PANTHER FUTURE CENTER NEWSLETTER

Join us for this free skills and aptitude assessment on January 21 from 11:00am-2:00pm. This test can be beneficial to anyone wanting to explore career paths, not just students interested in pursuing a military pathway. Students will need to provide their own transportation as this is a non-school day. Sign up below to receive more information and secure your spot. We only have 50 seats, so register soon! This assessment is open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students

Join us at this session to apply to SOU for FREE and with no essay! You will get your admissions decision and see if you qualify for any merit scholarships. This is a quick and easy way to get admitted to a fantastic college! Please have your SOU application 90% complete when you arrive at the workshop-you only need to complete the fields with a red *. Do not submit it until you come to the workshop! Sign up on the google form below so we can prepare the necessary documents for you.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone significant changes, and is now open for the 2025-26 school year (this is the correct form for our current seniors). This form allows students to see if they qualify for federal aid, federal loans, and aid from the state of Oregon. The Oregon Promise grant (free money for community colleges) also requires it.

Students and their contributors (see links below) need to create an FSA ID (username and password) at least 3 days before completing the FAFSA.

Below are some helpful videos which explain the process and how to prepare to complete this important form. The PFC staff is happy to help students and families with this process.

An email with further guidance was sent out to parents and seniors on Dec 17. Please reach out if you have any questions!

The ORSAA is the alternative to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for undocumented students in Oregon, including students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. The ORSAA gives students access to state grants and scholarships.

By submitting the ORSAA - early, and each year you attend college - you can gain access to financial aid through the state of Oregon such as the Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise Grant*, and OSAC Scholarships*. You must meet eligibility criteria for each program. Financial aid helps you meet the costs of attending college. * You must complete additional applications for these opportunities by the deadline.

We are happy to help students complete this important financial aid document-please come see us in the Panther Future Center!

College reps from around the state will come to our campus over the next few months. They will share about how to apply to their college, scholarship opportunities, campus life and the programs and majors they offer. These visits are the perfect way to get to know your admission representative who may play a part in your admissions decision! Please sign up on the link to attend these visits. These are open to ALL grades.

National and regional scholarships are listed on the calendar by due date. Check them out to see if one is a good fit! New scholarships are added frequently, so get in the habit of looking each week!

The Ford Scholars Program offers a comprehensive, need-based scholarship to help students succeed in college and beyond. In addition to a generous financial award, Scholars receive academic guidance, leadership development, personal and professional support, and access to the Ford Family alumni network. Up to 130 renewable scholarships are awarded each year to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.

SELECTION CRITERIA Successful candidates who advance in the selection process will be invited to an interview. The Ford Scholars Program is looking for students who demonstrate: • Leadership potential through school, home and/or community activities. • Outstanding character. • A concern for others through volunteer service and/or help with family needs. • Initiative, responsibility, and a strong work ethic through paid and/or unpaid work experiences. • An ability to clearly communicate their strengths and goals, both verbally and in writing. • Motivation and commitment to education as reflected by GPA and coursework.

FINANCIAL NEED ELIGIBILITY Applicant must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)1 as soon as possible and qualify for the Pell Grant. Undocumented students please refer to https://www.tfff.org/scholarships/undocumented-students/ for eligibility and applicant requirements.

It's time to start working on OSAC, one of the largest databases of scholarships in the state of Oregon. You'll create an account, complete the profile, write 4 short statements and an activities chart, and search for scholarships which are a match for you. Most of our South students find 10-15 of them, and you can apply to them all with just this one application! An OSAC Tips and Tricks sheet will be sent out in the PFC Canvas page this week. The Early Bird deadline is Feb 18, and the final deadline is March 3, 2025. We're happy to help you find those important scholarships!

Do you love to work with your hands? Want to have a career in a high-wage, high-demand field? Interested in having someone else pay for your advanced training and get paid to go to school? Join our MSD MPACT program and get a jump start on an exciting and lucrative career! MPACT will introduce you to local industry professionals, take you to job sites, guide you through the apprenticeship application process, help connect you to potential employers, and more! See Stacy in the PFC if you have any questions. If you join now, you will be invited to all field trips and experiences for this school year!

OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS-FILL OUT APPLICATION BELOW

Would you like a kind, caring adult to help you with all of your college, scholarship and financial aid applications? How about working with someone who will text and remind you of all of the important deadlines and due dates? Then join Aspire and get your very own mentor! Pop into the PFC to get a permission slip and get started. Email stacy.carle@medford.k12.or.us with any questions.

TRiO is accepting applications for students in grades 9-11! TRIO is a great program to help you with your next step after high school. TRiO can help with college, career and academics. We offer free tutoring, field trips and so much more! If you are a First Generation College student and would like another person in your corner, scan the QR code and fill out the app today.

Questions about TRiO? Email Angel.garcia@medford.k12.or.us.

Make sure to accept your invitation to the PFC Canvas page and stay up to date on all the important information!

Our PFC website is full of vital information to help you get connected to college and career resources. Whether you are interested in college, a trade, the military, or the workforce, you will find what you need to help you get started!