USA Gap Year Fair

Come learn about Gap year options at the Chapel Hill area fair in Carrboro, NC on Saturday, February 9th from 1:00-4:00 PM for an incredible FREE opportunity to learn about a number of life-changing gap year programs from all around the world!

For more information, visit the website

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. See you there!

*Presentation 1:00-2:00 PM, Fair 2:00-4:00 PM

Getting Help with the FAFSA

Getting Help with the FAFSA and CSS Profile

If you need assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the CSS Profile – or wondering where to start – you’ll find helpful resources below!

If your child will be in college for the 2019-2020 school year, you can file the FAFSAand the CSS Profile now. The official release date for both financial aid applications was Oct. 1, 2018.

FAFSA Resources

FAFSA on the Web.

This is the official website to complete the FAFSA. 

It’s highly recommended that parents complete the FAFSA online, but here is the  2019-2020 FAFSA in PDF form.

The paper FAFSA contains eight pages of questions and two pages of explanations.

Trending FAFSA questions.

The U.S. Department of Educations maintains a list of trending FAQs about the FAFSA. See what questions other parents are asking and you might discover what you need here.

FAFSA Contacts.

Questions about the FAFSA? Here is how to get answers:

FAFSA hotline: (800) 433-3243.

Email contact: FederalStudentAidCustomerService@ed.gov

When parents are working on the FAFSA online, they can click a live help button for assistance.

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

This FAFSA worksheet for the 2019-2020 school year provides a preview of FAFSA questions.

FAFSA YouTube Videos.

FAFSA videos from the U.S. Department of Education include a FAFSA overview and how to complete the FAFSA.

Financial Aid Toolkit.

This federal website provides student aid information for counselors, nonprofits and college consultants. Families can take advantage of the materials.

Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid.

On the toolkit website, you’ll also see a guide that provides a great deal of background on the federal financial aid system and FAFSA.

Khan Academy Video: FAFSA Walkthrough

 This step-by-step video guide, narrated by the financial aid director at Stanford University, explains how to complete the FAFS

National Association for Student Financial

This website for financial aid professionals includes a section entitled, Students, Parents & Counselors. You’ll find information about financial aid on this site, including links to state aid programs in the 50 states.

Appalachian State Martha Guy Summer Institute

The Martha Guy Summer Institute for future business leaders was created to give high achieving high school students, interested in pursuing a college degree in business, a premier summer experience exploring the different disciplines within business, exposing them to regional business leaders and developing leadership and professional behavior skills needed to be successful in the business realm.

Former participants call the Martha Guy Summer Institute for Future Business Leaders (MGSI) the best summer opportunity available to high school juniors. Since 2004, the institute has provided a select group of students an unparalleled opportunity to learn about business and develop leadership skills in a fun and friendly environment.

The program brings students to Appalachian’s campus to learn about business, and to develop leadership and professional skills. Included in the three weeks is travel to various businesses and cultural activities. The entire experience is described by all as "amazing!"

The online application will open on December 1, 2018. Please review the admission requirements before submitting your application.

Application Deadline is Thursday, February 28, 2019.

See the link below or Ms. O'Kane for more information.

https://marthaguy.appstate.edu/

Duke Summer Session Applications Open

Dear Students, 

The day has arrived! We are thrilled to share that Duke Summer Session applications are now open. Through participating in one of our three transformative summer programs at Duke University, you will experience our commitment to academic excellence and personal growth as you challenge yourself, connect with new people, and create lasting memories over the course of the summer. All the while, you will be enhancing your college application and laying the foundation for future success at elite universities. 

Why wait? Apply online today to secure your spot in one (or more) of our incredible programs.

Going Merry Scholarship Application Platform

One app for all  scholarships

It just got a lot easier for anyone to find and apply to scholarships online, absolutely free.

What is Going Merry?

Going Merry is a scholarship application platform. This platform is developed to help students find, apply for, and win scholarships without ever having to leave the site. GM is different from scholarship search engines, and is inspired by what the Common App.. Students can apply directly to multiple scholarships using auto filled applications from the profiles that they create.

All VAHS seniors have been invited to register for an account and start using this scholarship platform. So far 16 scholarship applications have been submitted.

https://www.goingmerry.com/

Duke Summer Sessions for High School Student Presentation 1/16

On January 16, during lunch. Abby Demarest with Duke Summer Session for High School Students will be on campus to meet with students and parents to provide information about their summer  programs. This is an opportunity for  high school students and parents to learn more about pre-college programs and summer opportunities at Duke University.

Duke University Programs For High School Students

• Summer College (four-week academic credit program for students currently in grades 10 – 12)
• Summer Academy (three-week academic enrichment program for students currently in grades 9 – 12)
• Accelerated STEM Academy (one-week academic enrichment program for students currently in grades 9 – 12)

We invite you to imagine yourself at Duke this summer if you are:

• seeking to gain academic credit from renowned Duke faculty or interested in engaging deeply with a particular subject.
• hoping to spend your summer enjoying residential activities on Duke’s historic West Campus.
• seeking to prepare for college and to create an international network of peers.

Check out our 2018 Duke Summer Session for High School Students Blog for more information and a glimpse at what the programs are like.

Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program

The Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program is

·         A professional certificate program through the Duke School of Medicine

·         Accessible: No pre-requisite college level courses are required, but it is always helpful to see an applicant with a history of successful academic performance at the high school or college level.

·         Affordable: Tuition for 2019-2020 is $9000.00 plus books, student fees, and if necessary, insurance.

·         Accelerated: The program is completed in 51 weeks with a program from January until December 2019, or from July 2019 until June 2020. We are one of only two, one-year COT programs in the country.

·         Accredited: We are fully accredited through the International Council for Accreditation for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Certified Allied Ophthalmic Personnel are in demand.  The most recent information from November 2017 indicates that there are a total of 25,257 certified allied ophthalmic personnel worldwide to support over 200,000 practicing ophthalmologists. This represents a significant staffing shortage and with an aging population, the demand for skilled, certified allied ophthalmic personnel will be even greater in the future.

Certified Ophthalmic Technicians enjoy a wonderful, demanding career that challenges them to seek to improve their knowledge and skills set. New technology is always on the horizon so learning is a continual pursuit and the work never becomes stale or mundane.   It’s a very satisfying career as COTs are part of a team of professionals who work together to help our patients, some of whom are in desperate situations. It provides a good work/life balance, as the work schedule is typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00, with an occasional late evening. The pay and benefits are very good and the working conditions are excellent.  Being a COT is also an excellent career from which to launch into a variety of other careers in the eye care industry.

Duke-trained ophthalmic technicians are sought after because our ophthalmic technician students are trained by some of the best ophthalmologists in the world.  Currently Duke Ophthalmology is ranked #6 in ophthalmology training programs nationwide.  Because of our program’s rich educational resources, world renowned ophthalmologists providing weekly lectures, and our skilled technician staff mentoring our students through twelve clinical rotations, employers know our ophthalmic technician students have received quality training and will be an asset to their practice.

See the brochures below of Ms. O'Kane for more information.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive?ogsrc=32

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive?ogsrc=32

Durham Public Schools Scholarship Opportunities Grants and More

Please check out the link below for a comprehensive list of scholarships and other opportunities that are posted on the Durham Public Schools website.



https://www.dpsnc.net/Page/3243

College Process Tool for Students and Parents

CollegeCovered.com was created to provide students and parents with the know-how to plan and pay for college. This website offers a variety of resources and tips to help you through each step of the process and provide you with the power to plan your future.

Sign up for e-mails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 11 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $10,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses. 


https://scholarship.collegecovered.com/?acmpgn=E_EAW_CSEM_BM_X_BMHS2

National Youth Leadership Forum

 
        Experience Your Future in Medicine

Future doctors and health care practitioners will enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to discover their passions through hands-on medical experience at NYLF Medicine. Over nine amazing days on the campus location of your choice, you will experience the collegiate lifestyle firsthand, learn from doctors, participate in an interactive curriculum led by advisors, visit a top medical school, test your medical knowledge during clinical skills rotations, and explore professional opportunities in the ever-expanding fields of medicine and health care among fellow high school students.

Find out more details below or see Ms. O'Kane for additional information.  


https://www.envisionexperience.com/explore-our-programs/national-youth-leadership-forum-medicine

Duke Summer Session For High School Students

Are you looking for a captivating and meaningful way to spend your summer? Join us at Duke Summer Session for High School Students and get a taste of life on a college campus.

By attending one of our programs, you will prepare for college by delving deeper into intellectually stimulating courses of interest, which may even include the opportunity to accompany your college application with a letter of recommendation from a Duke instructor. In addition to challenging yourself academically, you will engage with a diverse group of peers, exposing you to different cultures and expanding your future network. Not to mention, you will leave with a lifetime of memories! 

Interested in learning more about our programs? Visit our website, and be sure to mark your calendars for December 3^rd, 2018 when our applications open!  

Sincerely,

Nicki Charles, Ed.D.
Director of Summer Session for High School Students
Duke University

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Opportunity

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has partnered with the College Board to increase scholarship opportunities for students who’ve taken the PSAT/NMSQT® and PSAT™ 10.

Scholarships can open doors for students who aspire to go to college but don't have the funds. The Cooke Foundation provides one of the largest scholarships in the country for high-achieving students with financial need.

Did you know?

More than half (54%) of the students who won the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship last year took the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 and were discovered through Student Search Service®.

The Cooke College Scholarship seeks out underrepresented students of all races, backgrounds, and ethnicities through the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10.

The application deadline is November 20, so encourage eligible students to apply soon (exclusively through the Common App).

Subscribe to the Cooke Foundation's counselor newsletter to stay updated on all scholarship programs and opportunities. 

We The Students Essay Contest

2018-2019 We the Students Essay Prompt

What are the essential qualities of a citizen in your community in 21st century America?

This year we are asking you to dig deep and make your scholarship essay personal. A citizen comes in many shapes and sizes. Some serve their community by voting and participating in political events. Others serve through entrepreneurship or philanthropy. We want to know what you think makes a good citizen in your community. We encourage you to bring emotion, creativity, specific examples (including current events), and well-researched facts into what you write. A good essay will demonstrate how citizenship is not an abstract idea, but is, in fact, action inspired by constitutional principles. We can’t wait to see what citizenship looks like in your community!

https://billofrightsinstitute.org/engage/students-programs-events/scholarship/?utm_source=NEWSLETTER&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=GENERAL&utm_term=TEACHERS&utm_content=CTA&utm_source=NEWSLETTER&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=GENERAL&utm_term=GENERIC

Flavorful Futures Scholarship

BE SPARKLING. BE SMART. BE THE FUTURE.

 
Are you a student who is not afraid to be yourself? We are looking for fun and unique candidates for our Flavorful Futures Scholarship. Sparkling Ice® is awarding FIVE $5,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors who are planning their bright and colorful futures. If this sounds like one of you,  apply today!
 

The application deadline is February 15, 2019 and winners will be announced in Spring 2019. Apply now at flavorfulfutures.com.
 

General Requirements
Visit flavorfulfutures.com for full list of requirements. 

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
• Must be a high school senior graduating between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019.
• Must have a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale (high school/home school seniors).
• We support applicants in a vocational/trade, 2-year, or 4-year program

Burger King Scholars Opportunity

High school seniors, BURGER KING® employees, their dependent children, spouses or domestic partners in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico can apply to receive up to $50,000 in scholarship awards for the 2019-2020 school year!

High school seniors must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible, and must be active in their community through volunteering, sports, clubs and/or religious organizations.

Don’t miss your chance to become a BURGER KING Scholar. Apply today!

WWW.BURGERKINGSCHOLARS.COM

The application period for the 2019-2020 school year is open from Oct. 15, 2018 through Dec. 15, 2018.

Explore careers in the health professions during Health Professions Week

Health Professions Week (HPW) is an exciting week-long event for high school and college students interested in learning more about careers in the health professions. Register today for your chance to win one of the many prizes of #HPW2018! Prizes include a $5,000 scholarship from SallieMae, foldable electric scooters, wireless charging pads and more! Don’t forget to follow us on social media @HealthProfWeek. (click here for more)

AMDA High School Summer Conservatory

CHOOSE FROM 5 PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS

MUSICAL THEATRE ACTING FOR THE STAGE DANCE THEATRE 

ACTING FOR FILM + TVPOP STAR: RECORDING ARTIST

Each summer, AMDA's High School Summer Conservatory provides world-class performing arts training - changing the lives of young performers.

Choose between AMDA campuses in New York City or Hollywood for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and train in the heart of the entertainment capitals of the world.

2019 HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER CONSERVATORY SESSION DATES

SESSION 1: JUNE 30 - JULY 13 (NYC + LA)

SESSION 2: JULY 14-27 (NYC + LA)

SESSION 3: JULY 28 - AUGUST 10 (NYC)

• • Residential and commuter camps in NYC and LA.
  • Open to all talented high school students completing grades 8-12 during the 2018/19 school year.

Please call 323-603-5932 or email summer@amda.edu for more information.

ECU Admissions Rep. Visit: 11/5

An admission rep. from ECU will be here Monday Nov. 5 at 10:00. This is during second period and students will need a pass to attend. Please contact  Ms. O'Kane if you would like to attend. If you have applied to ECU, or are considering it, this would be a good meeting for you to attend. Anyone who is undecided is also encouraged to attend as well, ECU has rolling admissions, and is very popular with the Voyager students.They offer a lot of great undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Check out their website below:

http://www.ecu.edu/

Senior Parent Information

Thank you to all who attended the Senior Parent Information session on October 25, 2018.
Below is a link to the powerpoint with all of the information and resources that were presented.
We hope this information is useful for you and your students as they prepare for graduation and all  post secondary endeavors!

Senior Information PPT

The Art Therapy Institute Scholarship

Ilene Sperling Memorial Scholarship

The deadline for our scholarship application is coming up this Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 5PM. 

Each scholarship prize will average between $100-$500, and are intended to assist with such things as: art supplies, recording studio time, exhibits, performances, project related expenses, etc. 

We advocate for and honor all expressive arts forms (literary, music, performing, and visual) in healing. The ATI scholarship committee is looking for passion, creativity, self-expression, exploration, and/or a commitment to social justice and community-building in your art.

We welcome submissions from all artists and creatives -- everywhere!

DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION HERE

ATI staff and supporters are honored to officially open the first annual Ilene Sperling Memorial Scholarship application process. This year, we are able to give away $2000 in total funding, to up to 10 applicants. 

Each Ilene Sperling Scholarship prize will average between $100-$500, and are intended to assist with such things as: art supplies, recording studio time, exhibits, performances, project related expenses, etc. We are committed to honoring Ilene and the seeds she planted by offering assistance to individuals seeking personal and/or community growth through the arts and healing. Scholarships are awarded once a year in late Fall. 

We advocate for and honor all expressive arts forms (literary, music, performing, and visual) in healing. The ATI scholarship committee is looking for passion, creativity, self-expression, exploration, and/or a commitment to social justice and community-building in your art.

Scholarship applications are due by 5PM, November 1st, 2018 and award notifications will be acknowledged by December 15th, 2018. Download the application through clicking the button at the top of the page. Please email all questions and application materials to ncarttherapyinstitute@gmail.com.

ACT Scholarship Application

Student Champion Application*

The ACT Student Champion is tenacious and persistent, no matter the challenge, and is prepared for life after high school with a goal in mind and a plan in place.

• High school seniors who have overcome challenges and can articulate their education and/or career actions
• At a minimum, students must have a composite ACT score of 22 on a single test date OR a Gold ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate®

Students will fill out their own applications.

*Applicants must be members of the graduating class of 2019 who have taken the ACT. 

Please note: If you are selected, the $500 nonrenewable scholarship will be sent directly to the postsecondary institution or program in which you are enrolled by May 2019. This may include any 2- or 4-year institution or certificate program, apprenticeship program, etc. 

Student Champion Application

NCA7T Cheatham -White Scholarship

The Cheatham-White Scholarship

Purpose

The Cheatham-White Scholarship will be established for the Fall 2018 as a merit scholarship program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and North Carolina Central University to provide an outstanding educational experience for students who are exceptional scholars, versatile and well-rounded individuals. Cheatham-White Scholars will represent students with a broad range of interests, proficient in areas of both the arts and sciences, demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to service.
 

Benefits

Each recipient is awarded a fully funded four-year scholarship that covers the cost of all of the following: full tuition, student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop, supplies, travel, and personal expenses. Each scholarship also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities that may include international travel and study.
 

Expectations of Recipients

Scholarships will be renewable contingent upon the following:

• Maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA annually
• Enroll full time each semester and earn a minimum 30 credit hours each academic year.
• Maintain membership and active participation in the University Honors Program.

 https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/financial-aid/aid/scholarships/cheatham-white-scholarship.html

Introducing the College Board Opportunity Scholarships

The College Board is investing $25 million in a new scholarship program, with students earning $5 million in scholarships each year, beginning with the class of 2020. Be the first to know when it launches later this year.

Free Application Week!

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY WAIVING APPLICATION FEES

For October 15th-October 19th

All NC Community Colleges                       YES
Appalachian State University                       NO
Barton College                                             YES
Belmont Abbey College                               YES
Bennett College                                            YES
Brevard College                                           YES
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences           YES
Campbell University                                    YES
Catawba College                                          YES
Chowan University                                      YES
Davidson College                                        YES
Duke University                                           NO
East Carolina University                              NO
Elizabeth City State University                   YES
Elon University                                            NO
Fayetteville State University                       YES
Gardner-Webb University                            YES
Greensboro College                                     YES
Guilford College                                          YES
High Point University                                   NO
Johnson and Wales                                       YES
Johnson C. Smith University                       YES
Lees-McRae College                                   YES
Lenoir-Rhyne University                             YES
Livingstone College                                     YES
Louisburg College                                       YES
Mars Hill University                                    YES
Meredith College                                         YES
Methodist University                                   YES
Montreat College                                         YES
North Carolina A&T State University         YES
North Carolina Central University              YES
North Carolina State University                  NO
North Carolina Wesleyan College               YES
Pfeiffer University                                       YES
Queens University of Charlotte                   YES
Saint Augustine's University                       YES
Salem College                                              YES
Shaw University                                          YES
St. Andrews University                               YES
University of Mount Olive                          YES
University of North Carolina Asheville       NO
UNC  Chapel Hill                                         NO
UNC Charlotte                                            NO
UNC Greensboro                                        NO
UNC Pembroke                                          YES
UNC Wilmington                                        NO
Wake Forest University                               NO
Warren Wilson College                              YES
Western Carolina University                      NO
William Peace University                          YES
Wingate University                                    YES
Winston-Salem State University                YES

Duke Summer Opportunities

Dear Students,
 
Information for Duke Summer Session for High School Students’ 2019 programs is now available!  Choose from three transformative programs next summer:
 
Summer College – A four-week, credit-bearing program for students currently in 10^th– 12^th grade in which they take undergraduate-level courses.
 
Summer Academy – A three-week program for students currently in 9^th – 12^th grade in which they take a certificate course.
 
Accelerated STEM Academy – A one-week, STEM-based program for students currently in 9^th – 12^th grade that consists of a variety of hands-on labs, tours of Duke’s research facilities, faculty lectures, and workshops.