Almond College & Career Center News

JUNIORS:

Counselor Course Request Meetings for Senior Year

• Counselors have begun to meet with students individually during US History to enter course requests for the following school year. For additional information, please review the course selection page. Keep in mind, these are just course requests and adjustments can be made after this initial meeting until the end of spring semester.

Changes to ACT and taking a FREE Practice ACT

• The Warren Newport Library is hosting a free practice ACT test on March 1st for students who would like exposure to the ACT leading into the April 10th ACT test at WTHS. See below for registration information.
• Compass Educational Group is offering a webinar to walk through the changes to the ACT on March 4th at 1pm.
• Register here with code PRESENTATION25 with Compass Educational Group for an ACT practice test with in-depth reporting at no cost.

Visiting Colleges at WTHS

• Several colleges are coming to visit our campuses in the coming weeks! Please note, most of our reps in the spring will be meeting with our O'Plaine Campus students and will be livestreaming to Almond simultaneously. To see the list and sign-up, log into SchooLinks and view under Events.

Visiting Colleges On-Campus

• Spring break week or non-attendance days like February 17th, 28th or March 3 is a great time to visit colleges of interest. To visit on-campus, register with the Admissions Office on their website in advance. Physically seeing a campus and the surrounding community can be helpful to make a good first impression to see if you want to narrow your college search based on the college's key factors. If you are able to, take a drive and see some schools in the coming weeks! Students are able to receive 3 no-count college visit absence days per school year. Please contact your counselor or Mrs. McGahan if you have questions about this process.

SENIORS:

Scholarships

• We hosted our annual Senior Local iHeart Scholarships Workshop on Friday, February 7th for our Senior students. For those who were not able to attend, please review the information HERE to learn about how to apply for our WTHS specific scholarships! Lots of local donors want to award scholarship money to you!! All WTHS scholarships are due to Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services by March 7th.

  
  

• Other suggestions for scholarships include the colleges you have been admitted to for their university specific scholarships, employers, community organizations, places to eat/shop and national websites like www.goingmerry.com or www.cappex.com.
  

One Click Admit with IL schools in Common App

• For Seniors who created a Common App account and listed their GPA in the application, 8 of Illinois' public universities have opted in to "One Click Admit" with Common App. Students may notice direct admission offers from these schools in the Dashboard of their Common App. This indicates they would likely be offered admission to the institution once they submit their application. The application fee is waived and additional supporting documentation is not needed. See HERE for more information.

Financial Aid Letters & Next Steps

• Our final evening financial aid workshop will be on Thursday, February 13th from 6-8pm in the Almond CCC. Register HERE if you have any financial aid questions or need help completing the FAFSA or other financial aid application.
• As students begin to receive their financial aid award letters, this comparison tool may be helpful to analyze net price remaining.
• It is recommended to still attend Admitted Student Days or make another visit to college(s) of interest to our Seniors. You ideally want to get closer to your decision while you wait for those award letters.

• As always, if I can assist with any questions you have about these next steps towards post-secondary plans, please let me know!

Blue Devil Seniors Instagram

• Seniors! We need your help to honor you for our National Declaration Day festivities! When you are ready to commit or finalize your plans for after high school, send a DM @bluedevilseniors or email Mrs. McGahan cmcgahan@wths.net with your first & last name, photo, intended college & major or career plan, or other plans you have after high school. We look forward to celebrating you!

For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:

College Tour Videos

• Wanting to see college campuses but your schedule is tight? Check out these College Tour Episodes for several institutions nationwide!

CLC's New Apprenticeship Opportunities

• The College of Lake County is growing their Apprenticeship outreach to include Criminal Justice and Architecture. If you are interested in learning about how you can earn money while learning for free, attend an informational workshop on Thursday, February 20th during 1st, 2nd, 6th or 7th period in the CCC!

HBCU Exploration Opportunities

See below for several opportunities in February to explore Historically Black Colleges & Universities!

• 2/13: HBCU College Fair Field Trip to Waukegan HS
• Spring Break: Artis Yancey HBCU Tour

National Hispanic College Fair Field Trip

• WTHS has been invited to participate in the annual Waukegan High School National Hispanic College Fair on March 11th. See below for details and pick-up a permission form for student services.

We are here to help answer your questions, so students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Mrs. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to help!

Here is the contact information for Student Services.

Have a great couple of weeks!

Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor

If you would like to make an appointment to meet with your Almond Campus Counselor please email them or stop down to Student Services in the main office to submit a request form. If you would like to meet with Mrs. McGahan, please scan the QR code to the right or click HERE. Book an appointment during your free period.

Warren Newport Library Card holders are welcome to take a Practice ACT or SAT Test on Saturday, March 1st at 9:30 a.m. The test is proctored and offered through Huntington Learning Center. Test results will be provided on Monday, March 3rd. Registration opens January 31st through their website.

If you're planning to attend college and neither of your parents completed Bachelor's degree in college, then YOU are considered First-Generation or First-Gen! Did you know many of our Warren teachers are first-gen? Nationwide, about half of all college students are first-gen.

All first-gen Almond students are invited to attend our next I'm First Workshop on 2/10 during 4th period in the Almond PE Classroom. Email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net) if you are first-gen and would like more college/career info, including our upcoming meetings!

CLC is hosting several Engineering focused events in the coming weeks. See here for more information!

• February 11th: CLC Engineering Transfer Program Info Session, 7-8pm
• February 22nd: Make-A-Thon, 1-5pm
• April 12th: Maker Faire, 10am-2pm

With the recent ISBE contract change from SAT to ACT, Illinois students will now be preparing for the ACT. Get ready to achieve your best score on the ACT! Engage in practice tests and cover the four topic areas of Reading, Mathematics, English and Science. Practice algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and basic mathematical refreshers to polish your math skills. Discover helpful ways to remember grammatical rules and effective strategies to help you approach reading passages and questions confidently. Be prepared for the upcoming 2025 ACT test dates of April 5, June 14 and July 12.

Cost is $275.

Register HERE.

We are starting to receive regular scholarship opportunities in our inbox each week. To access the growing list, log onto SchooLinks. Under Finances --> Scholarship Matching --> District Posted. The list will continue to grow throughout this semester, so check often!

If you need to request a transcript for a scholarship, please complete this FORM. You may pick-up transcripts from Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services in the main office.

Seniors! If you need help completing your FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application to find funds for college, attend an evening family financial aid workshop in the Almond College and Career Center. Our FINAL evening workshop is on Thursday, February 13th from 6-8pm. Click HERE to register. Remember completing a FAFSA or submitting a non-participation waiver is required for graduation.

As seniors receive their college acceptances, many students look for means to help narrow their list. Here are a few suggestions to help! Especially if your family is not able to visit the campus this winter. As always, contact your counselor or a post-secondary counselor for assistance!

Are you interested in exploring Historically Black Colleges & Universities? Warren is partnering with Waukegan High School to host an HBCU College Fair at Waukegan High School’s Washington Campus on Thursday, February 13. Students interested in attending can pick up a field trip permission slip from Mrs. Ellis or Ms. Hartley (at O’Plaine) and Mrs. Maggiore or Mrs. McGahan (at Almond). Space is limited, so don't delay! Contact the CCC with any questions.

WTHS is fortunate to have Ms. Quinnlyn Meadowcroft, our CLC College Career Navigator, housed in the Almond College and Career Center to assist all students. Whether you are exploring your options, thinking of taking one class or enroll full-time at CLC after high school, Ms. Meadowcroft will be your point-person every step of the way.

**Friday, February 14th: CLC Math Placement Test (for invited students who have submitted an enrollment application and require a placement test)

• Click HERE to learn about CLC Enrollment Steps
  
• Click HERE to learn about CLC Proficiencies, Prerequisites and Placement Testing

Feel free to contact Ms. Meadowcroft should you have any questions about CLC or how to enroll (qmeadowcroft1@clcillinois.edu). Or schedule an appointment with her HERE.

For students interested in learning more about the U.S. Military, representatives from the following branches will be located at the front of the Almond Cafeteria. Stop by their table to receive additional information!

Air Force -- 4th Thursday of the month

Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month

Army National Guard -- 1st Tuesday of the month

Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month

Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month

Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month

2/11: The Waukegan Township is postponing the HBCU Experience until August 22nd. More information will be forthcoming as we receive it. See their website for additional information.

The Waukegan Township is hosting an HBCU Experience Fair on Monday, February 17th from 9:00am-1:00p.m. at Waukegan High School’s Gym. Families are welcome and can meet representatives from Historically Black Colleges & Universities, local institutions, along with Representatives from the US Military, and Lake County’s Workforce Development.

Attention high school students! If you're eager to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities, mark your calendars for the upcoming Artis Yancey HBCU Tour from March 22 – March 29, 2025. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to visit various campuses throughout Louisiana like: Xavier University, Dillard University, Grambling State University, to name a few! Information sessions are available on Feb 5, Feb 19 or March 5 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Patricia A. Jones Office (414 S. Lewis Ave. in Waukegan). Applications & payments are due in-person by early March! See their website for additional information: https://www.waukegantownship.com/206/Artis-Yancey-HBCU-Tour

The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) is proud to offer the Illinois National College Fair (INCF)! The South Suburbs will host a college fair that brings in 200+ colleges and universities from across the globe to meet with our students.

When: April 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Moraine Valley Community College

FREE!

Register at www.strivefair.com and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of two $500 scholarships!

Then plan to register and attend College Knowledge this summer, 2025!

• This comprehensive, 2 day, 2 1/2 hour workshop in the Almond Campus College and Career Center will walk you through the entire process and you will leave feel relieved about how simplistic the process is!
• A binder of information will be distributed to each student including information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, college search, SchooLinks, Common App and more!
• We will host Illinois State University to complete a live application to see what the applications are all about.
• An English teacher will provide an introduction to the Common App essay prompts and essay writing in general.
• A college-student panel of WTHS alumni will return to share their insight about the process and college life.
• All for FREE!
• Sign-up for one of our 4 sessions starting on 1/27 to lock in your spot!
• Session 1: June 9-10...9:45-12:15
• Session 2: June 9-10...12:45-3:15
• Session 3: June 11-12...9:45-12:15
• Session 4: June 11-12...12:45-3:15

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS/index.php

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar, often referred to as NASS, program offers the opportunity for approximately 2,550 rising high school seniors to visit the Naval Academy for one week during the month of June. Summer Seminar introduces students to life at the Academy, where they will experience first-class academic, athletic, and professional training at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.

This program is highly recommended for any student who may be thinking about attending the Naval Academy.

• Session 1 (Saturday - Thursday) May 31 - June 5
• Session 2 (Saturday - Thursday) June 7 - June 12
• Session 3 (Saturday - Thursday) June 14 - June 19

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php#fndtn-panel1-Attending

The Summer STEM Program offers the opportunity for rising 9th through 11th grade students to participate in a week long program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Campers will create, build, and explore in world-class lab facilities and experience real-life applications.

• Rising 9TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 2 - 7
• Rising 10TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 9 - 14
• Rising 11TH Graders (Monday - Friday) June 16 – 20

CTE Month is a public awareness campaign that takes place in February to celebrate CTE, the accomplishments of CTE programs, and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages.

"Make it in Illinois" is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Illinois Innovation Network to connect more people to rewarding careers in manufacturing. The purpose is to grow CTE and apprenticeship programs across the state through a $5 million project to rebrand manufacturing in Illinois as a rewarding, high-wage, family-sustaining career where individuals can realize their best selves. Follow "Make it in Illinois" on social media and visit the Make it in Illinois website to see the people, facilities, and exciting opportunities in this field.

Explore Engineering is a FREE event where students can learn about a career in engineering and what makes a University of Dayton engineering degree unique. Students participate in hands-on activities in their labs, meet their faculty and current students, and tour their campus and engineering facilities.

In addition, the Women Engineering Program and the Multi-Ethnic Engineers Program are hosting WEP/MEP Connect — a special lunch event where students will learn how UD students engage in these programs.

This panel discussion features distinguished instructors explaining how artificial intelligence (AI) works behind the scenes, why we need explainable AI and how computers understand our language. Plus, there will be opportunities for questions and information on the admissions process at Embry-Riddle.

Why should you share this with your students?

• Direct access to experts: Your students will hear from leading voices in AI and machine learning, giving them a peek into the many exciting opportunities their future may hold.
• Applicable knowledge: They'll learn about how AI and machine learning can be used practically, in real-world scenarios that impact people around the globe.
• A head start on their future: This event could spark new interests and excite students about career paths in a rapidly growing field.

Their “Using Machine Learning to Create the Future” event occurs via Zoom on February 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST

This panel is not only an opportunity to learn about the technical aspects and applicability of machine learning — it's a chance for your students to connect with industry leaders and explore a future in this evolving field.

REGISTER

Beginning October 1, through February 28, the Lake County Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee will begin accepting applications for both the five-year electrical construction and the four-year telecommunication apprenticeship programs.

· Students must be 18 by June 30, 2025

· High school graduate

· One full-year HS algebra

· Valid driver's license by 1/31/2025

· Minimum score of 4 on NJATC Aptitude Test

· Pass physical exam, background check & drug screen (hair follicle)

https://lakecountyjatc.org/howtoapply/

Electrical Construction Apprenticeship Program - Inside Wireman

· Five-year program

· $17.72+ per hour to start

o Raises at specified times throughout 5-year program

· Journeyman pay rate upon graduation approximately $44.30+ per hour

Telecommunication & Data Apprenticeship Program

· Four-year program

· $18.54+ per hour to start

o Raises at specified times throughout 4-year program

· Journeyman pay rate is approximately $41.20+ per hour

The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2025 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Final deadline is April 1, 2025. See flier for more information.

This program is open to any 14 to 21-year-old interested in learning more about law enforcement careers. Students will help the community as well as learn about careers in law enforcement and learn foundational policing skills. For additional information see their website.

Click HERE to access and explore 170+ careers with videos and information. By participating, you will gain a better understanding of the variety of industries and positions. Some employers may also have possible internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and/or employment opportunities for our students! For those of you who may not know what you want to do, there’s a career assessment included that will help you narrow down a career cluster to further research. At the end, please complete the exit survey to reflect and provide feedback so we can continue to assist you with your post-high school plans.

WTHS has in-person Study Tables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00 p.m. in the Almond Campus Library for English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Students who need bus transportation home are able to take the shuttle from Almond to O'Plaine and take the O'Plaine busses home.

To date, www.fairtest.org as published over 1,800 colleges and universities which are allowing Fall 2025 applicants to apply test-optional. Many institutions are stating students are at no disadvantage of applying test-optional. But it is good diligence on your part to verify the institution will still distribute merit, academic scholarships, be considered for direct-entry, competitive majors and Honors College consideration.

Almond Post-Secondary Counselor

Instagram @wthsccc

(847) 548-6709

Email: cmcgahan@wths.net
Website: https://www.d121.org/Page/313
Phone: (847) 548-6709
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wthsccc