James Hubert Blake High School
College/Career Center Newsletter
Blake's College Board H.S. Code # 210959 

 

Attention Seniors:

FAFSA CHANGES FOR 2008 - Paper FAFSA forms for 2008-09 will not be available in bulk for schools.  Students will be able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).  Seniors may request up to three copies of the paper application and should receive them in the mail in 3 to 7 business days.  A new PDF version of the FAFSA is available online that students may print out, complete and submit for processing - www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov.  Of course filing the FAFSA online is the preferred & easiest method of completing the form (www.fafsa.ed.gov).  All seniors should complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal or state student aid by March 1, 2008.  Students who submit the FAFSA after March 1 will not receive state aid, but are still considered for federal funding!

 

FAFSA WEBSITE INSTRUCTIONS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL BLAKE SENIORS - All Blake H.S. seniors received a copy of the website instructions for completing the FAFSA during their English 12 class this week.  Step one is to apply for a pin number.  Once the pin number is received in 3-5 days via email, you may begin filling out the form online:  www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You are encouraged to estimate income figures on the FAFSA for now, and you may return to the website to update/edit the form once your income taxes for 2007 are filed.  In addition, seniors were given a copy of the booklet:  Funding Education Beyond High School:  The Guide to Federal Student Aid to take home and share with their parents.

 

ON-SITE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INTERVIEWS - The following HBCUs will be offering on-site admissions interviews on the dates below.  Students interested in making an appointment should see Mrs. Moore with a completed application for admission to the college of their choice, transcript and SAT or ACT scores.  Application fees are waived and recommendation letters from a teacher or counselor are welcome.  Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the college admissions representative and get a decision that very moment!

 

3/5/08          University of Maryland Eastern Shore @ Blake, 9-11 a.m.

3/12/08        Morgan State University @ Springbrook H.S., 6:30 pm

3/19/08        Bowie State University @ Walter Johnson H.S., 6:30 pm

3/31/08        Dillard University (LA) @ Wheaton High School, 6:30 pm

 

MC OFFERS PLACEMENT TEST DURING SPRING BREAK - Students who wish to attend Montgomery College must take the placement tests before enrolling in classes (exception:  SAT reading score >=550 and SAT Math score >= 550).  The Rockville campus assessment center will offer several Accuplacer and LOEP placement tests during our MCPS spring area for your convenience.  Check out the website for more information:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/assessctr/mcpsspring08.pdf. 

 

MC OPEN HOUSE EVENTS - SPRING 2008 -  Seniors who attend one of these open house events can submit an application for admission for FREE!  For a complete list of events from March to June:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions/openhouse/.  Visit Montgomery College and get started on your enrollment!

GERMANTOWN CAMPUS:  Parent/Student Night, Wed, March 19, 6-9 pm

TAKOMA PARK CAMPUS:  Medical/Health Programs Open House, Thurs, March 27, 5-7 pm

ROCKVILLE CAMPUS:  Enrollment Fair and Open House, Sat, April 12, 1-3 pm

SCHOOL OF ART + DESIGN:  Takoma Park/Silver Spring Visual Arts Info Session, Sat, April 19, 4-6 pm

SUMMER SEARCH 2008 CATALOG (produced by MCPS)

 

 

JUNIORS - Please register to take the SAT and/or ACT this semester!  These tests are NOT offered over the summer.

SAT - www.collegeboard.com

ACT - www.actstudent.org

CONSIDER THE ACT ASSESSMENT  -   March 7 is the deadline to register for the April 12 ACT test.  The best way to register is online:  www.actstudent.org   However, mail-in registration packets are available in the College & Career Center.  Students can choose between two test options- the ACT Assessment or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing, which includes a 30-minute Writing test (recommended).  The cost is $30.00 + writing test is $14.50 more, which can be charged on your credit card.  When registering for the ACT, please include the Blake H.S. CEEB code:  210959.  

REGISTER FOR THE May SAT TEST NOW!    April 1, 2008 is the deadline to register for the May 3, 2008 SAT test.  The best way to do this is online:  www.collegeboard.com.   Cost is $43.00 and you can charge this on your credit card.  If you prefer completing a mail-in registration, pick up an SAT Registration Bulletin from the College & Career Center.  The SAT test is not administered at Blake but several nearby high schools serve as SAT test centers.  Please include the H.S. Code for Blake: 210959.  Fee waivers are available from Mrs. Moore for students with significant financial need.

FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT & ACT AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS MEETING ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES  -  The College Board and The ACT both offer waivers for students for whom the payment of fees for the tests presents a serious barrier to college entrance. Eligibility is determined primarily by membership in a family whose annual income falls within predetermined guidelines or for those whose family receives public assistance / lives in subsidized housing. Students should see Mrs. Moore for the Fee Waiver Eligibility Form and registration instructions. Students using a fee waiver can register for the SAT or ACT online with the assigned fee waiver number but must do this prior to the regular registration deadline.  LATE test registration will not be covered.

2007-08 TESTING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

To be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests like the PSAT or SAT, a student must:

• have a disability that necessitates testing accommodations;
• receive and use the requested accommodations for school-based tests due to the disability; and
• have documentation on file at school that supports the need for the requested accommodations and meets the College Board Guidelines for Documentation.

To be approved by the College Board for accommodations on College Board tests, students must submit a Student Eligibility Form to the College Board. Students are encouraged to complete the Student Eligibility Form well in advance of the first College Board test they plan to take.

• A Student Eligibility Form submitted through Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) must be mailed by MCPS and postmarked no later than five weeks prior to the test date.
• A Student Eligibility Form submitted by the student or parent directly to the College Board must be postmarked no later than seven weeks prior to the test date.

SAT Special Needs Testing Locations: 2007 - 2008 -  MCPS provides a central testing site at the schools listed below for most students pre-approved for accommodations on the SAT. Students requiring the use of a reader and/or writer will test at his/her home school. For additional information contact Maryann Bullion for questions concerning the Northwest High School site (301 601-4635) and Sue Hartung at the Walter Johnson High School site (301 571-6920)

Date	Location	Contact	Tel.
2008
05/03/08	Northwest HS	Maryann Bullion	301-601-4635
06/07/08	Walter Johnson HS	Sue Hartung	301-571-6920

Information on requesting accommodations on College Board tests may be found on the College Board website's Services for Students with Disabilities page.

SAT PREPARATION COURSE -  The Montgomery College Workforce Development & Continuing Education office offers an SAT Prep course in several of the MCPS high schools. Students take a 32-hour course which meets either after school, in the evening, or on Saturday mornings.  This six-week course (seven weeks on Saturday) is designed to help students achieve a score that better reflects their knowledge and abilities by practicing with REAL SATs, teaching test format, proven test taking strategies, reviewing content, and raising test taking confidence.

 

The cost of the course is $260 for county residents and $400 for non-county residents. You may register by mail or fax.  The SAT Prep registration form is available online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce and for customer service call 240-567-5188. Dates, times & locations are available online or pick up a brochure from your College & Career Center or the School Counseling Office. Flyers advertising courses to prepare students for the SATs are direct mailed in December to all Juniors.

 NOTE: Many MCPS high schools offer SAT Prep classes during the school day, for which a student receives a half credit for the semester.  The curriculum for the in-school semester course is much more in depth and gives a teacher the opportunity to work more closely with individual students to focus on content, polish math skills, and develop critical reading & writing skills. 

 

Special Note: Registration for the SAT exam is a separate process. SAT Prep courses do not include registration for the official SAT test. Although registration forms are available at high school College-Career Centers students are “STRONGLY” encouraged to register for the SAT test online @ www.collegeboard.com.  The registration fee must be charged to a credit card and the admission ticket is printed immediately.  Students with limited family incomes should see their College/Career Information Coordinator regarding fee waiver eligibility.

 

COLLEGEBOARD SAT PREP – free online practice

 

The College Board offers a FREE online SAT Prep course for Montgomery County public high schools.  To access the free online course request an individual access code from your College & Career Center.  This Free, Online SAT Prep Course offers in-depth test coverage to help student fully understand the SAT's math, critical reading, and writing sections. The course features:  

    * Interactive instruction organized into 18 lessons.

    * Personalized score reports.

    * Six practice tests and hundreds of practice questions.

    * Explanations of answers.

Ask for an "access code" from Moriah Martin or Mrs. Moore in the Career Center.

 

Another FREE website for SAT or ACT prep:  www.number2.com!

 

STUDYWORKS SAT PREP CLASS at Blake High School - will prepare students for the May 3 SAT test.  This course is scheduled from April 3 - May 1 on Tues/Thurs from 7-9:30 pm (4/3 and 5/1 -- 5:00-9:00 pm).  Cost $325.  Register online:  www.studyworks.com.

 

SAT PREP CLASS at Blake High School - This Spring we will begin another after-school SAT Prep class for junior students through Revolution Prep on Saturdays/Tuesdays.  This class will prepare students for the June 7 SAT.  Classes will begin at Blake on April 19 and will meet twice a week for six weeks.    Students will meet on Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm.  The cost is $499 and includes 5 practice tests.  Scholarship options are available (see Mrs. Martin for details).  If you are interested in registering your junior son or daughter for Revolution Prep call 1-877-REV-PREP or visit their website, www.revolutionprep.com. 

 

Mock ACT test at Blake - April 19, 2008, 9:00-12:00 - Cost: $5.00.  Here's your chance to try the ACT to see if you can earn a score that is higher than the SAT.  Colleges will consider either score for admissions purposes so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking this PRACTICE ACT!  Sign up during lunch the week before the test.  Contact person:  Moriah Martin, Test Coordinator, Blake H.S.

SAT - OPTIONAL SCHOOLS -   There is a list of colleges that do not use SAT or ACT scores for admitting substantial numbers of students into their bachelor degree programs.  Some schools exempt students who meet a certain grade point average, while others use SAT or ACT scores only for placement purposes.  Please check with the college's admissions office to learn more about their requirements.  The National Center for Fair & Open Testing publishes this information at:  www.fairtest.org.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR - March 16-19, 2008 - Colleges visited:  Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, North Carolina A & T, Bennett, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Virginia State, Virginia Union University.  Cost:  $405 ($135 deposit).  Includes bus transportation, 3 nights hotel, all breakfasts & lunches.  For additional info:  301-265-8326 or 301-248-8833.  Trip sponsored by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Registration forms in Blake Career Center.  A briefing session for all registrants will be held on Feb. 21, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE TOUR (Arrow Collegiate Tour) - March 17-21, 2008 - This HBCU college tour includes bus transportation to 8 colleges, hotel, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, mall shopping & fun day at Disney World.  Cost:  $410.  Please visit website for more information:  www.arrowcollegiatetour.com.  Contact:  Sabrina Crowder 301-505-2204 or Catrice Humphries 301-642-9165.  Flyers available in the Blake Career Center.

 

UPCOMING COLLEGE/CAREER FAIRS:

 

ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER FAIR - March 12, 2008, 7:00-9:30 pm - sponsored by the Sierra Club, Brookside Gardens & My Organic Grocery (Mom's) at the Brookside Garden Visitors Center, Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD.  Students may talk with representatives from non-profits, universities & government agencies about environmental careers as well as volunteer programs.  This event is free and open to all students.  Contact:  Dawn Walker at dsvtx2@comcast.net or bjsearth@hotmail.com.

 

JESUIT COLLEGE NIGHT IN MARYLAND - March 13, 2008, 7:00-9:00 pm - Visit with representatives from 20 of the nation's Jesuit Colleges & Universities at Georgetown Preparatory School, Hanley Athletic Center, 10900 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.  For more information, contact the Loyola College Admissions Office, who is planning this event:  410-617-5012.

 

GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES FAIR - Saturday, April 5, 2008, 12:00-3:00 pm - A post-secondary opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth leading to clearer direction and motivation for college studies.  May include travel, cultural immersion, directed study, service, internship opportunities, and more. Location:  Sidwell Friends School, Upper Campus, Washington, DC.  Here's a link to their driving directions (http://www.sidwell.edu/about_sfs/maps_ms_us.asp).

 

COLLEGE QUEST COLLEGE FAIR - April 6, 2008 - sponsored by the Jewish Community Center in Rockville (Gr. 9-11), 1:30 pm; Cost: $15 per family (if registered by 3/25/08) Contact:  Nancy Carroll, 301-348-3710 or ncarroll@jccgw.org or www.jccgw.org.

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR - April 16-17 2007 - Gaithersburg Fairgrounds

Blake Juniors are invited to attend this annual event with classmates on Wednesday, April 16.  Permission forms will be made available in early April with a deadline date of April 8 for registration.   MCPS will provide school buses to transport students for $5 each and we are scheduled to arrive at the fair at 11:00 a.m..  Students are not permitted to drive themselves to the College Fair due to liability issues.  Blake students will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives from hundreds of colleges and gathering brochures.  Evening hours are planned on April 16 for parents & students to attend workshops together.  Stay tuned for further details!

 

HISPANIC STUDENT MEDICAL SCHOOL RECRUITMENT FAIR - Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 2:00-6:00 pm, Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC (red line metro to Dupont Circle).  This is a FREE recruitment event for high school & college students interested in careers in medicine.  RSVP:  www.nhmamd.org.  Questions:  Mark Vila mvila@nhmamd.org or 202-628-5895.

 

COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES FAIR - Saturday, May 17 in Bethesda and Sunday, May 18, 2008 in McLean - These college information sessions/fairs are offered all over the U.S.  They are coming to the DC area in May!  Featured are the 40 colleges that Loren Pope writes about  in his resource book, Colleges That Change Lives.  For a list of participating colleges, specific sites and pre-registration visit the website:  www.ctcl.com/events/washington_dc.htm.

 

LET'S GET IT STARTED YOUTH JOB FAIR - May 31, 2008, 10:00-2:00 - Montgomery College Rockville Campus Gymnasium - Over 50 employers are expected to exhibit at this job fair.  Students must bring their resume and be ready for an on-site interview.  These are entry-level jobs, both seasonal & permanent and admission is FREE.  For more information: email: info@letsgetitstartedyouthjobfair.com or 301-495-0441, ext. 223.

 

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FREE MICROSOFT SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS - Washington, DC.  Applications are due March 25, 2008 & acceptances will be announced by June 13, 2008.  This is a 3-5 day experience that provides opportunities to learn about careers in technology, talk with Microsoft employees about their life experiences, and enjoy hands-on computer and technology workshops.  Eligible females:  Gr. 10-12, interest in technology, no GPA requirement.  This is not an overnight camp, but breakfast & lunch are provided.  Visit: www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/camps.mspx.

 

DREXEL UNIVERSITY INFORMATION SESSION - Here's an opportunity for prospective students to attend a regional reception that Drexel University will be holding for juniors this spring.  The reception will take place on April 8, 2008 at the Mansion at Strathmore in Rockville, MD.  RSVP:  http://www.drexel.edu/em/undergrad/visit/regional.aspx to register.  You will have a chance to meet counselors, alumni, and current student and learn more about what Drexel has to offer. 

 

AMERICAN LEGION BOYS STATE PROGRAM - June 15-21, 2008, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD - The American Legion is sponsoring their annual summer residential program for current H.S. junior boys, called Boys State.  The program emphasizes the necessity of participation as a citizen in the government process to insure continuing freedoms and rights. It is a week of learning & group participation where students are required to work as a team under close supervision. The experiences gained at Boys State stay with the student his whole life.  Students will also tour the U.S. Naval Academy and the Maryland Legislature, where they will be addressed by several top state government officials. Please see Mrs. Moore for a complete itinerary and the paperwork needed to apply for Boys State. Remember that activities such as this look great on your college resume! Deadline for applications:  April 1, 2008

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Deadline:  April 1, 2008 - Call for applications from January 28 - April 1, 2008 to compete for a $1,000 scholarship.  Grade 9 - 12 students who have started and currently running their own business.  Must submit a sample of their business plan, sample balance sheet, letter of recommendation from a teacher, school faculty or customer, and participate in an interview with a judging panel if selected as a finalist.  First place winner will be recognized at the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards banquet on June 19, 2008 and will have an opportunity to meet many of the region's top business leaders.  For more info:  202-777-4475 or david.bing@jaorg or www.myja.org.

MCPS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline for Applications:  April 1, 2008 - Eligibility criteria:  H.S. senior, cumulative GPA >=2.0, financial need (must file FAFSA & copy Student Aid Report), strong academic potential, will attend MC (preferred), but other Maryland collegebound students can apply and will be considered if funds are available; award is $500-$3,000/yr (renewable); student/family must reside in legislative district 15, 18 or 20 to be eligible.  Students should visit:  http://www.mdelect.net/electedofficials/ to check if their home address is in these districts.  Applications can be found in the Blake Career Center.

STAR MONTGOMERY APPLICATIONS - Deadline - April 2, 2008 - Competitive African American scholarship open to students in grades 9, 10 &11 who are collegebound and meet the following requirements:  significant academic accomplishments, significant volunteer efforts or community involvement, significant responsibility in family life (caring for family member or contributing to family income), and responsible participant in service oriented or extracurricular activities.  Three recommendations required, plus counselor evaluation.  See Mrs. Moore for an application packet.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP - If you are planning to attend MC for the 2007-08 school year, consider applying for the Board of Trustees Academic Specialty Scholarship.  Requirements:  minimum cumulative WGPA >= 3.0; no SAT or citizenship requirements for this award.  Students may apply for any major, any program and any campus (including Biomedical Scholars, School of Art & Design, etc)

Students who completed a Montgomery Scholars application do not need to complete the BOT scholarship application -- anyone who is waitlisted or denied MC Scholars will be reviewed for a BOT scholarship automatically.  Deadline:  April 30, 2008

The ARTS at MONTGOMERY COLLEGE UPCOMING EVENTS - April 3-5, 2008 - School of Art & Design Scholarship Competition, Cafritz Foundation Art Center, Takoma Park/S.S. campus, 930 King Street, 20912, 240-567-5807.  Visual & Performing Arts Rockville Campus programs - Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 5-7 pm, Music Building, 51 Manakee Street, 20850, 240-567-5802.  School of Art & Design Information Session - Saturday, April 19, 2008, 4-6 pm, Cafritz Foundation Art Center, Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus, 930 King Street, 20912, 240-567-5802.

MC's HOW TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE  - H.S. seniors who will attend Montgomery College, Rockville Campus in the fall should take advantage of this new student pre-college summer experience.  Four two-week orientation sessions to choose from:  Mon. - Fri, starting July 7, July 21 or August 4.  Students must commit to daily attendance (3 hrs/day) and full participation in all program activities in order to receive one course credit.  To register for this program, submit MC application form, complete MC testing (240-567-7459), register & pay for section of DS107 (First Year Seminar).  For information: 301-251-7459  or  www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/studevrv/htsic.html .

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS at MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - June 16-August 15, 2008 -The brochure offering summer programs at MC Rockville campus for students in grades K-12 is available online.  These programs fill quickly, so you need to register as soon as possible.  A limited number of scholarships may be available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.  For more information:  www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth or call 240-567-7264 or 7917 for the WDCE Youth Programs office.

ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLAND OPEN HOUSE - April 12, 2008, 11:00-2:30 -Take a campus tour, meet faculty and students, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and check out the garden-style apartments/dorms.  Prospective students may take the placement test from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and attend workshops on financial aid and college topics.  Register to win one of the scholarships.  infocenter@allegany.edu or call 301-784-5005.

COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING CLINIC at BLAKE - April 21, 2008, all day - We are very fortunate to have scheduled a special English class presentation for our Juniors called, How to Write a Winning College Essay.  Rich Edgar, Director of Admissions at St. Mary's College of Maryland has agreed to help our 11th graders brainstorm on  ideas for a unique and meaningful college admissions essay.  His engaging presentation is something students will not soon forget!

 

SIMPLY SMITH OPEN HOUSE - April 26, 2008, 9:00-4:00 - The Office of Admission at Smith College (MA)  invites sophomores & juniors to visit the campus along with their families for this Saturday event.  Workshops on the application process, financing, academic offerings, as well as lunch and a campus tour are included.  RSVP by April 19, 2008.  Register online:  www.smith.edu/admission or call 800-383-3232.

 

PURDUE UNIVERSITY INFORMATION SESSION - April 28, 2008 - 7:00-8:30 pm - The admissions staff will host a Preview Purdue program in our area.  Location:  Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.  It is a 1.5 hr long program and refreshments will be served.  765-496-3408 or

 

BLAKE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS  is online - The "Life After High School -- Collegebound" packet that seniors are given when they meet with their counselor to discuss future plans is now online.  It includes:  How to Process College Applications & Transcript Requests, Sample Resume, Student Brag Sheet, Parent Brag Sheet, Request for Teacher Recommendation Letter, Fall Senior Timeline and websites for Exploring College/Career Goals.  Go to:  www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/blakehs/  Click on  "Career Center."  Choose:  "College Admissions Process."

NCAA INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSE ONLINE REGISTRATION
Students who plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or II school are encouraged to register online.  The NCAA website includes online registration for the Clearinghouse. Visit the website at http://www.ncaa.org, pull down the Parent/Prospect page from the Custom Home Pages pull-down menu. From there, click on "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete."

GREAT SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY   Earn meaningful Student Service Learning hours in July this summer!  Have fun & make a difference by volunteering to assist children who are blind or visually impaired.  Columbia Camp Lighthouse Day Camp & Camp Lighthouse Technology Camp are currently recruiting H.S., college & adult volunteers to help children ages 6-12 enjoy arts, crafts, sports, computer activities, swimming & field trips.  Camps are described below and applications are available in the Blake Career Center or call Jocelyn Hunter at 202-454-6422; email: jhunter@clb.org.  Spaces fill quickly, so send your application early!  

PAID & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AT THE NATIONAL ZOO - Check out job opportunities for information aides, retail associates, food service associates, groundskeepers, traffic associates, birthday party aides, etc. on www.fonz.org.  Excellent starting pay, merchandise discounts, employee incentives, leadership opportunities, metro accessible, and more.  Apply Mon-Fri, 9:00-4:00 at the FONZ Human Resources Office:  FONZ/NZP, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008.  Volunteer positions available (application in Blake CC).  Students 16 years of age or older are eligible.  Call Debbi Hanibal, Teen Programs Supervisor, 202-633-3052 or email:  debbi@fonz.org.  Fax: 202-673-0289

SUMMER WORK for JUNIORS & SENIORS - How about trying out a career as an electrician for the summer?  Students must be 17 or older to work with an electrical contractor for the summer.  Full-time employment at $10-$11 per hr through the Washington Area Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee's (JATC) accredited education & training program.  Apply before the end of May.  All details on www.electricalalliance.org.  703-658-4383

MCPS HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - Deadline:  May 1, 2008  - Enrollment for credit-bearing internships is for current Grade 10 & 11 students.   MCPS tuition fee must be sent in with this completed application by May 1, 2008.  Attendance is required for five uninterrupted weeks from June 16 -July  18 , 2008 .  Application packages are available online at :   http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/extendedhours/summerschool/pdf/Summer2008_Intern_Application.pdf  from the Career Center or Ms. Ale, Internship Coordinator at Blake.  The tuition fee must be sent with the completed application by May 1 to:  Ms. Lynn Nelson, MCPS - CTE, 2096 Gaither Road, Suite 101, Rockville, MD 20850.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACADEMIC SPECIALTY SCHOLARSHIP - If you will attend MC for the 2008-09 school year and have a minimum cumulative WGPA of 3.0, consider applying for the Academic Specialty Scholarship.  This award covers the full-time cost of tuition & fees (up to 15 cr hrs), but does not include books, supplies or personal expenses for one full year.  If the student maintains a GPA of 3.4 or higher while in college, the scholarship may be extended for the following year.  Application can be found in the Career Center or obtained online at  www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid and the deadline is April 30, 2008. 

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE - BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP - If you are planning to attend MC for the 2008-09 school year and have significant financial need, consider applying for the Board of Trustees Foundation Scholarship.  Requirements:  good academic standing; no SAT or citizenship requirements for this award, financial need (submit FAFSA student aid report).  Students may apply for any major, any program and any campus (including Biomedical Scholars, School of Art & Design, etc).  Forms can be found in the Career Center or online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid.  Application Deadline:  June 13, 2008

SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS -- be on the lookout!

Have you received a telephone call or letter offering assistance in finding scholarship money?  Often it involves a "free" meeting with a financial aid consultant.  BEWARE!  Many times these services cost between $500-$1,000 for scholarship searches that you can do on line yourself for free.  Here are some traps to avoid:  "You've been selected" by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship..." or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.  "The Scholarship will cost some money."  "We'll do all the work."  "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."  "You can't get this information anywhere else."  "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."  REMEMBER:  no one can guarantee you a scholarship!  Students must apply for scholarships themselves.  No one else can enter competitions or write essays for you.  Never give out your credit card or bank account information unless you have initiated the contact.  For more info. or to report a scam, contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov.

 

BLACK COLLEGE COMMON APPLICATION
Students can apply to 34 Black Colleges with one application and one $35.00 application fee. Once the application has been submitted, students are required to send their transcripts, test scores, recommendations and essay to all of the colleges they are interested in attending. Applications and information are available online at www.eduinconline.com. Member colleges include Norfolk State, Tuskegee, Clark Atlanta, Coppin State, Fisk, Morgan State, Virginia Union, Virginia State and many more.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT - Many magazine and newspaper articles broadcast the increasing selectivity of college admissions and this leads students to believe that "most selective" means "best."  There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" college -- what is right for one student may not be right for another student with similar characteristics.  A student's success in life is not determined by the college they attended.  Do not select a school based on reputation, but instead on how well it fits your requirements.  Studies have shown that students who have been accepted at one of the most prestigious institutions but choose to attend a lesser known school attain the same financial success as those who chose the more selective college.  It is the student's attributes like drive, intelligence, work ethic and leadership qualities that will lead to a successful career.  That being said, be aware of the college characteristics most important to you.  Try looking beyond the reputation and amenities (beautiful campus and buildings) and focus on the students, professors, opportunities and course offerings.  Choose colleges that support the way you learn best and where the institutional philosophy is in line with goals for your own education.

WHY CONSIDER LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES?  Liberal arts colleges are small and focus on the undergraduate.  They provide students with a broad based knowledge in science, the humanities and art.  Students are actively engaged in the learning process and critical & analytical thinking and writing skills are stressed.  Classes in liberal arts colleges are taught by faculty (not graduate assistants) and professors interact with students in and out of the classroom.  The experience of students at a liberal arts college differs from that of students at large public institutions.  There is an emphasis on individualized instruction in a primarily residential environment.  A 1998 study found that although only 3% of all American college graduates were educated at residential liberal arts colleges, they accounted for 19% of the U.S. presidents, 23% of Pulitzer Prize winners in drama, and 8% of Forbes magazine's listing of the wealthiest CEO's in America.   Graduates from liberal arts colleges are twice as likely to earn a doctorate degree in science and are disproportionately represented among leaders in education, public service and business.  (from www.thecollegeadvisor.net, Nov. 06)

STUDENT JOBS
School work comes FIRST, but some students feel the need to have a part-time job.  Here are websites to check out: www.mycoolcareer.com, www.snagajob.com, www.gazette.net or www.studentjobs.gov.   On occasion, employers notify the Blake Career Center of  vacancies.  In that case, a small ad is posted on the Blake Career Center webpage (look under "JOBS").  Students should be aware of federal rules that apply to working teenagers. For example, a 14 or 15 year old can only work up to three hours on a school day or 18 hours during a school week between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. There are 17 jobs that have been declared hazardous by the secretary of labor that are prohibited for teens under the age of 18. Visit http://www.youthrules.dol.gov.

GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOBS - Apply Early!  Applying for summer positions within the government is now available online.  Visit www.studentjobs.gov & www.usajobs.opm.gov  to see job listings and apply.  A "resume builder" is built into the program to store your resume for application purposes.  Some clerical positions/internships with the Dept. of Health & Human Services are listed on:  www.hhs.gov/jobs/.  These positions are competitive so start completing the paperwork now.  Some student employment/intern programs exist within NIH (paid/unpaid):  www.nih.gov.

KEEP US POSTED ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS   The School Counseling Office wants to know when your student receives college admission decision letters. Please be sure to provide Mrs. Moore with a copy of acceptance, wait list or rejection notices so we can keep our records current.  Letters offering scholarships or awards are welcome news, and we will be tracking that, as well!  Some scholarships may be included in the annual Awards Program, but all will be entered in Naviance.   As you may know, Naviance includes college acceptance & rejection data that is important to future collegebound students who rely on the scattergrams to give them a clear picture of the selectivity of colleges.  Please know that we are unable to keep that information current without your help! 

CITY YEAR, WASHINGTON DC (Americorps)  - Graduating seniors who are not sure what they want to do after high school should consider applying for a paid community service position with City Year, Washington, DC., a group of 17-24 year olds committed to full-time service for ten months in the Washington, DC community.  Benefits include:  living stipend ($200 per week), health care coverage, free metro pass, and $4,725 educational scholarship.  For more info:  www.cityyear.org or email:  cmurphy@cityyear.org/dc or call:  202-776-7780, Amanda Seligman.  Recruitment open houses will be held once a month at their headquarters: 918 U Street, NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20001.

CAREERS in PUBLIC SAFETY & CORRECTIONAL SERVICES - High school graduates who are 18 may qualify for a position as a Correctional Officer I with a starting salary of $34,313.  This is an entry level position involving the custody, security and supervision of adult inmates in a correctional facility.  These jobs in the field of criminal justice are located throughout the state of Maryland and come with a $1,000 hiring bonus.  If interested, apply online at www.dbm.maryland.gov and click on the "state jobs" link (takes 20 minutes).  Then schedule an appointment for the video/written exam.