COUNSELING DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2012

FAFSA FRENZY is an opportunity for parents and students to receive FREE HELP with completing the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  FAFSA FRENZY is scheduled for February 12 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Nichols Career Center and is also scheduled at several surrounding locations on various dates through the month of February.  For more details, visit: www.dhe.mo.gov/ppc/fafsa_completion.php

MISSOURI CONNECTIONS offers all students a means to investigate CAREERS, COLLEGES, FINANCIAL AID, and PARTICIPATE IN INTEREST INVENTORIES AND ASSESSMENTS.  Missouri Connections is FREE and VERY EASY to use.  ALL STUDENTS, grades 9-12, may use this website.

To begin your Missouri Connections experience, visit: www.MissouriConnections.org

They will request a password:             2viewmoc

                               Username:            Helias High School

Good luck and happy searching!

TAKE ADVANTAGE of free online budgeting programs, such as Sallie Mae’s Education Investment Planner, which can estimate how much a typical monthly College loan payment will cost you.

LEAD AMERICA MEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE is an opportunity for students in grades 9-11 to attend a conference specifically designed for students interested in the areas of BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND MEDICINE.  You may check out the nomination process at:  www.lead-america.org/nominate   The nomination deadline is February 17.

SENIORS:

1. MISSOURI WESTERN UNIVERSITY in St. Joseph, Missouri, offers a variety of scholarships both Automatic and Competitive.  ACT and GPA/Rank may qualify you for these awards.  To learn more, visit: www.missouriwestern.edu or call 1-800-662-7041.
2. MISSOURI INSURANCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP is a scholarship open to students who plan to attend college in the state of Missouri.  The scholarship is for $1500 and is offered to students with an interest or intent of pursuing an insurance, risk management, actuarial science or related course of study.  The application is available in the counseling office with a March 24 deadline.
3. BUICK ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM recognizes and supports students who put forth the effort and find success both in and out of the classroom BUT need financial assistance to attend college. The scholarship is open to students who plan to attend college in the fall and plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business, with an interest in the automotive industry.  The scholarship can range from $2000 to $25,000.  The application deadline is February 29 and you may find the application at: www.buickachievers.com
4. COLE COUNTY MEDICAL ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP is a $500 scholarship which is open to any senior who plans to pursue a career in HEALTHCARE.  The application deadline is February 10.  Applications are available in the counseling office.
5. CHARTERED PROPERTY CASUALTY UNDERWRITERS SCHOLARSHIP is a $750 scholarship available to a graduating senior who plans to attend college in the fall.  An essay is required on the following topic: “In 2011, Missouri experienced one of the largest tornadoes in recent history.  Disasters like this often destroy life and property on a scale that is hard to grasp for those not directly affected.  Discuss the impacts this type of catastrophic natural disaster has on those involved, the insurance industry, as well as the local government.” The application deadline is March 30.  Application is available in the counseling office.
6. JCMG HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP is a $1000 scholarship available to a senior who plans to attend college in the fall and major in a Healthcare field.  The application is available in the counseling office with a February 17 deadline.
7. LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY BLACK AND WHITE BALL SCHOLARSHIP is a scholarship available to students who demonstrate academic success, leadership and financial need.  The application is available in the counseling office with a deadline date of February 24. 
8. IRENE ROBINETTE ZONTA SCHOLARSHIP is a $1000 scholarship available to all senior GIRLS.   The application is available in the counseling office with a February 24 deadline.
9. IMAGINE AMERICA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM allows seniors to apply for scholarships to a variety of colleges and universities.  To learn more, visit:  http://www.imagine-america.org/highschoolscholarships/apply-now

JUNIORS AND SENIORS:

1. Next Step U Scholarship Search can match you with more than $12 billion to help pay for college.  For more information, visit: www.NextStepU.com/Scholarships
2. MISSOURI WESTERN UNIVERSITY is offering 2 upcoming OPEN HOUSE DATES—February 24 and April 6.  For more information visit: www.missouriwestern.edu
3. K-STATE has set up the following dates for Juniors and Seniors to check out their institution:  Senior Days: Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, Junior Days: April 2, April 16, April 21 and May 4.  ACT Workshop day is March 31.  For details and information on any of these dates, call 1-800-432-8270 or visit:  www.k-state.edu/admissions/events  

ALL STUDENTS:

1. LOOKING FOR YOUR PERFECT COLLEGE?  Pick a state.  Choose a major.  This program does the rest.  Visit:  www.NextStepU.com/CollegeMatch
2. GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?  Want to speak your mind and win $100?  Next Step U’s Shout Out writing contest is the place for you.  For more information, visit: www.NextStepU.com/ShoutOut
3. FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY offers a path for CREATIVE STUDENTS with degrees in ENTERTAINMENT, MEDIA AND THE ARTS.  To discover more, visit:  www.fullsail.edu
4. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTEST FOR GRADES 6-12 ON DISTRACTED DRIVING.  Students are challenged to create an exciting, innovative storyboard or script for a memorable PSA that educates others about distracted driving.  The grand prize winner receives $1000 and will embark on a trip to New York City, where a professional film crew will transform the student’s vision into a 30 second commercial.  Four runners-up each will receive $500.  The deadline for submission is February 29 and the details for the competition can be found at:  http://www.scholastic.com/drive2life
5. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA  ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE is scheduled for March 15.  The open house will feature laboratory exhibits covering many aspects of our lives; from futuristic technologies, to innovative solutions to our everyday problems.  This free event offers an exciting and educational experience for all age levels.  The event runs from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

To find out more, contact Andrew Robertson at: Camdrew@aol.com   or 417-844-8350.