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College and Career

Plan Your Path

College and Career Information

 

Greeting SHMS students and parents!

This page is designed to help you in your post-secondary planning as you start thinking about your futures.  Below you will find links to websites and explanations of the terminology associated with college and career activities.  Much of this content can also be found on the SHHS College and Career page, however we thought it would also be beneficial to have this information for our middle school students.  Research shows that when families begin discussing post-secondary plans and options before high school, students are more likely to be more focused on their futures and choose a post-high school path to follow.  We hope you enjoy browsing this information, and please don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Gwynne or Ms. Grey, your middle school counselors, if you have questions or would like more information!

College Information:

Gearing Up

 

Oregon Gear Up: A Middle School Parent Guide
 

Oregon Goes To College

 

 Oregon Goes to College:It's A Plan!

Trade/Vocational School Opportunities

What is “Trade School”? What does it mean to get certified in a particular trade?

A trade school, also known as a technical school, is a post-secondary institution where students are trained for a specific job in a skilled trade career.  Students who attend trade schools, and also certification programs within a community college, will get hands-on training and a certification for their chosen career.  Examples of careers which require a trade school certification would be a water treatment specialist, a sonographer, and an auto mechanic.  Please check out the link below to learn more about trade schools!

https://thebestschools.org/degrees/trade-schools/

Most public high schools offer programs which prepare students to go into a trade school or certification program at a community college.  Students can take courses under what's called Career Technical Education (CTE) in high school which will help them earn a certificate either by the end of high school or just a short time of more education after graduation.  Below are the CTE courses offered at Saint Helens High School (SHHS) which you can start exploring:

CTE at St Helens High School!

https://www.sthelens.k12.or.us/domain/753

Military Post-Secondary Options

Students can choose to enlist in the military after graduation by choosing to enroll in one of the military academies. To learn more about the different branches visit https://www.todaysmilitary.com/.

Unites States Marines~https://www.marines.com/
United States Air force~https://www.airforce.com/
United States Navy~https://www.navy.mil/
United State Army~https://www.goarmy.com/
United States Coast Guard~ https://www.uscg.mil/

Serious about joining the military? Get information about the Armed Forces Vocational Battery test here: ASVAB

FINANCIAL AID AND GRANTS

FAFSA

Need help paying for college? Apply for federal student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Completing and submitting the FAFSA  is free and quick, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.

In addition, colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify as well.

Oregon Promise

Oregon Promise is a state grant program that can cover some or all of the tuition at an Oregon community college. Oregon Promise is for recent Oregon high school graduates and GED recipients who enroll in an Oregon community college within six months of graduation.

To be eligible Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA or higher; or a GED score of 145 or higher on each test, enroll at least half-time at an Oregon community college, be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months prior to enrolling in community college, and have filed a FAFSA or ORSAA application and listed at least one Oregon community college. To apply visit the link below:

Oregon Promise

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help students pay for post-secondary costs. Sometimes a scholarship is a one-time check, while other scholarships are renewable and provide money for students each semester or school year. These awards differ from student loans in that they don’t have to be repaid.

Scholarships come from a variety of different sources, including clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges and universities, the government, and individuals. Here are few resources for looking for scholarships, even while you are in middle school:

  1. Scholarships for Middle and High School Students
  2. Top 12 Scholarships for Middle School Students in January 2021 | Scholarships360
  3. College Scholarships in Middle School | Scholastic | Parents

LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IN NAVIANCE (Starts in High School, Naviance Accounts for 8th Grade Students Coming Soon!)

  • Colleges tab
  • Scholarships and money
  • Scholarship list

 

CAREER INTEREST EXPLORATION

Below is a link to a website which contains activities and self-assessments to guide you in your exploration of different jobs and careers.  You will get opportunities to do these kinds of activities in class throughout the year with your teachers and/or counselors, but this is a great place to start if you are interested!

Career Clusters Activity