FAFSA Day is Saturday, October 27, 2018! 

Campuses across the state are hosting FAFSA Day on Saturday, October 27 to offer free help filling out the FAFSA. No matter what school the student is attending, each campus will have financial aid administrators on hand to answer any questions that families have.

No FAFSA Day site near you?  Contact the financial aid office at your local campus and ask for a FAFSA completion event at your school. Check out the FAFSA Day map to find your local campus.

In addition, the State Employee Credit Union (SECU) is offering free assistance in the month of November for FAFSAcompletion. Have families contact the local branch to make an appointment.

FAFSA Day Flyer

USNews Article: Continue Working on College Applications

Continue Working on College Applications

Working on college applications over the course of a few months will save you and your teen a lot of stress when deadlines approach in November and December. Experts encourage students to apply to a mix of schools that include some reach and safety picks, but keep in mind that applications can end up costing families hundreds of dollars. By now, high school seniors should have created a solid list of colleges to apply to, decided if and when to take the ACT or SAT, started working on application essays and asked for recommendation letters. Don't fret! Teens who are behind still have time to catch up. Keep reading for more application tips. Cheers! The U.S. News Education newsletter team: Briana (@B_Boyington)

Rice University: Full Cost Scholarship

Full Ride Alert: Earn Up to the Full Cost of Attendance at Rice University!

PSAT Registration

11th Graders Can Register for the Oct. 24th PSAT

Voyager Academy will administer the PSAT to any interested 11th graders on Wednesday, October 24th at 8:00am in the High School Commons. Please go to the link below to sign up. We have 45 available spots this year.

Register here:

https://goo.gl/forms/Ql18rwqbhxT6fX742

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Parents: Help Your Child on the Path to College

Parents, guardians and other adults,

Please visit the website below to help your student plan for college. Sign up to receive emails and/or texts with college information, advice, and reminders from the College Board.


https://parents.collegeboard.org/

Art Therapy Institute Scholarship

First Annual Ilene Sperling Memorial Scholarship Application Now Open 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, 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. Please tell us (in less than 500 words) why your work is important to you, how you hope it will impact others (if applicable), and how you will utilize the scholarship funds, if awarded. Scholarship applications are due by November 1st, 2018 and award notifications will be acknowledged by December 15th, 2018. Please email all questions and application materials to ncarttherapyinstitute@gmail.com.

How to Calm an Anxious Stomach: The Brain-Gut Connection

Researchers have identified a powerful connection between the gut and the brain. Like the brain, the gut is full of nerves. It contains the largest area of nerves outside the brain with the digestive tract and the brain sharing many of the same nerve connections.

Read the article below from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America to learn about how anxiety and stress can effect your digestive system. Tips for reducing stress and anxiety are included.  

https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-calm-anxious-stomach-brain-gut-connection

Financial Aid and Scholarship Assistance

Read the article below from US News:
How To Get The Most Money From Your College:

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2018-09-13/how-to-get-the-most-generous-financial-aid-package-from-your-college

New Program Guarantees Admission to NC State

The Community College Collaboration (C3) is a dual-admission, dual-enrollment program between NC State and eight community college partners

As a land-grant institution, NC State has always believed that all North Carolinians should have access to the opportunities and benefits of higher education and not everyone’s college career starts at NC State. Nearly 1,700 students transfer to NC State each year to complete their bachelor’s degree and NC State is committed to providing affordable pathways while providing access to quality education that produces career-ready graduates.

C3 is intended for community college students from low-to-moderate income backgrounds with demonstrated potential for academic success who aspire to transfer to NC State after completing their associate degree.

C3 provides academic and program support for students during their time in community college and prepares them for a successful transition to NC State and timely completion of a bachelor’s degree.

https://admissions.ncsu.edu/m/community-college-collaboration/

Governor's School Of North Carolina

The Governor's School of North Carolina is a five and one-half week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students in 10 and 11th grades, 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.

The Governor's School is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 325 students each: Governor's School West at Salem College in Winston-Salem (begun in 1963), and Governor's School East at Meredith College in Raleigh (begun in 1978). The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Exceptional Children Division. A Board of Governors, appointed by the State Board of Education, acts as an advisory body.

All students study in three curricular areas:

AREA I

The basic study of the student's nomination, that emphasizes contemporary texts, compositions, artistic expressions, issues, and ideas and the theories that flow from them. Each campus focuses on ten academic and performing/visual arts disciplines:

• English
• French (East)
• Spanish (West)
• Mathematics
• Natural Science
• Social Science
• Art
• Choral Music
• Instrumental Music
• Theater
• Dance

AREA II

Study that explores connections between and among the Area I disciplines. As integrative concepts emerge, the class attempts to construct an understanding of contemporary ways of thinking and of the culture that arises from them.

AREA III

Study that grounds the learning from Areas I and II in student's own personal experience, and applies that understanding to their social worlds; that is, they try to discover links between ideas and actions, theory and practice.

Area I, II, and III classes are augmented by a rich array of visiting speakers, performances, exhibitions, field trips, demonstrations, optional seminars, and film series. (Social and recreational events complement the academic focus.)

Faculty and staff are drawn from bright, dedicated teachers and professionals across the country, from public and private schools, colleges and universities, and independent artists and scholars. Most faculty members are in residence on campus and with the teaching assistants/counselors and students form a true community of learners.

Check the website below or see Ms. O'Kane for more information about eligibility and nominations.  

http://www.ncgovschool.org/

Message From NCSU Admissions

Due to the statewide impact of Hurricane Florence, NC State Admissions has announced that the early action application deadline for fall 2019 has been extended to November 1st.

The Goodnight Scholars Program supports NC State Admissions' decision, and we will be adjusting our selection process to reflect this extension.

Please visit the 'Apply' page on our website for additional details regarding our revised selection process for first-year students who are seeking fall 2019 admission into NC State. We invite you to contact us at goodnightscholarship@ncsu.edu with any questions.

More importantly, we hope you, your family, and your students are safe after this devastating natural disaster.

Message from Duke Undergraduate Admissions Office

The Duke Undergraduate Admissions Office recognizes the devastation and disruption caused by Hurricane Florence throughout many parts of North and South Carolina. Our thoughts are with all our neighbors whose homes and lives have been affected by this ongoing catastrophe.

Although we know you will have far more important considerations than the college admissions process at this time, we hope the following will alleviate some of the concerns students considering applying to Duke may have:

• Duke will offer fee waivers for any students in North and South Carolina affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding. When completing the application, check “fee waiver requested,” then ask your college counselor to write “Hurricane Florence Relief” in their supporting statement.
• Duke will extend its Early Decision deadline for students in impacted areas toMonday, November 12, 2018.
• As announced previously, Duke will accept self-reported standardized test scores that are included in the application or submitted by the school. Official scores from testing agencies will only be required for students enrolling at Duke.
• We recognize that it may be difficult for students in affected areas who have not yet taken SAT Subject Tests to do so between now and our application deadlines. The absence of SAT Subject Test exams will have no bearing on our admissions decision.

We know that the road to recovery may be a long one. Should you have additional concerns about the Duke application process, please contact our office at 919-684-3214.

Christoph Guttentag
Dean of Undergraduate Admissions
Duke University

Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities at Brandeis

Every year, outstanding students are selected to receive merit awards, which range in value from $10,000 to $20,500 annually. Additionally, students may be interested in our highly selective fellowship programs for those who excel in the sciences, humanities and music.

As you start to work on your college applications, please take a look to learn more about our offerings,  

Durham Tech's Anesthesia Technology Program

Photo via Durham Tech

The first program of its kind in North Carolina, the new anesthesia technology program at Durham Tech offers prospective students a point of education and entry into a field projected to grow by 14 percent nationally in the near future.

An anesthesia technologist works to provide safe care at the direction of a provider in the care of patients undergoing anesthesia. Students at Durham Tech work through a curriculum featuring hands-on experience — including program clinicals at premier Triangle medical facilities — to become proficient in proper preparation, acquisition and application of the equipment required for delivery of anesthesia care. Graduates will be eligible for national certification through the Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) National Certification Examination.

Melissa, Gail and Aaron in the 97.9 The Hill Studio!

The anesthesia technology program at Durham Tech is also supported in part by UNC Health Care, through donations of essential equipment, supplies, lecture and input into curriculum development.

Join Aaron Keck as he speaks with Melissa Ockert, dean and department head of Health Technologies at Durham Tech, as well as Gail Walker, Anesthesia Technology program director and clinical coordinator.

John Hopkins University Humanities Overnight Program for 11th graders

Hopkins will be hosting its 2nd annual Humanities Overnight Program in spring 2019. They are seeking  nominations for this unique opportunity!

On Monday, March 4–Tuesday, March 5, 2019, they will welcome a small group of high school juniors with an expressed interest in the humanities to their undergraduate Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This is an incredible opportunity for our top humanities students to spend 24 hours on our campus and meet with current students and faculty. Students accepted to the Humanities Overnight Program are representative of our university values of intellectual freedom and collaborative innovation and would thrive within our academic culture.

This expenses-paid program will include opportunities to learn more about the humanities experience at Hopkins, sit in on classes, meet current professors who are experts in their fields, and attend a college essay writing workshop led by the admissions office and faculty from one of our humanities departments. Participants will stay overnight in on-campus housing. Meals, lodging, and transportation to and from campus will be paid for by the university.

Please see Ms. O'Kane if you would like to be nominated. 

https://apply.jhu.edu/humanities-overnight-program/

QuestBridge Scholarship Opportunity

QuestBridge connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds to top colleges across the United States. We have two programs, the National College Match for high school seniors, and the College Prep Scholars Program for high school juniors. 

The school counselor can refer students to QuestBridge to receive information about their programs to start their path to a top college. Counselor referrals help Questbridge reach more students, but they are not required to apply. Students can opt out of our communications at any time.

See Ms. O'Kane if you are interested or wish to be referred. 

Learn more about who we are looking for >

2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Applications are now open for the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, honoring students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.   

Applying for a 2019 award

By November 6, 2018, students must:

• Complete the application
• Complete the student/parent agreement
• Go to the "certification'" tab on the application, then email or print and deliver instructions for your certifier 
  • Certifiers can be your school principal or the head of a county 4-H organization, Girl Scout council, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or Affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. 

By November 16, 2018, certifiers must:

• Review all applications for your school or organization
• Select and certify top candidates for state-level judging

Ready to apply? Click here!

UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars

Any student interested in UNC Charlotte should check into the Levine Scholars Program...

  

The Levine Scholars Program takes the brightest, most capable students and gives them the tools, resources and environment they need to explore the world around them, engage deeply in their communities and excel across discipline. The four-year scholarship includes full tuition, room, board, a grant to implement a service project of the Scholar’s own design, and four summers of experiences that will develop leadership skills, social awareness and an international perspective. The total value of this four-year package is estimated at $105,000 for in-state students and $155,000 for out-of-state students.

The Scholars value the benefits of the rigorous academic programs at UNC Charlotte, the state’s only urban research university noted for its innovative interdisciplinary programs and opportunities for student research. To complement classroom learning, Levine Scholars participate in rich and varied opportunities in the vibrant commercial and cultural center of Charlotte, North Carolina, the state’s largest metropolitan region.

Civic engagement is at the core of the Levine Scholars Program. Through a commitment to ongoing volunteerism, internships with local nonprofits, grant projects with community partners, and customized curricula, Levine Scholars graduate fully prepared to begin their next chapter as versatile intellects, thoughtful leaders, and compassionate humanitarians.

https://levinescholars.uncc.edu/about

Duke STAR Program: For Students Interested in the Field of Medicine

A paid academic enrichment summer opportunity for students interested in the field of medicine.

High school students have the opportunity to work alongside Duke undergraduate students and faculty, as they learn and develop pharmaco‐epidemiological research methodology and writing skills. This is also an opportunity for students to network with peers, undergrads and university faculty.

Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship

Sallie Mae Accepting Nominations for $25,000 Scholarship Sallie Mae is accepting nominations for their $25,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarship from counselors and community leaders who witness firsthand each student’s individual journey to make college happen. They’re looking for high school juniors or seniors who . work hard and inspire others; are gifted or skilled in some way; and . who may come up financially short of fulfilling their dreams. Note that only the first 1,000 nominations will be considered, so do not delay! Visit https://www.salliemae.com/landing/bridging-the-dream/?dtd_cell=SMPLCADCOTDOPNOTOTHOTHRN010003for more information, to learn about previous winners. See Ms. O'Kane if you fee like you are a candidate and would like to be nominated for this scholarship.

US Senate Youth Scholarship North Carolina

U. S. Senate Youth Scholarship North Carolina applications and entry materials for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) became available August 1!

The United States Senate Youth Program is a scholarship program that provides an educational opportunity for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing college coursework in history or political science. Student delegates winning the $10,000 scholarship and attending the week-long event in Washington, D.C. in March 2019 will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members and directors from other federal agencies. Deadline for submission in N.C. is October 7, 2018. Eligibility requirements and application materials can be found at https://senateyouthnc.webs.com/

 For additional information please feel free to contact Michelle McLaughlin at michelle.mclaughlin@dpi.nc.gov

Free Webinar for Teen Depression and Addressing Stress

Teen Depression—Addressing Stress

For Parents, Caregivers, Teachers, School Counselors and Staff, Youth Workers, and anyone interested in Teen Mental Health

Thursday, October 11, 2018

REGISTER NOW

Faced with balancing school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, social interactions, and family issues, teens today often struggle to stay afloat. Those who have suffered trauma and those whose communities are under-resourced or unsafe may face additional stressors. Caring adults can help teens alleviate stress and depression symptoms by encouraging development of positive coping skills.

Join our free webinar live or on demand as Amy Saltzman, M.D., teaches adults how to identify stress and depression in teens, use the power of mindfulness-based stress reduction in difficult times, and truly listen without judgement. During the webinar, caring adults will also learn how to respond—rather than react—to teens during emotionally-charged conversations. Amy Saltzman M.D., is a holistic physician, mindfulness coach, scientist, wife, mother, devoted student of transformation, long-time athlete, and occasional poet. Her passion is supporting people of all ages in enhancing their wellbeing and discovering the “Still Quiet Place” within. She is recognized by her peers as a visionary and pioneer in the fields of mindfulness for youth and holistic medicine. To support others in discovering the joy and peace of the Still Quiet Place, Dr. Saltzman has written A Still Quiet Place: A Mindfulness Program for Teaching Children and Adolescents to Ease Stress and Difficult Emotions.

DOWNLOAD THE TEEN DEPRESSION FACT SHEET

DOWNLOAD A SHAREABLE FLYER

Información sobre la depresión en los adolescentes

Our Teen Depression Program is supported by

George Harrington Trust 

Rebecca Pomroy Foundation 

Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation 

Bennett Family Foundation

IAM Strong Foundation

Samerian Foundation

John Donnelly Trust

Rhyme and Reason Fund

FAFSA Day: October 27, 2018

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Assistance

Want help completing the FAFSA? We'll make it easy. College Foundation of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and State Employees' Credit Union are offering free programs to help you complete and submit this important form.

FAFSA Day
Let's get into High Gear with FAFSA Completion! CFNC, in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the State Employees' Credit Union, sponsors "FAFSA Day" every year. On that day, students and their families meet with college financial aid officers who help them complete and submit their FAFSA. FAFSA Day is Saturday, October 27, 2018. 

FAFSA Day Flyer

Find a location and register here

NC State Goodnight Scholars Program

The Goodnight Scholars Program, funded by a gift from Dr. Jim and Ann Goodnight, began in 2008 with 25 scholars. Since that time, it has grown into a comprehensive student development program designed to develop scholars into leaders within the STEM and/or education fields.

The scholarship is targeted at low and middle-income families from North Carolina and is limited to students studying in the STEM disciplines or affiliated education majors. The value of the scholarship is $20,000 and is renewable for up to four years for first-year students, and three years for transfer students. In addition to the scholarship, Goodnight Scholars have access to an assortment of developmental programming focused on their professional and personal growth.

https://goodnight.ncsu.edu/about/

Learn how to apply