Connections Newsletter

This week, in Connections, seniors were allowed time to ask questions and work on scholarship applications, college applications, resumes and continue games in YouScience. There are several important points this week. For those headed to a 4-year institution, most scholarship money comes from the college and many of those deadlines are Dec. 1. All seniors planning on applying to college should look at the requirements of each college to see if they need materials from someone else and what deadlines are upcoming. At this point in the year, senior teachers should be writing those letters of recommendation. Remember, we work while you work. IF you need a letter, ask now. Here is a reminder of the process required.

FAFSA: The Office of Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA will open BEFORE Dec. 1. The exact date has not yet been announced. We will update in detail in the newsletter as we know more. Until then, this handy guide lists how to prepare to file.

Colorado Promise - Two Free Years of College Expanded: Beginning in Fall 2024, students who attend public institutions and have family incomes of $90,000 or less are eligible for a complete reimbursement of any out-of-pocket tuition and fees paid for their education. The program expands on individual institutional promise programs and extends financial support to middle-income Colorado residents.

In junior and senior classes, we have discussed the difference (shocking differences) between sticker price and net price for colleges. Here is a great article that outlines some of those differences.

This coming April, all juniors at TCA will take the SAT (dates TBD). This is a digital exam using the Bluebook app. There are many ways to prepare for the test. We recommend taking an at-home timed SAT AND ACT practice test and then spending time preparing for the test you score better on. Starting 8-12 weeks before the scheduled test provides ample time to understand the test structure, get comfortable with the type of questions, and work on improving scores. Our website includes several options for free prep and more.

In the Community

The Northeast Publics Joint College Fair will be held in Broomfield on Thursday, November 21, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Meet admissions counselors and learn more about the public flagships of the Northeast.

The UNC Future Teacher Conference will be held in Greeley on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spots fill quickly.

Virtual

Physical Therapist Assistant Info Session at PPCS – Thursday, November 21 from 12-1 p.m.

Hospitality and Resort Management Info Session at PPCS – Wednesday, December 4 from 6-7 p.m.

If you qualify, here are two avenues to waive college admission testing (SAT, ACT, AP) or college application fees. If you qualify for an SAT fee waiver, or the ACT fee waiver, you can be approved for a fee waiver to most colleges. Another route is the NACAC College Application Fee Waiver. Please contact Ms. Peters at tcacollege@asd20.org for assistance.

Find out if your college is offering a fee waiver here.

The SCAD Challenge allows students to put their artistic vision to the test for an opportunity to earn a scholarship to SCAD. Entries must consist of a single piece and demonstrate creativity, innovation, and a strong understanding of aesthetics. Deadline to submit entries is February 17, 2025.

Southern Utah University has expanded the requirements for their WUE Scholarship. The WUE Scholarship will remain test-optional, and all students with an unweighted cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.69 will be awarded this $12,136 yearly scholarship, good for four years or eight semesters. The Founders' and President's Scholarships will remain as is for the 24-25 school year.

RISD 2025 Residential Summer Pre-College Program is open for enrollment. If you can’t make it to campus, they offer a year-round online intensive Advanced Program Online. Save 10% on Advanced Program Online if you register by November 27 using the code APOSUMMER25 at checkout.

The Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University enriches the educational and college experiences of its members by providing the extra attention, support, and opportunities needed to become well-rounded individuals. Those who apply by the Early Action Deadline and meet the GPA requirement will receive an automatic invitation to the honors college.

Wyotech in Laramie Wyoming offers an opportunity for future technicians pursuing full-time training in Automotive, Collision/Refinishing, Diesel, and Welding to be career ready in 9 months.

The Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers (SPARC) Workforce Development Program was established to support the statewide goal to position Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy by setting a path to reach 100% renewable energy for the electric grid by 2040. To support this effort, the SPARC program provides high-quality education and training opportunities to create high-paying jobs that ultimately support the protection of Colorado’s environment. You will find more information about current programs here.

State and Federal broadband funding in Colorado is estimated to create more than 3,000 construction jobs and telecommunications jobs by 2026, including land surveyors/topographers, foremen/supervisors, and laborers. More information here.

SAT fee waivers are available to low-income 11th- and 12th-grade students in the United States. A student is eligible if they enroll in or are eligible to participate in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or their family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Be sure to look at the current year's guidelines to verify.

The next SAT testing date is December 7, 2024. Register by November 22, 2024.

Additional test dates: March 8, 2025

Schoolhouse offers free SAT Turing Bootcamp.

The next ACT testing date is April 13, 2025. Register by March 8, 2025.

Additional test dates: March 8, May 3, and June 7, 2025

Katina Dahl, Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomore, AP, PSAT/NMSQT

Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - College & Career Visits, Community Service

Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104