College & Career News
SENIORS ~ MARCH 22
APPRENTICESHIP
Career and Apprenticeship Fair | APRIL 3, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 Pm | Academies of Loudoun
High school students and their families are invited to attend the Career and Apprenticeship Fair on Wednesday, April 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg). This event will connect students with leading employers in sought-after fields and help them discover career paths, education options and available training opportunities. Students are encouraged to bring a copy of their resumes to receive constructive feedback, suggestions and tips from industry and LCPS professionals. (Resume review will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.) Questions? Please contact Kelly Robucci, Placement Coordinator.
FREE WEBINARS
Elevate Your Summer with MontCo Career Connections! Join us for this Making the Most of Summer series to learn about opportunities for experiences students can have in the summer to enrich their resume and grow their skill set. From financial literacy to apprenticeships, this series will explore a few avenues for students to take over summer break to further their career education journey.
Register below and stay tuned for additional sessions to come!
COLLEGE
JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2024!
NOVA is pleased to announce the return of JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2024! This program is available to seniors graduating this spring and considering NOVA in the fall. Students may select one 3 or 4 credit approved course plus SDV 100. The application for JumpStart2NOVA is now open and closes at 5pm on Friday, May 10, 2024. Courses begin on Monday, June 3 and end on Monday, August 12.
JumpStart2NOVA Information Sessions:
- Wednesday, March 13 from 6 pm – 7 pm
- Tuesday, April 30 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Qualified seniors graduating this spring who are considering attending NOVA in the fall and in good academic standing at the college may apply for one approved course and NOVA’s 1-credit College Success Skills course, SDV 100, at no tuition! Courses are open to public, private, and home school seniors residing in NOVA’s service area*.
All classes will be offered through NOVA Online and run June 3 through August 12, 2024. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks or other course materials, if required. Courses have been selected based on their usability in NOVA degrees and their status as part of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies.
The application is now open and will close at 5PM on May 10, 2024. First-time NOVA students will need to apply to NOVA and create an account to request the course in nvcc.dualenroll.com. Current DE students can skip the NOVA application and go straight to nvcc.dualenroll.com, selecting term “JumpStart2NOVA 2024.” All students will be required to upload a current high school/home school transcript and qualifying test scores if they do not have a 3.0 GPA.
To learn more about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, minimum qualifying scores, and details on how to apply, please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/jumpstart/.
NOVA MEDICAL EDUCATION CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE AND HEALTH EXPO
SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS – FREE 1 and 2-week summer bridge programs for current high school students who have little or no experience with Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering Technology career pathways. Students will be introduced to NOVA’s IET programs, tour regional employers, engage in hands-on activities, and meet NOVA faculty, students, and staff. Juniors and Seniors also have the opportunity to receive college credit. Program available at Manassas/Loudoun and Annandale/Woodbridge campuses with free transportation provided between campuses. Applications due April 4th. Information Sessions available for those interested in learning more. Apply online at: https://form.jotform.com/233454784736164.
NOVA Fab Lab DEsign Challenge – The Spring 2024 Design Challenge starts February 23rd!. The challenge? Design a component of a habitat or a device that would improve an animal’s existing living conditions, help it rehabilitate, or better coexist with humans. Challenge is open to middle, high school, and post-secondary students. Prizes available in each division. Students need only to design their project, they do not need to fabricate it. Check out our Classroom Guide for ideas on how to incorporate the Design Challenge into the classroom. Submissions due April 14th. More information available at http://fablab.novastem.us/DesignChallenge.
SCHOLARSHIPS
* Dulles Airport Scholarship Program
CFDCO wishes to present a minimum of eleven (11) college/trade school scholarships in 2024 to graduating high school seniors. This includes eight (8) $2,000 Academic Scholarships, two (2) $2,500 Academic/Community Service Scholarships, and one (1) 3,000 Carol Welti Scholarship.
The Criteria are as follows:
- Applicant must be an employee or volunteer of, or the dependent of an employee or volunteer of, a business or agency operating in the Washington Dulles Airport community. (This is defined as inside the fence that surrounds the entire airport property.)
- Applicant is a graduating high school senior (Class of 2024).
- Applicant must enroll in an accredited community college, trade school, college, or university. The applicant may be full-time or part-time.
- Applicant demonstrates leadership and commitment to the community through involvement in extracurricular and/or volunteer activities. The Academic/Community Service scholarship awardee will demonstrate considerable community service. The Carol Welti scholarship should also demonstrate leadership and community service at the highest levels.
- Applicant must submit a completed application form which includes student essay, a recommendation letter from a teacher and/or school administrator, and a copy of high school transcript.
- No financial disclosure is required; scholarship is not based on need.
- The scholarship may be used for tuition and other related expenses, i.e., books.
- The scholarship must commence within 12 months of the scholarship award or scholarship award will be forfeited.
* Community Foundation for Northern Virginia-Ashworth Grogan
Applicants for the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia scholarships must create an account. Once that is done, applicants may apply for each scholarship using the online scholarship portal.
This scholarship fund is to benefit high school seniors residing in Northern Virginia and college students at Northern Virginia Community College advancing their education through a pursuit of an advanced certification or degree in the fields of education and health.
Applicants are graduating high school seniors and must have a high school transcript with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Northern Virginia Community college students must submit a high school transcript and a current NOVA transcript with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Priority will be given to students with financial need. A FAFSA must be included.
A brief essay regarding the applicant's financial need, academic goals, how the scholarship will help to advance their educational goals, and what other financial aid (scholarships, loans, work-study, etc.) have been awarded to the applicant.
Application can be found at: https://www.cfnova.org/scholarship/ashworth-grogan-scholarship-fund.
* Swan & Sparrow Scholarship
The Swan & Sparrow Scholarship was founded in memory of famed songstress Leslie Richardson, who passed away suddenly in July 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. She was a music vocalist who excelled in her field, performing for people across the world for many years. We created this program to help the next generation of music lovers succeed in the same way as Leslie did. Our scholarship is $3000 and is available to a freshman who is attending a historically black college or university.
Applicant must be a graduating high school senior from Washington D.C., Virginia, North Carolina; or Upstate South Carolina.
Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Applicant must have been accepted into an HBCU.
Applicant must be entering his/her freshman year to study musical performance, jazz studies, or choral conducting at an accredited HBCU.
Applicant must submit an audition video.
Applicants must submit two (2) letters of reference.
Applicants can find information and the application at: https://www.swanandsparrowscholarship.org/apply.
Questions on this scholarship may be directed to Alison Bethel McKenzie: alibethel@aol.com.
* J&L Interiors Pathways of Design Scholarship
Award-winning interior designers and longtime Loudoun County residents Julie Hoffmann and Lori DuVal are pleased to offer the 2024 J&L INTERIORS PATHWAYS OF DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP for an eligible graduating Loudoun County High School student interested in pursuing a professional career in the creative arts (art, architecture, design, photography, etc.) The J&L Interiors Pathways of Design Scholarship totals $5,000 and will be awarded on an ongoing annual basis. The scholarship will help fund expenses for higher education learning to include trade schools and universities with a preferred interest in a study abroad immersive experience. It will allow the student to explore, discover, and be inspired by the city’s arts, culture, history, and more which - in turn - will nurture, cultivate, and encourage the student in his or her own individual pathway toward a successful and rewarding career in the creative arts. The scholarship can be used for travel expenses, tuition expenses, books, and lodging. The J&L Interiors Scholarship Committee invites applications to be submitted by March 29, 2024. It is anticipated that a winner will be selected and announced by the J&L Interiors Scholarship Committee in the early Spring.
E-MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION, ESSAY, PORTFOLIO, AND HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT TO: jandl@jandlinteriors.net
https://www.jandlinteriors.net/
PTSO SCHOLARSHIP
571-252-2800
Heritage High School PTSO will award scholarships to a current Heritage High School senior who has been accepted into a two or four-year college or university and whose family is a current member of the HHS PTSO. The PTSO wishes to award this scholarship to a student who participates regularly in school related or community volunteer service activities.
Applicants must complete the attached application and enclose a resume. Additionally, two letters of reference must accompany this scholarship application. One of these reference letters must be written by a teacher. The second letter must be written by another adult who has been directly involved in the student’s volunteer services. The reference letters need to contain specific information regarding the applicant’s character and volunteer service activities. Each reference letter must include the length of time and capacity in which the applicant has been known to the reference source.
Email completed application packets (application and reference letters) to Shirley McLellan, HHS PTSO President, at skmclellan@verizon.net. Please add Scholarship, Name and your student’s ID number in the subject line.
Ms. Fekel will be notified of the winner by May 20, 2024.
Heritage High School Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Application 2023-24 School Year
1. The student must have completed a minimum of one season of a Virginia High School League (VHSL) sport at Heritage High School at the varsity level as athlete or manager or athletic trainer.
2. The athlete’s parent/guardian must be a member of the Athletic Booster Club by February of your athlete’s Junior year.
3. The applicant must be a graduating member of the senior class of Heritage HS.
4. The student must have a GPA of at least 2.7 (this is a B-).
5. The student plans to attend a college, university, or trade school following graduation.
The deadline for completing this scholarship application, including the required two letters of recommendation, is by 4:00PM, Friday April 12, 2024 to Mrs. Fekel in the Career Center.
MADISON SMALL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2015, Broad Run High School senior Madison Small suddenly passed away from meningitis at the young age of 18. She accomplished a lot in her 18 years and set an example for others to follow. Madison was a well-rounded person and student-athlete – very active in and supportive of Broad Run High School, an honor roll and National Honor Society member, a great athlete, an active participant in numerous groups and activities, and a caring friend to many. She was active in her community through involvement in numerous fundraising efforts, volunteer coaching, tutoring, and mentoring. Madison is also remembered for her kind heart, fun-loving spirit, outgoing personality, competitive nature, and inclusive-styled leadership.
Through generous donations and hard work from friends and the surrounding community, scholarships have been created in honor of Madison to award to deserving Loudoun County seniors who have demonstrated good citizenship while making outstanding and lasting contributions to their school and community by demonstrating a high level of integrity, leadership, and involvement while actively participating in the high school and community to make positive impacts.
Criteria:
- A graduating senior from Broad Run High School or a Loudoun County Public High School.
- Demonstrate good citizenship while making outstanding and lasting positive contributions to their High School and the community,
- Demonstrate a high level of integrity, leadership, and involvement while actively participating in high school and community activities.
Applicant must:
- Submit a completed Application (Sponsor Application must be used).
- Submit at least one Letter of Recommendation.
- Submit at least one Personal Statement based on the questions contained in the Madison Small Scholarship Application.
- Completed Application Package must be submitted to their high school Career Center by 4:00pm on March 29, 2024 for consideration.
- Recipient of each scholarship must be accepted to and attend a college, university, technical school, business school, or any other accredited learning center.
Amy Anderson Scholarship Award A scholarship for $1000 for African American Seniors!
Ms. Amy Anderson who was a native of Greenville, NC. She also called Leesburg, Virginia home where she lived for a many a year. She taught in this county during segregation at Banneker Elementary school located in St. Louis, Virginia, Douglass Elementary once the schools were integrated and retired at Catoctin Elementary. Education for all was her main objective, understanding that people learn in different ways as their home lives vary. She always met her students where they were.
Application Details
All fields must be completed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Students that are Seniors and attend Loudoun County HS, Tuscarora HS and Heritage HS are eligible to apply for the $1000 scholarship that will be awarded to one student. Completed applications must be received by Friday, May 3, 2024. APPLY HERE!
If you have questions you can send those to; burgreunion@gmail.com
Jeffrey C. Fowler Memorial Scholarship
The JCFM Scholarship is awarded annually—in memory of Park View HS graduate Jeff Fowler—to students in LCPS whose passion for sports has influenced their lives.
The Jeffrey C. Fowler Memorial Scholarship is available to all graduate Loudoun County Public School seniors, who maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average and who plan to become full-time student at an accredited college or university.
- The applicant must write a 500-word essay using the prompt “How My Passion for Sports Has Influenced My Life”
- The applicant should have two letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or administrators submitted as a digital PDF to the recommendation portal
- The applicant must complete and submit the online application form by the application deadline.
Student Athlete Scholarship Award - by the National Sports Medicine Institute
The deadline for 2024 submissions will close at 11:30pm on May 1st 2024.
Follow us on social media for announcements of our winner(s) this Summer!
In 2023 we awarded 1-$1500 and 3-$1000 scholarships to Loudoun County Athletes! The scholarship (in varying amount) will be awarded to a number of graduating seniors from Loudoun County Public Schools or Private Schools within Loudoun County based on available funds donated to the National Sports Medicine Foundation. At minimum, we will grant 1-$1000 award each year. Applicants will be awarded based on embodiment of good sportsmanship, strong moral character, enthusiastic and passionate leadership, diverse background, and academic merit. To be eligible, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a 2024 candidate for graduation from Loudoun County Public Schools or Private School in Loudoun County
- Must be currently involved in high school, intramural or club sports
- Must have plans to pursue secondary education to include bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution, community college, or other accredited trade school
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
COLLEGE
Start Making College Decisions
You can’t make your final college decisions until all of your admissions responses have arrived from colleges, but you can start mapping out the different scenarios so that you’re prepared for whatever decisions may arrive. If you’re waitlisted or rejected, take a few days to mourn the decision, and then move on. There are so many great colleges out there, and not getting into your top choice may be the best thing that ever happened to you. Just ask these celebrities.
Apply for FAFSA, Meet 2024-2025 Financial Aid Deadlines
If you have not already done so, be sure you apply for the FAFSA -- ASAP. Your FAFSA will help you with additional funds to pay for college. Find your FAFSA state deadlines.
Verify Financial Aid
Before you make any finalized college budget decisions, make sure to verify your financial aid. You don’t want to count on any financial aid that isn’t actually available to you! Consider financial aid in your college decision as well. Though fit is very important, whether you can afford your top choice college is just as vital. Now that you’re equipped with the financial information, you can compare your choices better.
Send Your Final Transcripts to Colleges
Ensure your final transcripts are sent to colleges via your advisor or school counselor. Never assume they will do the job for you. You can follow up with both your high school counselor as well as the admissions committee.
Prep for Finals and/or AP Exams
If you have any upcoming finals and AP exams, prepare well ahead of time. Your senior year grades will have an impact on your college admissions decisions. Just as colleges are able to admit you based on your grades, they are also able to rescind their offers if your grades plummet drastically – without good reason. Additionally, if your grades improve and you are on the waitlist somewhere, let that college know! It could move you from the waitlist to the admit pile.Prepare for Graduation Early
The earlier you sign up for graduation gear and plan things (like graduation parties, announcements, etc.), the more money you could save. Make sure to take on tasks early so that you won’t get penalized for late sign-ups.Apply for Scholarships
As always, you should continue to apply for scholarships. Paying for college will require you to pull from a variety of resources, and you can always use extra money to pay for school! Make sure to continually apply to scholarships you match to, and don't get discouraged if you don't win. Applying is ultimately a numbers game; and the more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances are of winning. So, apply early and often!AP EXAMS
1. Mini-AP exam readiness quizzes (approx. 10 mins) and practice exams for 6 key subjects:
- APUSH
- AP Bio
- AP Chem
- AP Calc AB
- AP Calc BC
- AP Physics 1 - Algebra Based
2. 3-part AP Exam Video Series (under 5 min. each) about the AP exams, scoring, and prep strategies.
CAREER | JOB | SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
TW Perry is HIRING
TW Perry is currently hiring for full time Yard Associate positions. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, and work takes place in an outside environment. Yard Associates can be certified by our team to operate a fork lift, and we teach new employees how to build material loads that are shipped to our customers. While there is no experience necessary, a love for physical activity, good team work skills, and working in the elements are a must. Candidates would have a great schedule. The shift would be Monday-Friday (8am-5pm), which means no nights and weekends! We offer a full benefits package, and LOTS of opportunity for career and wage growth over time. I am looking for two people for summer help positions (Late May to Late August) and at least two full time positions. Summer help is a good way for someone to try it out and see if they like the environment! I have attached a brochure that tells you more about us, and a link below to the job opportunity.
https://builders.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/builders/Posting/View/125549
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Loudoun Hunt Pony Club horse Trials are April 27-28 at Morven Park
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club is one of the oldest Pony Clubs in the US. They have been holding horse trial for over 50 yrs. The event is pretty much run all day, so it is a good way to rack up volunteer hours. All volunteers will get lots of snacks, water, sodas, and lunch. Let us know if there are dietary restrictions. The weather can be iffy in April, make sure to come prepared with rain gear and layers if the position is outside.
The places that generally like to use "first-time" volunteers are either:
Show Jumping - 8am - 4pm
- Scribe or timer - these can be done by someone that does not drive, but will need to have attention to detail. It is one of the best ways to learn about our horse shows too. The scribe will be keeping track of when a horse jumps or does not jump a jump and the timer is just that, they will keep a stop watch to keep the time that it takes for the rider to jump all of the jumps. (some of these jumps can be over 4ft tall! it's a lot of fun to watch)
- Jump crew - this can be labor intensive as they will need to run out on the course and put poles back into place when they are knocked down and also help reset the course at the end of each division (there is supervision on what needs to be done) - this can be done by younger kids, but need them to pay attention and also dress for the weather.
Cross Country 8:30am - 5pm
-Cross Country judge - this is where we need someone who can drive as they will be out on the cross country course (weather can be iffy, hence the need for a car). For this, they will watch and make notes as the horses jump over the jumps (some of these jumps are close to 4ft tall! It is pretty cool). If people want to pair up in a car together, they can do that, but we need to know so we put them where they can see two jumps.
Volunteers can sign up through the link below -
SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS
Heritage High School
Email: carlina.chirufekel@lcps.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/hhscounseling
Location: 520 Evergreen Mill Road SE Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 571-252-2800
Facebook: facebook.com/HeritageHighSchoolVA
Twitter: @RoarPride