STATEWIDE FAFSA DAY

 

SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT!

NCSEAA and CFNC have organized a Statewide FAFSA Day this Saturday morning, January 27. Partners all across the state will open their doors from 9 am - Noon to assist students and families in completing the new and improved FAFSA.

 

CFNC has posted a convenient and searchable Map of this Saturday’s FAFSA Day locations - as well as Sample Social Posts and Spanish-language materials to help amplify the opportunity.

 

With this year’s delayed federal launch of FAFSA, Saturday will be an important moment to get the state off to a great start in building a record year of FAFSA completions.  

 

And as we all know, completing the FAFSA is the first and best step in helping more traditional high school graduates and adult learners qualify for financial aid at our public and private colleges and universities, as well as the state’s new game-changing NEXT NC scholarship. 

 

Upcoming ECU Virtual Info Sessions

ECU's College of Health and Human Performance is hosting several upcoming virtual information sessions for prospective students. We would love for you to pass along to your students and their families, as the virtual events are open to all grade levels. 

Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising Virtual Academic Day (BS Interior Design and BS Fashion Merchandising): Tuesday, February 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

School of Social Work (BSW): Wednesday, February 7 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Human Development and Family Science (BS Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education, BS Child Life, BS Family and Community Services, BS Family and Consumer Science Education): Tuesday, February 20 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 

Health Education & Promotion (BS Environmental Health and BS Public Health): Wednesday, February 21 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

Kinesiology Virtual Academic Day (BS Exercise Physiology & BS Physical Education): Tuesday, February 27 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

Recreation Sciences (BS Recreational Therapy, BS Recreation and Park Management, BS Sports Studies): Wednesday, February 28 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

Students can register by clicking on the time link or visiting this website. 

NCSU SATELITE Camp for High School Sophomores

 

SATELLITE is a five-day STEM outreach and leadership development program with the goal of exposing high school sophomores from under-resourced communities in North Carolina to post-secondary educational opportunities in STEM and its many disciplines. SATELLITE Campers have had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities including a field trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences, an egg drop competition, plant biology seminars, workshops in paper science engineering, textiles and design, game theory, and hands-on life sciences demonstrations led by genuine NC State faculty and students. SATELLITE’s mission is fueled by our desire and passion to help close the higher educational divide among communities through equitable opportunities and exposure. 

The 2024 program will run from May 18th - 22nd. The application encourages two letters of recommendation ( however are not required ) and a few short essays pertaining to the student’s interest in the field of STEM and college exposure. Due to the nature of the program, they do not consider a student’s academic success when reviewing applications, they are looking only for a student’s desire to maximize their experience at SATELLITE and hone their curiosity. The deadline to apply is March 8th, 2024. If accepted, there will be a $25 registration fee, but a number of need-based scholarships and financial assistance opportunities are available upon request.

The link for students to apply can be found here at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQXmLE8wOXG6Ya-I1NSDjH2G9djBJy7wXUObrCTqC1ft2VBg/viewform

For more information, feel free to reach out at satellitecamp@ncsu.edu.  You can also check out the website at go.ncsu.edu/satellite-camp.

2024 Durham Bulls TV Crew - Now Accepting Applications - Open House 7FEB @ 7pm

The Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 is a co-ed unpaid internship program designed for students aged 14-20. This program offers a unique and invaluable chance to gain exceptional experience in the field of television broadcasting, supported and sponsored by the Durham Bulls, Fox 50, and Capitol Broadcasting Company.

 

In our remarkable 26th season, Post 50 is responsible for the live broadcast of Durham Bulls games on MeTV, WRAL Sports Plus, MiLB.com, and within the ballpark. Additionally, we contribute highlights for FOX 50 and WRAL newscasts.

 

This program is an excellent platform for students to explore their interest in broadcast communications and gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional setting.

 

Open House:

• When: Feb. 7th, 7:00-8:30 pm

• Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Ball Park, 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

Applications for 2024 Season:

• Deadline: Feb. 17th, 2024

• Limited to 70 members

• Apply - Online Application link.

 

Interviews (For all applicants): Feb. 24th and 25th

 

Training Sessions (New Applicants Only): Mar. 2nd or Mar. 3rd

 

Acceptance Notifications Sent: Mar. 9th

 

Baseball Season Runs: Apr. 2 - Sept. 15, 2024

 

Learn more: Durham Bulls Explorer Post 50 link.

 

Feel free to share this exciting opportunity!

 

Apply now for an unforgettable experience in television broadcasting.

Upcoming Coalition Events

Registration is open for the Coalition's next series of free events for students and their supporters. Each 45-minute event features admissions and financial aid counselors from Coalition member schools -- and the opportunity to ask your questions. Our first event begins next week!

• January 24: Completing the FAFSA. 8 p.m. ET
  
  Wondering where to start with the FAFSA? Confused about the process or even what certain terms mean? Join us at this event featuring admissions and financial aid professionals at Coalition schools to better understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Featuring: Arcadia University, High Point University, St. Mary’s University and Washington and Lee University
  
  Register →
   
• February 13: Aiming for College. 8 p.m. ET
  
  Wondering if college is a good fit for you or your student – or if it’s worth the time and investment? Come hear about the steps you can take to put college on the table as an option for you and your family. Featuring: Amherst College, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Arizona and University of Pittsburgh
  
  Register →
• March 19: Build Your College List and Apply Coalition with Scoir. 8 p.m. ET
  
  Not sure where to begin on your college search? Hear tips from the experts on building a smart college list, dos and don’ts throughout the college search, and learn about free tools that help you discover your matches, stay organized and apply, all from one account. Featuring: Belmont University, Occidental College, University of Illinois at Springfield and University of Pennsylvania
  
  Register →
   
• April 9: Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer. 8 p.m. ET
  
  Comparing college costs is an important part of your decision about which school to attend. If you’re at the point of weighing your options, with financial aid offers in hand, join us at this event to better understand these offers and how to compare between them. Get to know financial aid language, and learn what questions to ask financial aid officers at schools you’re considering. Featuring: Mount Marty University, Stanford University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and University of Michigan

FAFSA Walkthrough Webinar Recording/FAFSA Day

 

Seniors and and Parents: The Parent FAFSA Line-by-Line Walkthrough webinar recording is now available. This is a resource for college bound seniors and families for assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid    Recording

Slides

Also, on January 27 from 9am-12pm please join us for FAFSA Day! FAFSA Day is a free event where local college campuses will provide one-on-one or small group support for completing the FAFSA. Whether you've already begun the application and need help with completion or you haven't started yet, we encourage you to attend! For more information, including a map of the 60 participating institutions and a registration link, please visit the FAFSA Day site.

Eastern NC Youth Activation Council - Open for Applications!

Special Olympics North Carolina is establishing an Eastern NC Youth Activation Council (YAC). This will be an elevated youth leadership opportunity for youth leaders with and without ID across eastern NC to represent Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. Youth leaders will enhance their leadership skills, organize local Unified events and initiatives, and serve as advocates for inclusion. This group works together throughout the year to educate, motivate, and activate youth to become agents of change in their communities and advocate for the respect, inclusion, and acceptance of all people, regardless of abilities!

 

This commitment will run from January 2024 – June 2025. The council members will have virtual monthly meetings, as well as occasional in-person commitments. Middle school students, high school students, and college-aged youth are all welcome to apply for this opportunity! Students do not need to apply as Unified pairs; however, we will be selecting an equal number of students with ID and without ID. Please share the following application with your Unified Club members! Deadline to apply is Thursday, November 30^th.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to:  

.....

Isabella Williams, MSW

Director of Youth Initiatives

.....

Special Olympics North Carolina

2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 201

Morrisville, North Carolina  27560

 

Office: 919.719.7662, ext. 129 

Cell: 201.874.4625

Fax: 919.719.7663

Email: iwilliams@sonc.net

Twitter: @SONorthCarolina

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNC

Real Talk Events

 Real Talk is a career and college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and families with Black professionals and representatives from colleges and access organizations across the country. They empower Black students to own their future their way. Real Talk is a safe space for students to learn and engage, while also getting answers to pressing questions about life after high school. Family members are encouraged to participate! Check out upcoming events or rewatch  past events on demand HERE

Upcoming Events:  

Being Black in Gaming Tuesday, November 7, 8 p.m. ET This Tuesday, we’re connecting you with Black trailblazers from the gaming industry! Tap in and learn how to prepare during high school and college for a career in the world of video games. POV: Being Black in Pro Sports Tuesday, November 14, 8 p.m. ET There are infinite career opportunities in sports. This week, we’re linking you directly with Black professionals in the industry to hear how they transformed their passion for sports into a full-time career

FEMMES+ Connect Mentorship Registration Open Now!

 

 

We hope you're all doing well! We have loved getting to kick off all of our after-school and Saturday programs, and it has been great to see so many of your kids there! While we love having your 4th-6th graders, we recognize that there are a lot of FEMMES+ alums who are still just as passionate about STEM as ever, which is why registration for our FEMMES+ Connect program is open now! FEMMES+Connect is a Duke-run mentorship program that pairs Duke undergraduate students with 7th-12th graders in the Triangle Area for the entire year in hopes of inspiring younger students to pursue passions in a diversity of STEM fields! This year, we plan to continue providing two-on-one mentorships virtually, where undergraduate students can share their research, answer any questions about STEM in college, and guide students through the scientific thinking and research process through projects. We would appreciate it if you could also pass this information to any parents or students you know in middle or high school who might be interested in our program! If you are interested in becoming a FEMMES+ Connect mentee (even if you have already been one in the past), please use this link to sign up!  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN5nM8GEP8BepvY5irUFtqCAdaHw89nS1UlMxu6oDhL6LpPg/viewform?usp=sf_link We appreciate all that you as parents are doing to help support our FEMMES+ community, as well as the next generation of STEM leaders! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at femmesatduke@gmail.com! Best,  FEMMES+ You've reached the end! Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at femmesatduke@gmail.com

Real Talk Event for Black Students and Their Parents/Guardians

 

The Real Talk virtual event series is back! We have two special nights lined up on October 3 and 10 to help Black students and their families navigate the college selection process. These events will help students decide whether an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) or PWI (Predominantly White Institution) is right for them. This is a great opportunity for Black students and their families in your school community to directly engage with college leaders and current college students from both HBCUs and PWIs.

Night 1: Tuesday, October 3, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT HBCUs, PWIs, and You: Join us and connect directly with HBCU and PWI reps from across the country as they share real talk on selecting a college home that aligns with each student’s personality and college and career aspirations.  Night 2: Tuesday, October 10, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT The Real Tea on HBCUs and PWIs: Want to know what college life is really like at HBCUs and PWIs? Students and their families can connect with current Black students who’ll spill the tea! Don't just hear it—experience it through their stories.  Select the tab below to learn more.

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HOBY Registration is now open!

 Registration is now OPEN for the 2024 State Seminar Season! 

Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 500,000 high school students around the world. HOBY is looking  forward to providing VAHS students with the transformative experience of the HOBY State Leadership Seminar. 

For more than five decades, HOBY has inspired young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change in their home, school, workplace, and community. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long history of successfully motivating young people to develop into outstanding leaders.

Check out the HOBY Leadership Video HERE

Contact Jill O'Kane for more information or to be considered for a school nomination.

Class of 2024 Graduation Product Ordering

Seniors who did not order their cap and gown packages today may now use the HerffJones online ordering portal below. Be sure to order your products before 12/15/23 in order to avoid a price increase. 

Feel free to contact VAHS Counselor, Jill O'Kane with any questtions. 

jokane@voyageracademy.net 

https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home  

Golden Door Scholarship Fall 2024 Application Open

The Golden Door Scholarship opportunity is for undocumented students. 

The application is  open and due Sunday, Oct 1, 2023. 

Scholarship Benefits:

• Tuition, and room & board for up to 4 years at our partner colleges

• Career readiness support

• Mentor and fellowship opportunities

• Annual community building summit

Where can students apply? https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/apply

Who is eligible? https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/eligibility

What will students need to complete an application? Instructions are in the application, but here is a preview of the required materials.

• Video Recording 

• Written Essay (can be one from an existing college application or a new essay using a common app prompt if they don’t have one written yet)

• High school or college transcripts (unofficial is okay)

When is the best time to apply? As soon as possible! Applications take time to complete. Applying in advance of the due date is highly recommended.

Common Application Webinar Recording

Parents and students are encouraged to view the recording form last week's Common Application webinar. In the webinar linked below, Jameia Tennie, the Director of Student Engagement Programs for the Common Application provides an overview of the Common Application to Voyager students and families. This webinar recording provides useful information for students and parents about how to use the Common Application to explore and apply to colleges using the Common Application platform. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4vozz3sezF3j2g3wy97IqqrE6I5vdLM/view

Open to Care Campaign

 

You don't have to keep the hurt inside. Talk to someone. Teens face a lot of pressures and stresses today. It’s OK not to be OK sometimes. Feelings of loneliness, anger and worry are completely normal, and you’re not alone. Many teenagers struggle with thoughts and feelings that make it harder to be with friends and do the things they want to do each and every day.

Reaching out for help can be scary, but it’s actually incredibly brave. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a campaign for schools called “Open to Care.”  This campaign recognizes that young people face a lot of pressure and stress today. And that it’s OK not to be OK sometimes. However, things like social media and social norms and expectations can often make asking for help difficult. Feelings of loneliness, anger and worry are completely normal, and no one is ever alone. Yet many teenagers struggle with thoughts and feelings that make it harder to be with friends and do the things they want to do each and every day. But help is available when students know where to look.

For more information about NCDHHS's Open to Care, please click here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/opentocare