

Montreat College

NC A&T State University

NC Central University

NC Wesleyan College

Salem College

St. Andrew's University

University of Mount Olive

Warren Wilson College

William Peace University

Wingate University

Winston Salem State University

NC State Open House

NC State Open House

Interested in NC State University? If so, attend their Open House which will be held on October 15th from 9:00-2:00. Visit ncsu.edu/openhouse to learn more.

Governor's School Of North Carolina

IMAGINE ... A Summer Program

... where students who are among the best and brightest gather for the love of learning and the joy of creativity

... where teachers and students form a community while searching together for answers to challenging questions

... where there are no grades or tests

... where a synergy of intellectual curiosity fuels the exploration of the latest ideas in various disciplines

The Governor's School of North Carolina is a five and one-half week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades.

For more information about, programs, dates, application process etc..

7 Myths about the 20172018 FAFSA Debunked

FAFSA Myths Debunked

DAR Good Citizen Award

                                  DAR Good Citizens Awards and Scholarship Contest

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. 

•  This program is only open to high school seniors whose schools are accredited by their state board of education. 
•  Only one student per year may be honored as a school’s DAR Good Citizen. 
•  United States citizenship is not required. 
•  Additional rules and guidelines can be acquired by contacting your local DAR chapter. Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay. Student participation in the scholarship portion of the program is optional. 

Additional information

Young Arts Foundation

                              YoungArts Foundation

If you are a visual, literary, design, or performing artist between the ages of 15 and 18, you could...

• Win a cash award of up to $10,000
• Take Master Classes with accomplished artists
• Become a US Presidential Scholar in the Arts
• Receive a lifetime of professional support

Interested? Visit youngarts.org/apply. Applications will be accepted in Cinematic Arts, Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice, and Writing. The deadline is October 14th. 

UNC-G First Look

                                UNC-G First Look

UNC-Greensboro is hitting the road this fall to bring our campus to you! First Look is an exciting opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about our challenging academic programs, as well as upcoming on-campus recruitment events. In addition, attendees will meet members of our university community (including current students) and discuss the enrollment process with admissions staff members.

First Look will be held at...

DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh, RTP at 7pm on October 17th
Hilton Durham near Duke University at 7pm on October 25th

To register, visit admissions.uncg.edu/firstlook or call 336-334-5243,

Dartmouth College Info Session

Dartmouth College will host an information session on September 21st at 7:30pm. It will be held at...

Hilton Garden Inn
4620 S. Miami Blvd
Durham, NC

To RSVP, please visit dartgo.org/ontheroad.

Grammy Camp

The Grammy Foundation sponsors two summer programs to which students are invited to apply.

Grammy Camp: Music Industry
This program provides instruction to high school students on multiple career paths in the music industry. Highlighted career tracks include Songwriting, Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Audio Engineering, Electronic Music Production, Video Production & Motion Graphics, Music Journalism, and Music Business. Students may choose from multiple camp locations and financial assistance is available.

Grammy Camp: Jazz Session
This program selects the best high school singers and instrumentalists to travel to Los Angeles to perform at Grammy related events and record an album. Students will be selected to perform in a choir, combo, or band. Participants will also record an album at Capitol Studios. Prior participants have played with artists such as Sara Bareilles, Beyonce', Terence Blanchard, Tori Kelly, James Moody, Oscar Peterson, Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, and more. Excluding airfare to L.A., the program will be free.

Application deadlines are October 22nd and March 31st. Visit grammyintheschools.com to apply.

YoungArts Foundation

If you are a visual, literary, design, or performing artist between the ages of 15 and 18, you could...

• Win a cash award of up to $10,000
• Take Master Classes with accomplished artists
• Become a US Presidential Scholar in the Arts
• Receive a lifetime of professional support

Interested? Visit youngarts.org/apply. Applications will be accepted in Cinematic Arts, Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice, and Writing. The deadline is October 14th.

UPenn Info Session

The University of Pennsylvania invites you to Experience Penn: A Panel with Recent Graduates. As you consider your college options, please join us for an interactive discussion about the opportunities at UPenn and beyond. The session will be held on October 10th at 7pm at...

NC School of Science and Math
1219 Broad St.
Durham, NC 27705

Service Academy Day

Service Academy Day will be held on the campus of Wake Forest University on September 24th beginning at 10:00 am. The event is intended to provide students with the opportunity to meet with representatives from each of the following...

• US Naval Academy
• US Military Academy at West Point
• US Air Force Academy
• US Merchant Marine Academy
• US Coast Guard Academy

All students are welcome to attend at...

Wake Forest University

School of Business (Farrell Hall)

1834 Wake Forest Rd.

Winston Salem, NC 27109

Bryan Scholarship at Davidson College

Voyager Academy High School may nominate three scholar-athletes for the Bryan Scholarship at Davidson College! This award is valued at $30,000 per year! At Davidson, academic excellence comes first for all students, athletes and non-athletes alike. To be a Bryan Scholar, one must...

• Present an outstanding academic record
• Be a strong leader in the classroom and in your sport
• Be an impact player of NCAA Division caliber in one of the following sports:
• Men: Baseball, Cross-Country, Golf, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track & Field, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Wrestling
• Women: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track & Field, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Volleyball

Interested? Submit an extracurricular resume AND a recommendation letter to Jill O'Kane by noon on September 20th. Students chosen to be our school nominees must then apply to Davidson College here by October 15th then immediately contact the Davidson coach of your sport with your athletic profile information. (Their contact information is available here.) Scholarship finalists will participate in an on-campus interview on October 30th.

For more info, visit www.davidson.edu/Bryan 

                                              Jack Cook Foundation Scholarship Opportunity  

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SenIORS

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship in the country. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year for four years to attend the nation's best colleges and universities.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2017
• Intend to enroll in an accredited 4-year college beginning in fall 2017
• Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
• SAT combined math and critical reading score of 1200 or above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above
• Demonstrate significant unmet financial need

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website

                    Durham Tech. Career and College Promise Information Sessions

 Juniors and Seniors who are interested in attending Durham Tech second semester through the Career and College Promise program  need to attend an information session. The next Information Sessions are September 19^th and October 5^th.  Both are in the Multipurpose Room, Building 10 on the Durham Tech main campus.  Students can register online. 

DTCCP Information Session Registration
  

                                                                      PSAT Oct. 19

The PSAT will be given to interested 11th graders on October 19.
Strong PSAT scores can help lead to scholarships and help prepare students for the SAT exam

Read more at this U.S. News Report

3 Reasons to Take the PSAT 

11th graders can sign up for the PSAT here

PSAT Registration

                                      The Step-by-Step Guide to College Planning

BigFuture by the College Board, found online at BigFuture.org, guides all students through the college planning process, making it easier and less overwhelming. The step by-step approach demystifies college planning, particularly for those students who are the first generation in their families to attend college. Students using BigFuture answer questions and make choices about their own needs and preferences. Easy-to-use search tools and informative videos guide them through the process. The large collection of videos contains real-world advice from college students and expert educators.


BigFuture website

UNC Pembroke Visit

Monday Oct 24, 11:15-11;45 

A representative from UNC Pembroke will be at VAS on Monday 10/24 during lunch to meet with students. UNCP has 41 undergraduate programs with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. It is an NCAA Division II school in the Peach Belt Conference. It is located in Pembroke NC, just 15 minutes from Lumberton. Come meet with   Catherine Knudson, Assistant Director of Admissions to find out more about UNCP!


UNCP website

 Averett University Representative Visit 

Friday September 16^th during lunch 

Come meet and speak with a representative from Averett University. 
Averett is a small, private, four year liberal arts university in Danville VA offering a range of majors and minors. Their  most popular majors are: Physical Education, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. They offer a couple of unique majors in Aviation and Equestrian Studies.  Averett is a NCAA Division III school participating in the USA South Conference and has just announced the addition of three sports: Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Lacrosse, and Men’s Wrestling.

Averett Univ. website

Planning for Life after High School

 A Presentation for Seniors and Parents

VAHS Gymnasium

September 26, 2016

Advisory Period (9:45-10:10)

Presented by: 

Mary Gratch Consulting

What the options are:

College/University 

Community College

Military

Work

Gap Year 

Where to find information:

On-line searches
Campus visits
Talking to family and friends
Talking with your high school guidance counselor 

When to apply for college:

·         Early Decision – binding - an ED applicant must attend the college

·         Early Action – nonbinding - receive an early response - commit to the college by May 1st

·         Regular Decision - apply by published deadlines, receive an admissions decision by April 1st

·         Rolling Decision - colleges respond as the applications come in instead for a particular deadline

 How to Apply For College

Apply to a wide range of different schools!
Your college list should include approximately 6 to 8 colleges, but there isn't one magic number.
One or two colleges where you feel you'll most likely get in-a 90-100 percent chance. These are usually called safety schools.
Two to four colleges that are overall good "matches" or target schools - a 75 percent chance of getting in. These are colleges that fit academically and socially.
One or two "reach" colleges-a 25 percent or less chance of getting in. These are colleges that present an admissions challenge.

College Essays - Remember to:
Be yourself
Let them know who YOU are
Be creative
Get excited
Make sure you are well researched
Write from the heart
Make sure you answer the question or topic of discussion
Write a couple of different versions and get feedback
Re-write it if you have to
Make sure to have it proof read carefully
Be confident and let them know what a great fit you are

CASE Testing for 11th Graders 9/21

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 all 11th grade students will participate in the CASE College and Career Ready Assessment.  Students will report directly to the gym that day and testing will begin promptly at 9:00 am and end by 1:00 pm. Students will need to bring two #2 pencils and a calculator. Please see the information below for more details about the assessment.

CASE College/Career READY Assessment

ACT testing is now a key quality measure of high schools. The team at TE21’s CASE Assessments, winner of District Administration’s Top 100 Products, develops a test to help students prepare for the ACT.  The new assessment provides students with more than triple the data they get from the ACT and in a fraction of the time that it takes for ACT reports.  

CASE READY Assessment:

• Mirrors the content, time, and length of the ACT

• Covers four areas—English (grammar/writing), reading, mathematics, and science

• Developed by a team of expert educators and assessment writers

• Provides reports for students, grade, school, district

Diagnostic Data

With the CASE READY Assessment, students receive more than triple the data they receive when they take the ACT.  The CASE reports show where students have knowledge gaps and offer data to boost scores. CASE reports are provided to students and schools within 48 hours from the time CASE receives the answer documents. Typical ACT turn-around time for reports is 3-8 weeks.

If you have questions concerning this assessment, please contact

Laura Howell

Voyager Academy

K-12 Testing Coordinator

lhowell@voyageracademy.net.

FAFSA Day - North Carolina Central University

Saturday, October 29, 2016   9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

.FAFSA Day on the North Carolina Central University campus,  1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC, Saturday, October 29, 2016:

On Saturday, October 29, 2016, financial aid specialists will assist students in the completion and submission of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All prospective students who will be entering college in the fall of 2017 should complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility for state and federal financial aid awards.

Event location: HM Michaux School of Education Building; Parking:  In the lot and around the building

Registration and addtiional Infromation

Thomas Wolfe Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill

Thomas Wolfe Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill

We are pleased to announce that The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship is beginning its sixteenth year at Carolina.  Our scholarship for full undergraduate support for student writers will open its sixteenth submission period as follows:  The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship will receive applications beginning September 1^st, 2016.  Our Thomas Wolfe Scholarship application process involves two (2) steps: 

1)  an application to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by October 15^th, 2016; and, 2)  an application to the Thomas Wolfe Scholarship by November 15^th, 2016.  Students must apply to both the University and the Scholarship to be considered.  Preliminary screening will be completed in late January, 2017, with final screening concluding in early March, 2017.  Three outstanding candidates will be brought to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus for interviews, and a final decision will be made in early April, 2017.

             More complete information on The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship, including theapplication form, is available on the University's website athttp://englishcomplit.unc.edu/creative/scholarship/tws outlining the features, procedures, documents, and specific requirements for application.  If you have any questions, please email TWS@unc.edu.  Thank you for passing along word of this unique scholarship to your best writers, our potential applicants.

UNC-Asheville Latino Open House

UNC-Asheville Latino Open House

UNC Asheville is having their second annual Latino Open House on Saturday, September 10th from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

 

The purpose of this event is to expose local Latino students to all UNC-Asheville has to offer, and to give insight into the college admissions process.  We would love for local students to know about this event, so any help spreading the word would be greatly appreciated.

 

If any of your students are interested in attending, please email Brittany Privott at bprivott@unca.edu.

Grinnell College Diversity Preview Program

Grinnell College Diversity Preview Program

Come visit us on October 2nd-3rd...free!!!

Complete our Diversity Preview Program application athttps://admission.grinnell.edu/register/GDPP for a chance to visit Grinnell College, all expenses paid! While you're here, you can attend classes, stay overnight in a residence hall with a host student, sample Grinnell's on-campus cultural events, and meet professors, staff, & students. Then you can decide if Grinnell is right for you. No obligation...just opportunity. Please note you will have to upload your transcript, ACT/SAT scores, and a resume. 

We accept applications from students of color and students who will be the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college.

The application is due September 12th. Have questions? Call Patty Amador-Lacson at 1-800-247-0113.

UNC's Morehead-Cain Scholarship

UNC's Morehead-Cain Scholarship

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC provides the following...

• Full tuition & fees
• Room & board
• Textbooks
• A laptop computer
• Funds to educational discovery activities
• Four summer enrichment programs on Outdoor Leadership, Public Service, Inquiry & Exploration, and Private Enterprise

The application process is highly competitive and students must demonstrate accomplishment in four key areas...

Leadership-Leaders demonstrate courage, action, and initiative. Our scholars act, impact, influence, and inspire.

Moral Force of Character-Integrity, empathy, bravery, humility, maturity, and generosity

Scholarship-We seek candidates for whom learning is an appetite rather than a means to an end-those who will take full advantage of UNC's academic excellence.

Physical Vigor-Candidates must demonstrate a sustained commitment to an active lifestyle and a dedication to fitness and physical activity. 

If this describes you and you wish to be considered, you must submit a description of how you exemplify each of these four criteria. One paragraph per criteria will be sufficient. A faculty committee will review your submission and your transcript and then select two nominees to continue in the application process. 

Paragraphs should be submitted to Jill O'Kane by September 14th. 

See below for additional information: 

Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program  

NC State Park Scholarship

The Park Scholarship at NC State University is one of the most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarships in the nation. The Park Scholarship program brings exceptional students to NC State based on their accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

   

This four-year award is valued at up yo $107,000 for North Carolina residents. To access the Park Scholarships application, candidates must either be endorsed by their high schools by October 1 or must self endorse.

For additional information, visit the Park Scholarship website:   NC State Park Scholarship

Info for Senior Students and Parents

You have spent the past 3 years dreaming about graduation, and the day is so close now!  Students should be focused on enjoying the privileges of senior year and creating lasting memories with friends while also following through on the necessary steps for a successful transition to the realm of college/career.

Refer to the High School Planning Guide for a complete, monthly to-do list for Senior year.

Many seniors will elect to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once more during fall semester (September - January), as a final opportunity to improve scores submitted to colleges/universities.  If you are applying early action or early decision, be sure to review the college's admissions deadlines and select an appropriate test date.  Visit the College Admissions Testing page to learn more about registration and available test dates.

Info for Junior Students and Parents

Junior year represents the heart of the post-secondary planning process.  This is the time for students to get serious in exploring future options and opportunities.  Clarify what you want from a post-secondary experience, whether it be a four year college, community college, technical/specialty school, military involvement or employment elsewhere.
Refer to the High School Planning Timeline for a complete, monthly to-do list for Junior year. 

​

College Admissions Testing

The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT designed to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the format of college admissions tests.  The PSAT will be given at Voyager HS on October 19.  Results will be available in December/January. 

·         For help in understanding PSAT results, go to My College QuickStart. You will need the access code that is printed on your PSAT results. 

·         Juniors with a cumulative score that falls within a select national percentile (as determined by the College Board) will be invited during the Fall of their senior year to participate in the National Merit Scholarship application process.

All Juniors should plan to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once during Junior year.  Most students will plan to take both during spring semester (January - June).  Fee waivers are available for students who qualify; speak with your counselor about eligibility.

Info for Sophomore Students and Parents

As you settle into the high school experience, sophomore year is a great time to engage in opportunities to assist in discovering personal preferences regarding potential college and career options.  Explore your career options in more detail - research possible careers to learn about the tasks, education, and training necessary for each occupation.  Stay involved with your extracurricular activities (or begin new ones) and work towards leadership positions in the activities you like best.  Consider involvement in community service/volunteer activities and explore summer enrichment opportunities.

Refer the High School Planning Guide for a complete to-do list for sophomore year.

All sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on October 25 at Voyager HS. The Pre-ACT is a practice version of the ACT designed to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the format of college admissions tests.  All sophomores are automatically registered for this test administration.  No fee is required.  Results will be available in December/January.

Info for Freshman Students and Parents

Freshman year is the time to really develop and hone solid academic success strategies.  Download the Tips and Tools for Academic Success for a few helpful tips that can aid in the development of a strong student skill set. 

Tips for Academic Success

​It's never too early to start planning for life after high school. Start here with the High School Planning Timeline. ​