Welcome to Volume II of the College, Career, Military Readiness (CCMR) Newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year, South Texas ISD!

College, Career, Military Readiness (CCMR) Newsletters are full of information, resources, tips and strategies to help our students be successful both in and out of the classroom. We welcome our entire South Texas ISD community to read below to help support and guide our students as they prepare to be CCMR and Life ready!

College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) is an initiative introduced by the state of Texas to ensure students are well-prepared for success after high school. The program emphasizes the development of essential skills and knowledge required for college education, career readiness, and military service. It focuses on providing students with comprehensive guidance, support, and resources to explore a wide range of post-secondary pathways.

Students and parents will be able to find important information regarding graduation guidelines, CTE programs of study, IBC's, Testing requirements, scholarships, college applications and much more!

• Law Enforcement
  
• Legal Studies
  
• Digital Communication
  
• Graphic Design and Interactive Media
  

University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA’s Criminology and Criminal Justice degree includes subjects like policing, investigations, forensic science, violent crime, the legal system, victimology and more. You’ll take classes at the Downtown Campus, which grants convenient access to both downtown San Antonio and dozens of nearby internship opportunities from local, county, state and federal agencies.

https://future.utsa.edu/programs/undergraduate/criminology-and-criminal-justice/#_ga=2.122125003.1331092151.1729529883-580736567.1729529883

Texas State

This degree program is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to gain employment in related criminal justice fields such as probation, parole, policing, asset protection and other non-practitioner roles such as research and rehabilitation counseling.

https://www.cj.txst.edu/degree-programs/undergrad.html

Sam Houston State University

A legal studies program examines the practical application of laws as they impact different segments of society including business, government, culture, and criminal justice.

Although some students may continue to law school after earning a legal studies degree, there are many fascinating careers one can pursue without spending the time and money required for a Juris Doctor. In addition to supplying a base legal knowledge that is helpful across industries, a legal studies degree also provides several core skills that give legal studies majors an advantage in business, like:

• Concise writing and communication abilities
• Investigation and analysis skills
• Advanced research capabilities
• Legal research experience
• Understanding of courtroom procedure
• Experience reading and understanding legalese

These skills are valuable to lots of companies that aren’t in the legal space. Of course, you can pursue a position within the legal industry, too. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular jobs for legal studies graduates.

Texas A&M University

At Texas A&M, you can obtain an affordable education at a world-class institution ranked among the nation’s top 30 law schools. We’ll make your career our top priority, which is why we've consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for employment outcomes. And for those who need legal training that’s highly flexible and doesn’t require a three-year commitment, we have the country’s premier online Master of Legal Studies program for non-lawyers.

https://www.law.tamu.edu

University of Houston

We are a Tier 1 law school in the much-reviewed rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report, where we currently rank at No. 60, and we are one of only eight public law schools in the nation with multiple “Top 10” specialty programs.

We are distinguished not only by academic excellence but also by our reasonable cost of tuition – which remains among the lowest of any U.S. law school.

https://www.law.uh.edu/about/welcome.asp

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech Law is a dynamic community that prepares students for the effective and ethical practice of law. We have diverse academic programs, dedicated faculty, and outstanding students who become successful lawyers and leaders.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/law/admissions/index.php

In this field, you'll work with high-end equipment and cutting-edge technology—and in exciting environments, too. Work settings include TV and radio stations, sporting events, concerts, film sets, recording studios, theaters, presentations and conferences.

For entry-level positions, it's best to have a certificate at minimum. However, better job opportunities await those with associate's degrees in audio or video production.

If the following job descriptions look good to you, an audio or video production career may be a great fit.

Audio Production Career

Listen up: If you want to become an audio producer, these job responsibilities may perk up your ears:

• Operate sound and mixing boards, computers and other equipment
• Record, mix and reproduce sound effects, music and voices
• Synchronize voices and sounds for movies or TV shows
• Edit live recordings on computers

Video Production Career

Do these job duties catch your eye? If so, enrolling in a video production school may be your next step.

• Set up, operate, maintain and repair broadcast gear
• Monitor and adjust equipment to ensure visual quality
• Troubleshoot equipment
• Edit video recordings on computers

Graphic Design Career

• Concept Development: Creating visual concepts to communicate ideas for marketing and branding projects.
  

• Design Execution: Producing high-quality graphics using design software for print and digital media.

• Collaboration: Working with clients and teams to gather feedback and refine designs.

• Quality Assurance: Reviewing and editing designs to ensure they meet specifications and standards.

  
  

The Los Angeles Film School

You don’t have to be in the studio to make your sound heard. Audio production specialists work in a variety of non-conventional studio spaces while engineering sound from just about anywhere in the world. Get ready to learn the many facets of content production in today’s digital media environment. Classes are accelerated and prepare you for the interactive audio space which includes a variety of specialties. Find your creative niche whether it’s in live events, video games, or post-production sound for film and TV.

Our Bachelor of Science in Audio Production online is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length.

https://www.lafilm.edu/programs/audio-production-online/bachelor/

New York University Tisch School of The Arts

The Undergraduate Film & Television department within the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at NYU Tisch offers outstanding film training for undergraduates on the East Coast. Film students enjoy access to prolific filming locations in and around the Manhattan campus, plus independent film screenings and internships with major film and television studios. The university's emphasis on creativity, experimentation, and self-development shines through in the application process: Prospective students must provide a unique “tell us about yourselfie” portrait. NYU Tisch UGTV offers four degree programs: a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television, a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Business/Film and Television, a BA in Cinema Studies, and a BFA in Dramatic Writing.

https://tisch.nyu.edu

Rhode Island School of Design

In 2021, RISD earned a spot in Variety’s top 50 film schools and instructors from around the world thanks to its top-notch digital editing, sound production, and sound mixing studios. The Bachelor of Fine arts in Film/Video/Animation prepares undergraduates for diverse film careers and offers excellent networking opportunities. The film school is only an hour by car to Boston, the cornerstone of the Hollywood East. RISD produces filmmakers honored at the Oscars, Cannes, and other prolific film awards worldwide. Alumni include cinematographer Robert Richardson (Aviator, Hugo), director-producer Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho), and animator-director Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad). Undergraduate tuition costs $58,690 per year; RISD helps buffer the cost by offering 600-plus grants, awards, and fellowships.

https://www.risd.edu

Stephen F. Austin State University

SFA's graphic design program empowers aspiring candidates to learn design knowledge, abilities and skills to develop a portfolio showcasing design expertise. Our alumni work professionally as art directors, creative directors, digital designers, graphic designers and illustrators.

With classes offered as as hands-on studio, online and hybrid courses, the program covers:

• the creative process
• type design
• digital illustration
• portfolio development
• professional practices
• career planning
• internships
• and the glorious history of graphic design.

Our students work individually and collaboratively on client-based projects appropriate to professional careers in advertising, visual communication and graphic design.

Design projects include website, brand development, logo design, corporate identity standards, environmental graphics, packaging, promotions and advertising campaigns. Illustration project genres include animation, graphic novel, poster, book, advertising, editorial, comic and science fiction.

https://www.sfasu.edu/art/academics/graphic-design

How do I find scholarships?

You can discover scholarship opportunities by reaching out to the financial aid office at your chosen school, visiting your local library, or searching online. Just be cautious—ensure that any scholarship offers are legitimate, and remember that you shouldn't have to pay for scholarship or financial aid information. For tips on avoiding scams, check this link. avoid scams.

Try these free sources of information about scholarships:

• the financial aid office at a college or career school

• a high school or TRIO counselor

• the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool

• federal agencies

• your state grant agency

• your library’s reference section

• foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups

• organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest

• ethnicity-based organizations

• your employer or your parents’ employers

Enter to win $2,000 for college

• A new winner is drawn each month.
• NO essay!
• Takes less than 2 minutes to enter.

Enter $2,000 scholarship

Eligibility

The $2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes (the "Sweepstakes") begins at 12:00:01 AM Eastern Time ("ET") Sunday, January 01, 2024 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on Sunday, December 31, 2024 (the "Sweepstakes Period"). Sponsor's computer is the official clock for this Sweepstakes. The $2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and any US Territory age 17 or older at the time of entry, and who meet one (1) of the four (4) following eligibility requirements at the time of entry:

1. a parent who currently has a child enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
   
   
2. a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
   
   
3. a parent who currently has a child enrolled as a high school senior located within the United States;
   
   
4. a student who is currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior who intends to enroll in an accredited college or university located with the United States, within a year of graduating high school ("Entrant").
   
   

Void outside the U.S. and wherever prohibited by law. Click here for Official Rules.

* All applications submitted past the current deadline date up till 11:59 PM ET will be considered for the next deadline.

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities.

• August 22, 2024
  
• Application opens. Apply online in the Common App.

• November 14, 2024
  
• Application submission deadline.

• January 2025
  
• Semifinalists are announced. All applicants will be notified of their status via email.

• March 2025
  
• Scholarship recipients are announced. All semifinalists will be notified of their status via email.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Senior standing – Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2025.
• Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2025.
• GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
• Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – We will consider applicants with family annual gross income up to $95,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

Selection Criteria

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation reviews each College Scholarship Program application individually with the assistance of a committee of educational professionals from across the nation. The criteria used in the selection process are:

• Academic ability and achievement: Maintains a strong academic record and receives outstanding recommendations from teachers, shows a desire to be challenged, and demonstrates enthusiasm for learning. Eligible applicants must have a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75.
• Leadership: Motivates others, takes initiative, and contributes positively to the community.
• Persistence: Exhibits determination when faced with obstacles, goal-oriented, and confronts challenges with an ability to adapt to change.
• Unmet financial need: We will consider applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000. Last year’s cohort of new College Scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $34,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

VAMOS Traditional Scholarships

Traditional VAMOS Scholarship

APPLICATION OPENS – December 1, 2024

Requirements:

• Scholarship application
• High School Senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county
• An official high school transcript with grade point average (GPA), class rank, and class size
• U.S citizen or permanent resident
• Must be of Hispanic heritage
• Student’s resume
• SAT/ACT scores
• Parent’s income tax return (include tax return used to apply for FAFSA (please redact SSNs)
• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Financial aid award letter
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, principals, or other school professional staff
• Applicant must be eligible for Pell Grant eligible
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited, public, or private two-year college or four-year university in the Fall 2025 Semester
• A 600-word essay, please include the following:
  • Personal statement
  • What are your academic and career goals?
  • Why do you believe obtaining a degree in higher education is necessary?
  • Did you experience any obstacles or exceptional/difficult circumstances that inspired you to pursue a post-secondary education?
  • Closing statement

This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, or until graduation (whichever comes first). Students selected may receive up to $20,000.

Submit your scholarship application online and mail required items/documents by the deadline noted below to: VAMOS Scholarship Committee, 800 N. Main St., Suite 410, McAllen, TX 78501

DEADLINE TO APPLY – April 3, 2025 by 5PM.

HSF/VAMOS Scholarship

APPLICATION OPENS – January 15, 2025

Requirements:

• High school senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam
• Must be Pell Grant eligible

Selected students attending the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley will receive $3,000 per year, for four years ($12,000 total). All other selected students attending other institutions will receive $5,000 per year, for four years ($20,000 total).

DEADLINE TO APPLY – February 22, 2025 by 5PM

VAMOS/UTRGV Scholarship

APPLICATION OPENS – October 1, 2024

Requirements:

• High school senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county
• Must be graduating HS in May/June 2024 and starting college in Fall 2025
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Top 25% of high school graduating class
• Plan to enroll full-time at URGV
• Must be Pell Grant eligible

This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, or until graduation, (whichever comes first) and is valued up to $10,000.

DEADLINE TO APPLY – February 15, 2025

CampusReel $2,000 Virtual Tour Scholarship

CampusReel helps you get to know colleges through student-led video content. And right now, you can enter for a chance to win this $2,000 scholarship by watching just one virtual campus tour.

CampusReel $2,000 Virtual Tour Scholarship

Book Lovers Scholarship

Be sure to put a bookmark on this scholarship application. For the Book Lovers Scholarship, you get to choose which book you want the world to read and explain why for your chance to win $500 for school.

Communication: This skill involves effectively sharing information and ideas. For example, a manager might clearly outline project expectations in a team meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Conflict Management: This refers to the ability to address and resolve disagreements constructively. An example would be a team leader mediating a dispute between team members by facilitating an open discussion to find common ground.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. For instance, a coworker who notices a colleague is stressed may offer support or a listening ear, helping to alleviate their burden.

Leadership: Leadership involves guiding and motivating a group towards a common goal. An example could be a project manager who inspires their team through clear vision and encouragement, fostering a collaborative environment.

Listening: Active listening means fully engaging with what others are saying and responding thoughtfully. For example, during a brainstorming session, a team member attentively considers and builds on others' ideas before sharing their own.

Negotiation: This skill is about reaching agreements through discussion and compromise. An example is a salesperson negotiating a deal with a client by finding mutually beneficial terms that satisfy both parties.

Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive outlook can influence team morale and productivity. For instance, an employee who consistently encourages teammates during challenging times helps foster resilience and motivation within the group.

Teamwork: Teamwork involves collaborating effectively with others to achieve shared goals. A successful project team exemplifies teamwork by leveraging each member's strengths, supporting one another, and working harmoniously towards a common outcome.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to recognize, comprehend, and manage our own emotions as well as those of others. It encompasses four main areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management, which have historically been referred to as "people skills."

IQ vs. EI

In many professional and technical careers, the typical starting IQ requirement is between 110 and 120. IQ, which is largely influenced by genetics, remains relatively stable from childhood onward. Since most individuals fall within the top 10% of intelligence, having a high IQ doesn't provide a significant competitive edge.

On the other hand, emotional intelligence can be developed at any stage in life. Enhancing your emotional intelligence requires dedication, ongoing self-assessment, a commitment to growth, and consistent practice of new behaviors.

It's also worth mentioning that emotional intelligence doesn’t automatically improve with age, as one might assume. While some individuals learn and grow from their life experiences, others may not.

Curious about your Emotional Intelligence? Click the link below to take a quick test and uncover your strengths and areas for growth!

District Website: www.stisd.net

Facebook: www.stisd.net/about/cte