Local Scholarship List Released

The counselors met with the senior class this morning to present all of the local scholarships available to the students for the 2024-25 school year. All scholarship applications will be due on April 2nd. No late applications will be accepted.

Any student who was not in attendance is encouraged to take a look at the presentation by clicking here and stopping by the counseling office to pick up the scholarship list.

All scholarships must be accessed through Naviance. Students can log in to Naviance using Clever.  The list of scholarships can be found by clicking here or the link in the Local Scholarships Section to the right. All scholarships must be filled out by the students using their email accounts.

Attention Seniors: Local Scholarship Dates Announced

Each year, over $100,000 is given out in local scholarships. These scholarships range from $250 to $40,000.  Last year, there were 50+ different scholarships awarded to graduating seniors.  With the growing cost of college, every penny helps.

Here is a breakdown of the upcoming dates...

Wednesday, February 19  - Local Scholarship Meeting - Extended HR

Students will see a presentation on all of the available scholarships. They will also receive a handout which lists each scholarship.  That sheet will be posted on this blog on the 19th for all students and parents to view. All scholarships will be available through Naviance on the 19th.

Click below for the rest of the dates.

Community Foundation of Central Illinois Scholarships

 Community Foundation of Central Illinois Scholarship

Community Foundation of Central Illinois offer scholarships to the Central Illinois area. Click the link below to see more details about deadlines and scholarship qualifications.

You can find scholarship opportunities here!

WIU Fee Waiver through the end of February

From WIU Admissions:

Our admissions application remains open and we are making admissions decisions for Fall 2025. Students may use either the Western Illinois application or the Common Application to apply:

Western Illinois application

Common Application

Fee Waiver through Feb. 28
We want to support students still making college decisions or re-thinking earlier plans. We will automatically waive the application fee for students who apply by February 28. This will save the student $30. 

A How-to Guide for Freshman Registration

 Planning a schedule for freshman year can be quite an intimidating process. Hopefully this blog post will help students and parents through the process. The pink registration sheets are due by Friday, Feb 28th to the student's grade school main office. Class selection should also be inputted into TeacherEase before returning the sheets (for those students with access to TeacherEase.) 

The front side of the registration sheet is the demographic portion. It is important that it be filled out completely since the information will be entered into the computer system.

Please click below for further instructions...

Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form

Senior students and their parents are able to submit the FAFSA starting December 1 for the class of 2025 using the website https://studentaid.gov/

Parents/students who do not want to complete the FAFSA will need to submit the FAFSA non participation to the ISAC portal by May 1 of the year they graduate.  The directions for nonparticipation form can be found by clicking here.

Completing the FAFSA or nonparticipation form is a graduation requirement for IVC High School.

Exploring Careers in Rural Pharmacy: A virtual Panel Discussion

Illinois Rural Health Association and IL AHEC are hosting a virtual panel discussion on Thursday, February 27th from 7:00-8:00 pm.

This panel will allow you to hear first-hand from rural pharmacists who work in different settings, as well as current students to gain a better understanding of the profession. An overview of the various academic pathways to becoming a pharmacist will also be provided.

This event is for high school students, college students, or anyone looking for a career change. To register go to https://www.ilruralhealth.org/event-6043536 .

Seniors Attending ICC - Fall 2025

 Are you a current senior planning on attending ICC this fall? Be sure to check out their Early College Visit Day on February 7th from 9:00AM - 12:00PM. Take the next step in your college journey and see everything ICC has to offer firsthand. This is your chance to explore programs, learn about financial aid and scholarships, meet faculty and current students, tour the campus, and more. Click this link to register for this informative event!

ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY CAMP

ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY CAMP

Interested in hands-on sessions in everything from music, theatre, filmmaking, improv and visual art to game design, engineering, and speech and debate? 

Join us this summer for Bradley’s Arts and Technology Camp!

Spend a week immersed in your passions–choose one major course and one minor course for the week and spend your time in breakout sessions where you’ll build new skills through hands-on experience.

On your final day of camp, you’ll be able to showcase your accomplishments with your peers, family, and friends at an exciting camp expo. You’ll also earn digital badges to showcase your skills on your resume or LinkedIn.

Arts and Technology Camp Video

Announcement from SIU-E Regarding Free Tuition

This message came from the Chancellor at SIU-E...

We know that too often the opportunity to earn a college degree is not realized because students worry about how they will pay tuition. I am also surprised by how many students and families miss available opportunities simply because they do not know about them.

I am proud to share that this year the SIUE Commitment, SIUE’s program to provide free tuition and fees has been expanded to more deserving Illinois residents. Illinois students admitted to SIUE arriving from households with an annual income of $113,575 or less will now have access to free tuition and fees.

All of the Illinois state universities have a similar program. This link will explain the program at each of the universities.  It is worth a moment to see if you qualify.

Registration Presentations

The counselors met during extended homeroom this week with the to-be sophomores, juniors, and seniors
about registration for the 2025-26 school year.  Students are encouraged to discuss their class selections with parents and enter their classes directly into TeacherEase.  The counselors will begin calling the students to the counseling office to discuss those choices when we all return from holiday break. Click below for each presentation. Remember: it is the grade students will be in next year.

Sophomore Presentation

Junior Presentation

Senior Presentation

The Skills Gap: New Opportunities Through Trade Schools

As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, trade schools are stepping up to fill the gap. These institutions offer specialized training in fields like construction, healthcare, and technology, providing students with the hands-on experience and credentials they need to succeed. With the promise of good wages and job security, trade schools are becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to enter the workforce quickly and effectively. This video produced by MTI gives a closer look at that Skills Gap.

ACT Prep at Bradley University

📢 Attention Juniors!

Bradley University will host online ACT Prep Classes from February 4th to March 4th, in preparation for the April test. This is a fantastic opportunity to boost your scores and enhance your college applications. All juniors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these classes. Don’t miss out on this valuable chance to prepare for your future!

ACT review will be on Tuesday evenings from February 4 - March 4, 2025.

Cost: $99

Click here to register

Click here to purchase ACT book for class

Work based Learning Opportunities for IVC Students

Exciting news! Applications are now available for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs in Construction, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Emergency Medical Services/Fire Science. These programs offer students hands-on experience and invaluable skills in their chosen fields, preparing them for future careers.

The Construction program allows students to explore the trades, while the CNA program provides essential training for those interested in healthcare. The EMS/Fire Science program is perfect for students passionate about emergency services, offering training in fire safety, emergency medical care, and rescue operations.

These WBL programs not only provide practical experience but also open doors to potential job opportunities and certifications. Interested students should apply as soon as possible to secure their spots. More information can be found by clicking here.

Don't miss this chance to gain real-world experience and jumpstart your career!

Scheduling 101 - Presentation for Parents

The Scheduling 101 presentation at IVC High School provided parents with an overview of the scheduling process. Key points included:

• Sequencing of Classes: Core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies were discussed, along with academic pathways and prerequisites for advanced courses.
• Graduation Requirements: Detailed information on credit requirements, mandatory courses, and standardized tests needed for graduation was provided.
• Class Schedule Layout: The daily schedule and block scheduling were explained to show how students’ days are structured.
• Electives Offered: A wide variety of electives, special programs like AP courses and Dual Enrollment, and extracurricular opportunities were highlighted.

Parents were encouraged to engage with their children’s academic planning and use school resources to ensure a successful high school experience.

Click here if you would like to
view the PDF of the presentation with speaker notes

New Online Curriculum Guide

Gone is the 60+ page Course Description Book. Time to celebrate!! Everything can be found online using our new Curriculum Guide. It is simple to use and easily accessible. The online Curriculum Guide includes:

--- Breakdown of graduation requirements
--- Descriptions for every course offered
--- Information about all programs offered such as CNA and WBL
--- Links to valuable information about career information.

Click here to check the new guide

Free FAFSA Help From ISAC

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the FAFSA? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is here to help you navigate the financial aid maze with ease. 💡

Why stress when you can get FREE virtual assistance? ISACorps staff members are ready to guide you through every step of the FAFSA process. Whether you’re stuck on a specific question or need a full walkthrough, they’ve got your back!

How to Book Your Session:

• Visit the ISAC Booking page: www.isac.org/booking
• Choose a convenient time for your one-on-one virtual meeting.
• Get ready to tackle the FAFSA with confidence!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to secure your financial future. Book your session today and take the first step towards your college dreams! 🌟

Bradley Offers Virtual SAT/ACT Prep

Bradley University is excited to offer a structured, supportive virtual SAT/ACT prep program designed to help students strengthen their skills and improve their test-taking strategies. From Feb. 4 through Mar. 4, students can take advantage of

• Impactful instruction in key areas tested on SAT/ACT
• Practice exams to familiarize students with the test format
• Tips and strategies for managing time and reducing test anxiety.

Students can register now to build their skills and connect with experienced instructors. Click this link to register for these interactive online reviews.

Seniors Going to College - How Far Along Are You?

We are now into November. Any senior planning on going to college should be started with the process. If not, TODAY is the day to get started. Below is a checklist of things that should be done or at least underway by now.

• Investigate colleges and possible majors to find a good fit. (See your counselor if you are struggling with this step.)
• Visit colleges (It is important to see if a specific college is a good fit for you.)
• Apply to colleges (All applications can be found on the colleges' websites.)
• Look for scholarship (Check out Scholarship link to the right and the Off to College Guide for more links to great scholarship websites.)

Check out your account on Naviance.com to update your college page. This will help your counselor send out materials in a timely fashion.

U of I to Host Application Workshops

Struggling with your U of I application? Join one of their upcoming virtual application workshops to get all the tips they need to submit a strong application. The admissions counselors will walk you through the process and answer any questions you have about Illinois or applying.

The workshops are Nov 20, Dec 4, and Dec 18.

Thank You, Veterans!

The IVC Counselors would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Your sacrifices, dedication, and courage have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your service and the lasting impact you've made - you inspire and shape our communities in countless ways.

Work Based Learning - Construction

All current Juniors interested in a trade after high school - this is for you! Spend a year learning about the construction industry and gain credit doing it. Students in the Work-based Learning (WBL) Construction class will get a hands-on chance to learn about all of the different trades. Some of the trades the students will learn about include Plumbers, Sheet Metal Workers, Carpenters, Cement Masons, Iron Workers, Steamfitters, Electricians, and Operating Engineers.

Here is how the program works...

First semester:

• Students participate in WBL in either the morning or afternoon. They are expected to be at IVC the other half of the day.
• Students will spend a week or so at each of the different trades, learning that trade in a hands-on atmosphere.
• Students will also spend time covering all of the OSHA Guidelines for the workplace.

Second semester:

• Students choose one of the trades and spend a semester at an actual job site.

Applications are available in the Counseling Office or by clicking here.

Applications are due March 1st.

Check Those Deadlines!

The College Application process is underway and seniors should be applying. There are a lot of steps to navigate so it is important that the process get started.

Each school has different deadlines and requirements for needed items. Be sure to check with each school to verify that you have the correct information. November 1st is a deadline for several schools, so check these out soon!

If you have any questions or need to clear any confusion, please see your counselor as soon as possible!

ICC Early College Dual Credit Welding Program

Are you a high school student interested in a hands-on career in welding? Illinois Central College (ICC) is excited to offer an Early College program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an entry-level welder. This program runs from August 18, 2025, to May 15, 2026, and is perfect for those looking to enter the manufacturing field or pursue a union apprenticeship.

Program Overview

Location and Schedule:

• ICC Pekin
  • Morning Class: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Monday – Thursday OR
  • Afternoon Class: 11:00 AM – 1:50 PM, Monday – Thursday

What You'll Learn

Participants will work towards earning a Production Welder Certificate through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various welding processes, including:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

In addition to mastering these techniques, students will gain valuable knowledge in welding theory and blueprint reading, essential skills for any aspiring welder.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in welding, consider enrolling in ICC’s Early College program. This is your chance to learn essential skills, earn certifications, and prepare for a successful future in the manufacturing industry.

For more information about the program, click on this link or talk with your counselor.

Considering Bradley? Check This Out!

Are you a senior considering Bradley University for the fall? Schedule a visit there today! All seniors who attends a scheduled visit before November 22nd will be eligible to receive a $4000 visit grant ($1000 per year). Current high school students who attend Bradley this fall as a full-time first-year student are considered eligible, and it will be added to financial aid packages for enrolling students. Please email Angie Cooksy at acooksy@fsmail.bradley.edu with any questions!

Stir Up Some Culinary Magic at ICC!

Hey future chefs and culinary stars! 🍽️ Are you ready for an exciting opportunity? Mark your calendars for November 21st from 8:45 AM-12:00 PM because the Illinois Central College Culinary Arts Expo is coming your way!

This is a fantastic opportunity - ICC is all about creating a fun and informative day filled with insights into the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management fields. You'll get to explore impressive Dogwood Hall, meet knowledgeable faculty and enthusiastic students, and gather useful information on scholarships, financial aid, student life, and a seamless enrollment process.

Please let your counselor know if you are interested so we can get you registered. Questions? Reach out to Ashley at Ashley.Berlett@icc.edu or call 309-694-5200.

💰 $500 Up For Grabs to an IVC Student 💰

One IVC student will walk away with $500 in this year's Voice of Democracy Contest sponsored by our local VFW. Students need to create a 3-5 minute oral essay. The competition is open to all IVC students. The winning submission from IVC will move on to the state competition. 

Topic: Is American Today Our Forefathers' Vision?
Grades: 9-12
Top Prize: $500
Second Prize: $200
Due Date: October 31st
For more details: Entry forms may be picked up from any counselor, English teacher or social studies teacher.

Basically students will need to write an essay and then turn it to an audio file. It is actually quite simple. The teachers at the high school use many different programs/app to save audio. Students should ask their English teacher if they are unsure what program to use. The counselors have thumb drives available if needed.

🎉 Shape Your Future Week Success! 🎉

Shape Your Future Week was an absolute hit! We had a fantastic turnout with 29 colleges and schools visiting IVC, and our juniors and seniors took full advantage of the opportunity. A whopping 139 students attended at least one college visit, totaling an impressive 362 students at the presentations.

On average, each college session had 12.5 eager minds ready to learn about their future possibilities. The top crowd-pullers?

1.  ICC
2.  Illinois State
3.  U of I - Urbana/Champaign
4.  Bradley
5.  Iowa State
6.  Augustana & Mizzou

Thanks to everyone who made this week such a success!

ICC Hosts Illinois Regional College Fair

You are invited! Illinois Central College is hosting a college fair on Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00-8:00 PM. The event will be held at the East Peoria Campus CougarPlex. Over 60 in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities will be present to discuss academic programs, financial aid options, the admissions process, and more. For a complete list of colleges attending the event, click here. You can register for the event by clicking this link.

Army ROTC Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) Scholarship

The Army ROTC is offering a tuition waiver that covers full tuition for students interested in becoming part of the Army ROTC program. To help students explore this opportunity, they will be hosting a combine event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Camp Lincoln in Springfield. This event will include a fitness test and a short interview to assess eligibility for the scholarship. It is designed for senior students, especially those who have shown an interest in pursuing higher education and leadership opportunities.

The application is due by October 23, 2024, and the flyer attached contains all the necessary details, including the application process, contact information, and the list of schools participating in the program.

This is a fantastic way for them to attend college without the burden of tuition costs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out: arotc@illinois.edu or (217) 244-1407.