Special Events and Programs: 2007-2008
MCPS Career Centers receive information regarding special programs for high school students and parents in the Washington Metropolitan area. While some of these events and materials may not be sponsored or endorsed by the Board of Education of Montgomery County, the superintendent, or your school, we encourage students and parents to explore the opportunities below and to take advantage of these worthwhile events and programs.
MCPS Educational Foundation Scholarships
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Educational Foundation has established a scholarship fund for MCPS graduating seniors. In addition, the Educational Foundation has partnered with several Montgomery County senators and delegates to identify students for legislative scholarships (District 15, 18 and 20). Scholarships will range from $500 to $3,000 for students who plan to attend Montgomery College. Applications and information are available online.
NAACP Scholarships
The Montgomery County Chapter of the NAACP will award five $1,000 scholarships to students residing in Montgomery County. These annual scholarships will be presented at the Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Bethesda North Marriott Convention Center. Applications are available at your high school College and Career Center, and the application deadline is February 21, 2008. In addition to the application form, students will need to submit two school references, a high school transcript and a 300 word essay.
"Colleges That Change Lives" College Fair
Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process which supports the goal of each student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college. They were founded as a result of a book of the same name—Colleges That Change Lives, researched and written by former New York Times education editor Loren Pope. An Information Session and College Fair for students and parents will be held on May 17, 2008 at the Marriott-Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center. Approximately 38 colleges will be participating.
College Goal Sunday- February 10, 2008
College goal Sunday offers free help from financial aid professionals to complete the free application for federal financial aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required by all colleges to qualify for federal grants and loans as well as for most state and private scholarships. Bring proof of 2007 income and benefits information such as your completed or estimated IRS federal income tax returns and W-2 forms, or year-end pay stubs and proof of untaxed income for both the student and the parent. For more information call toll free 866-GO-2-Goal. The event will take place on February 10, 2008 at 2 PM (snow date: February 17th at 2:00 PM in the Student Services Center at the Takoma Park Campus of Montgomery College.
Preparing For Success Seminar, November 17th
"The Preparing For Success Seminar" is aimed at high school girls who either plan to attend college or enter the workplace. The day's events include a fashion show, workshops on getting into college and paying for it, a survivor's guide to independence, a resume writing & interview techniques workshops, street law and how to stay safe. This event will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 10-4:30 at the Montgomery College campus in Rockville. Free bus service will be provided at several county high schools. Please check with you College and Career Centers for information.. Lunch will be provided
Youth Leadership Greater Washington
The application for the Youth Leadership Greater Washington Program is due by November 16, 2007. The cost: to register and participate is $150 but no student will be turned away for financial reasons. This group connects promising young leaders and gives them the tools they need to make a difference in their community. Thirty-five high school sophomores and juniors from the DC metro area will obtain intensive hands-on leadership training once a month beginning in January 2008. For information, please contact Kenneth Barrow, 202-777-4496 or kbarrow@lgwdc.org or go to the website: http://lgwdc.org/cs/root/programs/ylgw to print an application offline. Completed applications mailed to: 1725 I St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.
Omega Psi Phi Achievement Week Observance Program
The Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Montgomery County, MD annually sponsors an Achievement Week Observance program. The program this year will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 and will recognize African American male senior high school students with grade point averages of 3.0 or above for their scholastic achievement as well as local citizens for their outstanding contributions to the community. During this program, senior honoree students will be provided with information regarding Mu Nu Chapter’s Annual College Scholarship programs. Further information can be obtained from Samuel Spann, III, Achievement Week Chairman, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., via email at samuel.x.spann@gsk.com.
Pan-Hellenic Council Suggs/Lyons 2008 HBCU Tour
The 32nd consecutive HBCU Tour sponsored by the Pan-Hellenic Council of Montgomery County invites students to experience life on a college campus. The tour, which will take place February 17-21, 2008, will visit Shaw University, NC Central University, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark/Atlanta, Johnson C. Smith, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Norfolk State and Virginia Union. The cost of the tour is $400 and includes transportation, hotel, breakfast and dinner daily. Applications will be accepted until the buses are filled. For information and reservations contact Mr. Darrell Marbury, Chairperson, at 301 390-8402 or your high school College and Career Center.
Historically Black College Tour
Students are invited to participate in the Historically Black College Tour which will take place March 16-19, 2008. Students will visit Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, North Carolina A&T, Bennett, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Virginia State, and Virginia Union. The cost of the trip is $405. A $135 deposit is due by January 7th. For additional information call 301 265-8326 or 301 248-8833. The trip is sponsored by the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Hispanic College Fair Informational Night
MCPS is pleased to pioneer the first Hispanic College Fair Information Evening Program the night before the Hispanic College Fair. Juniors, Seniors, and their parents are encouraged to attend this free event. The evening session will take place on Monday evening, November 5, 2007 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. This is an all-county event to be held at the Universities of Maryland at Shady Grove, Building I, Rooms 203 & 204. Teresita Vergne, Program Director of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute will be the Guest Speaker. The presentation will be in both Spanish and English. Topics for the evening will include "The Importance of a College Education," "Scholarships and Financial Aid," "Choosing the Right College: Finding the Right Fit," "Understanding the College Application Process," and "SAT/ACT/TOEFL Testing Information."
Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute College Fair
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute is hosting an event on Sunday, Novembe 4, 2007 to provide high school students and their families with information aboutthe iimportance of a college education. Presentations will be given in English and Spanish on getting ready for college, understanding the application process and obtaining financial aid. This free event will be held at Gaithersburg High School from 1 to 3 pm. Register by emailing info@hsfi.org or call 202 296-0009.
Register for the October 17th PSAT
The PSAT is a two hour and ten minute exam that measures academic abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25-minute critical reading sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one writing skills section. This test is a practice for students preparing for their first SAT. Scores are used to help predict how well one may do on the SAT. Only students who take the PSAT in their JUNIOR year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program or the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program.
This year, the PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 17th, at all Montgomery County High Schools. While all ninth and tenth grade students take the PSAT at no cost through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College, juniors must pay a fee to register through their individual high schools. Note: Schools administering the PSAT on Saturday charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs. Contact your College/Career Information Center or Counseling Office for additional registration information.
Seniors, Need Financial Aid? Apply for Your PIN
The Personal Identification Number (PIN) serves as your electronic signature when you apply online for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and provides access to your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It's like the Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you get from your bank that enables you to access your account. Anyone—including parents of dependent students—who has a valid Social Security Number and is a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen may apply for a PIN.
Maryland Student Page Program
Seniors who are at least 16 years old and are legal residents of the State of Maryland are eligible to apply for the student page program at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, MD. Interest in state government and history, average or above average academic record, social security number, average or above average academic record, social security number, reliable and courteous are qualities considered. For further information call Karen Crawford at 301 670-1419. Deadline for applications is October 26, 2007. Students selected will be notified by November 15, 2007.
Montgomery College Scholarship Conference
Montgomery College will hold a scholarship and financial aid information program on the Germantown campus on October 20, 2007 from 8:15 - 2:30 pm. The keynote address will be "The Scholarship Workshop" presented by Marianne Ragins of "Winning Scholarships for College."
College Campus Visitation Programs
Connecticut College Overnight Multicultural Weekend - October 6-8, 2007 or November 10-12, 2007. "Explore" is a multicultural program for underrepresented minority students and those interested in issues of diversity. Application required: http://conncoll.edu/admission/adm_explore.htm 860-439-2200.
University of Maryland College Park Program for Prospective Students. UMCP is offering an overnight program for prospective students the night before their two Open House dates on October 7th and November 8th. Register online now at http://www.resnet.umd.edu/osp or call 301 314-4255.
Wellesley College, MA Fall Open Campus Overnight Program - October 14-15, 2007 for high school seniors. Register before October 9th, space is limited. http://www.wellesley.edu/admission/fall2007 or call 781-283-2270.
Vassar College, NY Multicultural Bus Trip - November 10-12, 2007. Students are invited to stay over night, meet students, attend classes, meet the faculty and tour the campus Space is limited. Apply online before October 20, 2007 at http://www.addmissions.vassar.edu/bus trip or call 800 827-7270.
College Open Houses and Local Area Meetings
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda.
Oberlin College, Ohio, Preview Night at Georgetown Day School on October 9, 2007, 7:00 PM. RSVP http://www.oberlin.edu/admissions/rsvp
Brown University, RI, Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Nolan Performing Arts Center, 1524 35th Street, NW, Washington or Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Washington-Lee H.S. Gymnasium, 1300 NOrth Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. http://www.brown.edu/
Morgan State University Open House on the Morgan Campus on Friday, November 2, 2007. Register at http://www.morgan.edu
Washington & Lee University, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm at the Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD, 301-897-9400 or Thursday, September 6, 2007, 7:30 pm, Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. 703-448-1234.
University of Pennsylvania, Tuesday, September 11, 2007, 7:30 pm, Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD, 301-897-9400 or Monday, September 17, 2007, 7:30 pm, Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. 703-734-3200.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Thursday, September 20, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rosslyn Metro Center Building, Suite 1910, Arlington VA. For more information and to register to attend: www.admissions.uga.edu/infosessions.
Washington University in St. Louis, Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 7:30-9:30 pm, Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD, 301-897-9400 or Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 7:30-9:30 pm, The Westin Tysons Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 703-893-1340.
Trinity College CT Multicultural Preview Weekend, November 3-5, 2007 - Deadline to register is October 15, 2007. High school seniors with at least a "B" average are encouraged to apply. The program highlights the experiences for African American, Latino, Asian-American, Native American & multi-racial students. Selected students will receive financial assistance for transportation, housing & meals. Contact: 860-297-2577 or email: admissions.office@trincoll.edu
Fall 2007 College / Career Fairs
Congressman Albert Wynn's Annual College Fair and Financial Aid Workshop will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at Northwestern High School from 11:00-3:00, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301-773-4094. All students and parents are invited to attend.
Minority Student Medical Career Awareness Recruitment Fair - The Association of American Medical Colleges is sponsoring a minority student Fair and Workshop on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Students considering a career in medicine are invited to attend with their parents. All attendees are required to register online at www.aamc.org/medicalcareerfair by Monday, October 22, 2007. This is a free event and there is no registration fee.
Washington DC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Admission is free and students and parents are invited to attend.
McDonald's College Expo - Saturday, September 29, 11:00-2:00 pm at the Historic Carnegie Library in Washington DC and Sunday, September 30, 11:00-2:00 pm at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, MD. For detailed information: www.mcdonaldseducates.com
College Expos Fair - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Discovery Sports Center in Gaithersburg, MD. from 9:45 AM - 12:45 PM and 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Check with your College and Career Center to see if students can attend with their high school. Parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend the fair with their students during evening hours. Evening workshops will be offered on financial aid. athletic recruiting, and the importance of early college awareness.
Black College Expo - Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Center starting at 9:00 AM. Over 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are expected to participate with some on-the-spot acceptances and scholarship opportunities available. For additional information, visit www.blackcollegeexpo.com
Hispanic College Fair- Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at the Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center in Gaithersburg from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Many MCPS high schools will be attending. Check with your College and Career Center for permission slips and transportation information.
Greater Washington, DC National College Fair - Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington DC from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Baltimore National College Fair - November 12-13, 2007 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Free PSAT To Be Administered to All 9th & 10th Grades
Montgomery County Public Schools in partnership with Montgomery College will offer the Official PSAT on October 17th during the school day to all MCPS freshmen and sophomores free of charge. Ninth and tenth grade students will not need to register; they will automatically be signed up. Juniors, however, will need to register for the test through their high school Counseling Department and pay the $13.00 fee. The 11th grade PSAT score can qualify a student for consideration in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Fee Waivers Available for PSAT, SAT, & ACT For Students Meeting Eligibility Guidelines
If the payment of test fees for College Board or ACT tests presents a serious barrier for students considering college, these students should see their College and Career Coordinators for information and waivers. Eligibility is pre-determined by established guidelines published by the testing agencies that take into consideration family income, subsidized housing, public assistance, and other criteria.
Official College Board SAT Online Prep Course
MCPS is offering the CollegeBoard Official SAT Online Preparation Course to all county high school students free of charge. It is an excellent tool for students who want to prepare for the PSAT and SAT. Students will need to receive an access code and/or password from their high school College and Career Centers or Guidance Offices. FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS TO REGISTER.
Amtrak's "Ride Free" College Visits
A parent rides free when a student buys a ticket to visit a prospective college. Tickets must be booked 7-days in advance, and additional children, ages 2-15, travel for half-off. Some black-out dates apply. Fill out a short form online. Click on "submit" to obtain a special promotion code. Book your ticket online or over the phone using the promotion code. This buy one, get one free discount is available until December 15, 2007.
Take A Campus Tour Online
eCampus Tours offers interactive virtual visits to over 1000 college campuses. Tour a dorm room, the library, or classrooms - a picture is worth a thousand words.
Americorps
If you are 18 to 24 years old and considering taking a year off before continuing with your education after high school, Americorps offers an opportunity to provide valuable community service while earning money for college or other post secondary learning. For information call 1-800-942-2677 or visit www.americorps.org.
Students Seeking Employment
Many students choose to balance their academics and community service with part-time, paid jobs. To become familiar with federal regulations dictating restrictions on working teenagers, visit the Department of Labor Website. For help with job readiness, job placement and retention skills, check out Montgomery Youth Works , Snag A Job, or Student Jobs with the Federal Government.
United Parcel Service Earn and Learn Program
UPS offers an educational assistance program for high school students age 17+ who are able to lift up to 70 lbs. Part-time warehouse shifts at their Laurel/Burtonsville facility are available Monday through Friday from 3 1/2 hours to 5 hours each day. Call 301 497-1064 or visit their website at www.upsjobs.com.
Montgomery College Associate of Arts in Teaching
MC is offering an Associate of Arts in Teaching transfer program for Elementary & Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and new this year – a Secondary Education program in the content areas of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Spanish. This curriculum is designed to provide the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification and classes are available at any of the three MC campuses: Rockville, Takoma Park & Germantown. Students will transfer as juniors to a four-year college in Maryland to complete the bachelor’s degree. Participation in fieldwork experiences will be required, as well. Students who receive the A.A.T. must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be able to pass the Praxis I. For information contact: Dr. Steve Lietz, 301-279-5066 or email: steve.lietz@montgomerycollege.edu.
Maryland Transfer Advantage Program at MC
Students with a minimum 3.2 GPA are guaranteed admission to the University of Maryland when transferring from Montgomery College under the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program regardless of their high school record or SAT scores. Students who definitely plan to attend the University of Maryland after Montgomery College should be sure to check this out.
Modified February 9, 2008 by Barbara Weintraub
