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.

Unlocking the Secrets of College Campuses: Your Ultimate Guide to Campus Visits

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of choosing the perfect college? One of the best ways to get a true feel for a school is to visit its campus. But don’t just breeze through—take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and ask plenty of questions. Here’s why slowing down and engaging with both the admission staff and current students can make all the difference.

1. Talk to the Pros: Admission Staff When you first arrive, make sure to chat with the admission staff. These folks are pros at showcasing what makes their school shine. They’ll provide you with all the essential information about programs, facilities, and campus life. Remember, they’re there to highlight the best aspects of the college, so take notes and gather all the details you can.

2. Get the Real Scoop: Current Students While the admission staff can give you the official tour, the real goldmine of information comes from talking to current students. These are the people living the college experience day in and day out. Ask them what they love about their school and what they wish could be better. Their honest opinions will give you a well-rounded view of what to expect.

3. Questions to Ask. Here are some questions to get you started.

WIU Announces No Application Fee for October

Western Illinois University just announced NO APPLICATION FEE for the month of October. If you are considering Western, be sure to apply this month and save yourself some $$! Also check out their Discover Western Preview Days. Visit wiu.edu/visit for more information.

Upcoming Senior Retreat

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Senior Retreat from November 6-9 at LOMC in Oregon, IL. Here’s what you need to know:

• Introspective Experience: This four-day retreat is nearly 100% led by a group of six seniors, offering a unique and reflective experience.
• Rich History: This marks the 37th retreat, with over 1,000 IVC students participating over the past nineteen years.
• Limited Space: Due to the new retreat center, we can only accommodate 15 guys and 15 girls.
• Cost:  The retreat costs $100. This covers our lodging and meals at the retreat center. If the $100 fee is a concern, partial and full scholarships are available. Please see Mr. Kosinski for more information.
• Action Required: Registration sheets are available from the counselors and are due by October 18th. Space is limited, so act fast! The retreat will fill up long before the 18th.

For any questions, please see Mr. Kosinski.

Let’s make this retreat unforgettable! 🌟

EBSCO Resources for FREE!

Great news! The state of Illinois has established an agreement with EBSCO to provide FREE access to research databases for Illinois schools. our district has now been set up so all teachers, staff, and students have access to the databases. There is a link on the Parent/Student information page of our schools website, or Click Here while on school property.

New to EBSCO?

EBSCO is an online research platform that provides access to a vast collection of academic and scholarly resources. It includes articles from magazines, journals, newspapers, and other publications, making it an excellent too for students working on research projects, papers, and presentations. You can find scholarly articles, e-books, magazines, newspapers, and more!

Becoming a Teacher? Check This Out!

The Golden Apple Scholars teacher preparation and tuition assistance program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2025!

Golden Apple Scholars Receive:

• Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college
  
• Extensive classroom teaching experience
• Instruction from award-winning educators and expert partners
• Academic and social-emotional support
• Job placement assistance
• Mentoring in first year of teaching

Click Here for Golden Apple Application and Info

UIUC Program Explorer Tool

Before students apply to U of I, they are encouraged to check out the Program Explorer tool.

For each major at U of I, the Program Explorer tool provides a brief description, what graduates do with the degrees, how much the program costs, graduation and retention rates, related majors, and more.

Students can also take a self-assessment to discover which of the majors relate to their interests, explore majors by Holland type, and compare majors side by side.

Since students are admitted by major at UIUC, this tool is especially important to those applying. Hopefully this tool will help them make an informed decision on prospective major.

Methodist College Open House Events

Methodist College will be hosting a fall Open House on Monday, October 14th and Saturday, November 16th at 9:00 AM for any prospective students and guests. They currently offer the following degrees:

Undergraduate Degree
· Bachelor of Science in Nursing
· Bachelor of Science in Health Science
· Bachelor of Social Work


Certificate
· Gerontology Certificate

Graduate Degree
· Master of Science in Nursing

Click here to register for either of these great events!

NCAA Eligibility Center Information

Interested in playing collegiate athletics? Make sure you know what steps to take to qualify! Click below to access the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete for 2024-25.

This document is full of timelines, resources, differences between the different divisions, course requirements, and so much more. If you are interested in playing DI, DII, or DIII athletics, this is DEFINITELY worth a read.

NCAA Eligibility Center Guide

Free Tuition in Illinois?

Are you ready to take your education to the next level without the burden of tuition fees? The Aim High program in Illinois is here to make your college dreams a reality! This incredible initiative offers free tuition to qualifying students, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of your academic success. Whether you’re a top achiever or a dedicated student with big aspirations, Aim High is designed to support you every step of the way.

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

Princess Closet Hours Posted

Homecoming is almost here - don't let the lack of funds stop you from missing the fun this year! Come borrow the complete outfit: Dress, shoes and jewelry.

Bring your student ID - a $25 deposit is required: Refunded at the time of return.

Mondays: 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 - 5:00pm-7:30pm

Tuesday: 9/24 - 5:00pm-7:30pm
Thursday: 9/19- 5:00pm- 7:30pm

Princess Closet is located in the lower level of Shore Acres Clubhouse. Entrance is on the back side of the building. Email Cari Horack at chorack@ivcschools.com for more information.

IVC Financial Aid Night

Tuesday, September 12th
6:00 p.m. - IVC Library (at 5:30 we will have a condensed version of the Off to College Breakfast)

A representative from the IL Student Assistance Commission will be at IVC to present a program on financial aid and scholarships. This program is very informative, especially for those parents who are new to the college application process. FAFSA will also be introduced. The counselors will have a shortened presentation of what was covered at the Off to College Breakfast the previous Friday.

ISAC Guide to Programs (FREE MONEY!)

This handy guide explains many of the available programs and grants available through ISAC (IL Student Assistance Commission). Explanation of the following programs includes:

• MAP Grant
• IL Veteran Grant
• IL National Guard Grant
• Minority Teacher Scholarship
• Special Ed. Tuition Waiver
• IL Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
• Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
• …and more.

Click here for details

Off to College Parent Breakfast Recap

Parents gathered at the Chillicothe Library for an informative college preparation breakfast, where they delved into the college application and admission process. The session covered everything from filling out applications to crucial deadlines and timelines.  Key takeaways included starting early, and seeking support from school counselors and online resources. The importance of college visits was also emphasized, with tips on planning the visit, registering for tours, and engaging with current students and faculty at the college you are visiting. 

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to see the presentation, there will be a 30-minute version of what was presented this morning at Financial Night next Thursday (the 12th) at 5:30 pm in the IVC Library. The Financial Aid presentation will begin at 6:00.

Click here for a PDF version of the presentation.

ACT/SAT Deadlines Approaching

The deadline for the October ACT and SAT is coming up. Any senior who plans to retake either test should sign up ASAP.


To register, students should go to....
SAT - www.collegeboard.org
ACT - actstudent.org


The test is not given at IVC but there are nearby testing centers.

Side note: All juniors will be taking the ICC test in April. The school takes care of that registration.

Calling All Science Students - Student Researcher Program

There is a fantastic program coming up on November 7th for those students interested in the science field. The Ag Lab in Peoria will be hosting a one-day Student Researcher Program for 11th and 12th grade students.

Through the Student Researcher Program, high school students will gain hands-on experience with some of the same research techniques used daily by career researchers at the lab. By the end of the day, students will have rotated through three different laboratories, interacted closely with research staff and gained a deeper understanding of how the multi-disciplinary teams at NCAUR solve research puzzles of national importance, one piece at a time.

Students who have interest in the following fields would benefit from attending this one-day program: Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Entomology, Food Technology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Physical Science, Plant Pathology, and Plant Physiology.

Sept 25: Deadline for the application packet to be completed and turned in to Mr. Kosinski
Nov 7: Student Researcher Day at the USDA ARS NCAUR (AG Lab)

Click here for the application

22 Ways Parents Can Help (and Hurt) The College Application Process

Navigating the college application process can feel like a high-stakes game, and parents often play a crucial role in their child’s journey. But did you know that your involvement can either be a game-changer or a stumbling block? In “22 Ways Parents Can Help (and Hurt) The College Application Process,” the article breaks down the do’s and don’ts to ensure you’re setting your student up for success. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the college admissions scene, this guide will help you strike the perfect balance between support and independence.

How to Manage the Stress of College Admission

Good video for parents of seniors to watch. College acceptance or rejection time can be a period of high stress for families so author Jennifer Wallace joins TODAY to share how families can navigate the extreme pressure high schoolers feel today.

College Tour App & Show

The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers. The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.​

Each episode of The College Tour will focus on a single college or university. Accompanying each episode is a series of shorter videos that tackle many of the FAQs with regard to each college.
​
From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.

Download the app for a truly one-of-a-kind series featuring colleges and universities in a way they have never been seen before!

Area schools featured so far include:
-- University of Illinois-Champaign
-- University of Illinois-Chicago
-- University of Missouri
-- Iowa State University
-- Illinois State University
-- Illinois Wesleyan University

-- University of Northern Iowa

-- Columbia College Chicago

-- Valparaiso University

-- Grand Canyon University

You may also click this link to access the episodes.