IVC Financial Aid Night Recap

Did you miss ISAC representative Jordyn Hanson discuss all things financial aid? Were you able to attend but still have more questions? We've got you covered! You are encouraged to email your counselor or Jordyn at Jordyn.Hanson@illinois.gov with any questions you have. You can also click this link to access a PDF of her presentation. 

Becoming a Teacher? Check This Out!

The Golden Apple Scholars teacher preparation and tuition assistance program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026!

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

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

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.

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

🎓 Shape Your Future Week Is Coming—Are You Ready?

It’s that time of year again—Shape Your Future Week is landing at our high school, and it’s bringing a college caravan with it!

From October 6th to 17th, over 20 schools will be visiting our campus, ready to meet with students, answer questions, and share what makes their programs stand out. And guess what? It’s not just four-year universities! You’ll also have the chance to connect with:

• Illinois Central College (ICC)

• Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)

• Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

• OSF College of Nursing

• Methodist College of Nursing

Whether you're dreaming of a traditional university experience or exploring career-focused programs in

Senior Retreat #39 is coming up. Registration sheets available.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Senior Retreat from November 5-8 at Stronghold Center 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 39th retreat, with over 1,100 IVC students participating over the past twenty 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 about a scholarship.
Action Required: Registration sheets are available from the counselors and are due as soon as possible. Space is limited, so act fast! The retreat will fill up within a week. 

For any questions, please ask Mr. Kosinski.

Seniors - One Click College Admit

The easy, stress-free way to be admitted to Illinois public universities. No fees and no essays!  There are eight Universities participating this year with more to be added next year.

Check out OneClickAdmit.org for more information.

AIM HIGH - Making College Possible for More Families

CLICK HERE for information about individual school's program.

The AIM HIGH Grant helps Illinois students cover the cost of attending one of the state’s 12 public four-year universities. It’s a renewable, merit- and need-based award designed to keep talented students in-state and reduce student debt.

💰 What It Covers

Transcripts? I'm so confused

Having transcripts sent to colleges is actually pretty easy once you know the system. IVC can release transcripts two different ways.

Common App Colleges - Transcripts are automatically sent by Naviance once you link your Common App to Naviance. See post below for info on how to link accounts.

ALL Other Colleges - Transcripts must be ordered through Parchment.  All students were emailed an invite from Parchment to register.

Recap of the Senior Meeting

Congratulations seniors. We're thrilled to announce the release of our brand-new Off to College Guide!

Whether you're a student gearing up for your first semester next fall or a parent preparing to support your college-bound child, this guide is packed with essential tips, resources, and a sprinkle of inspiration to make the search smooth and successful. Get ready to embark on this exciting journey with confidence and ease.

Let's make this college search experience unforgettable! Your future starts now!

Missed the presentation? No worries! Our presentation is available for your viewing pleasure!

Building your Future in the Trades

During today’s senior meeting, we explored an exciting post-graduation pathway: the building trades. From carpentry to electrical work, these careers offer hands-on opportunities, solid wages, and long-term growth — no college degree required.

To help students dive deeper, we shared a comprehensive packet that breaks it all down:

• 🔧 Descriptions of each trade

• 📊 Industry stats and earning potential

• 💵 Starting wages

• 📇 Key contacts

• 📅 Apprenticeship dates and how often they open

Whether you're curious, committed, or just exploring options, this packet is a great place to start. Swing by Student Services to grab your copy and start building your future — literally.

Bradley University - College Kickoff Event

Bradley is hosting a College Kickoff event at 3pm on Sunday, September 14th. At this event, you will:

• Attend an essay writing seminar with our Bradley English Faculty to truly give you a leg up when it comes to writing your college essays
• Learn about the financial aid process, transferring AP/IB/Dual Credits, and other details in your college searches
• Set up your Common App account
• Ask questions about the college experience to current Bradley students

Click here to register for this informative event.

Ronald W Reagan Leadership Program at EC

If you are interested in Eureka College for the 2026-27 school year, check out the Ronald W Reagan Leadership Program! This program provides a full ride plus study abroad opportunities! It is open to students with at least a 3.30 GPA who have demonstrated leadership in a variety of areas. More information can be found here.

Linking Common App to Naviance

If you are a senior using the Common App, you will need to link your account to Naviance for us to send all Counselor Documents as well as Teacher Recommendations. Below are the steps to link the two:

1. Log onto your Naviance account.
*If you do not know the password, you can log in using Clever.*
2. Click on COLLEGES --> COLLEGES I'M APPLYING TO.
3. Click on MATCH ACCOUNTS.
4. Enter your Common App Email address and click on MATCH ACCOUNTS.
5. You are done :)

Stop by the Student Services office with any questions.

Discover Illinois Colleges with No Application Fee

Applying to college can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially when considering the costs involved. Fortunately, many colleges in Illinois are making it easier for prospective students by waiving application fees. Here is a current list of Illinois colleges that do not charge an application fee, helping you save money while exploring your educational options.

Augustana College
Aurora University
Bradley University
Eastern Illinois University
Elmhurst College
Eureka College
Greenville College
Illinois College
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Wesleyan University
Lake Forest College
Loyola University Chicago
McKendree University
Millikin University
Monmouth College

Northern Illinois University
Rockford University
Saint Augustine College

SIU - Carbondale
University of IL - Springfield
University of St. Francis

Shape Your Future - COMING SOON!!

 

Attendance Matters

Let the Attendance Games Begin!  Throughout the 2025–26 school year, we’re turning attendance into a full-on challenge—with contests, promotions, and bragging rights up for grabs.

Kicking off this Friday: Homerooms will go head-to-head in our first attendance showdown. The goal? Show up, stand out, and stack up those days present. The homeroom with the best attendance wins—not just the glory, but breakfast for the whole homeroom.

So sharpen those pencils, set your alarms, and let’s make showing up a priority. Game on!

Parent Workshops - Fall 2025

SENIORS: What is Parchment?

Parchment is the electronic transcript site that makes sending transcripts simple. It is completely free for all students currently in high school. The best part...it takes about 2 minutes to go on the site and request a transcript. The counselors then click an approve button and the colleges have the transcript. It is the only way that transcripts will be sent to colleges, universities, NCAA, etc.

Reminder to seniors: You must register using the email that was sent to your school email from Parchment. Registration takes about 5-10 minutes but will only need to be done once. After you are registered, ordering transcripts couldn't be simpler.

Note to Parents: The student must sign up for Parchment using the link to his/her school email address. Any accounts using other email addresses will not work because the account will not be properly linked to our school. Please encourage the students to set up the account as soon as possible. It is the only way transcripts will be sent.

ICC Online Dual Credit Help

There are over 50 students taking ICC classes. Pretty amazing. That means 50+ students will be earning college credits while in high school.  Below are two important links for current students...

This first link helps you find your ICC username, log into your ICC email, and log into your eServices (MyICC) account. There is a Help Desk phone number listed at the top if you have any issues or need a password reset.

This second link details answers to the frequently asked questions we get each semester.

Please note that ICC classes begin on August 18th. We would strongly encourage all ICC students to be sure they can access classes before this date.

Getting Involved!! What does IVC have to offer?

🎉 Want to actually enjoy high school? Get involved. Seriously. Science says it works. Whether you're into touchdowns, trombones, theater, or tech, there's something here with your name on it.

This guide gives you the inside scoop on most of the sports, clubs, and activities our school offers—aka your gateway to fun, friends, and finding your thing.

❓ Got questions? Wondering if there's a club for underwater basket weaving or competitive kazoo? Hit up your counselor. They're basically your personal GPS for extracurricular awesomeness.

👉 Click here to explore Sports, Clubs, and Activities – Your future favorite thing might be one click away.

Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year

We are so glad to get back to school. There are a lot of exciting and informative activities and events planned for this school year. There will be a blend of in-person and virtual events hosted by the counseling department throughout the year. We look forward to staying in touch with all parents and students. Please reach out to any of the counselors with any questions you may have:

Mr. Mark Kosinski (students last name A-K) -mkosinski@ivcschools.com
Mrs. Laura Davis (students last name L-Z) - ldavis@ivcschools.com
Mrs. Rachel Williams (students with IEPs) - rwilliams@ivcschools.com

Service Academy Night

Congressman Darin LaHood is hosting a Service Academy Night on September 22, 2025 beginning at 5:30 PM at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, IL. If you are considering any of the 5 service academies, this is a meeting you will NOT want to miss! RSVP required by September 15th. Click on this link for more information and to RSVP.

Pearce is Hiring!!

Materials Engineering Camp

Attention all students entering their Junior or Senior year! The Peoria chapter of ASM Materials is hosting their 20th annual week long summer camp for students who are interested in Engineering. This camp is FREE to all selected participants. Camp runs from July 21 - July 24 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM for 2025. More information can be found here. Applications are due May 3rd and can be found here.

Summer Opportunity at ISU: Redbird Risk Management Challenge

Redbird Risk Management Challenge

Illinois State University invites the best that the Midwest and beyond has to offer to compete in a weeklong risk management challenge held at the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management on the ISU campus from July 13 through July 18, 2025.

Teams assume the roles of senior risk management professionals and are asked to guide their corporation through a minefield of potential disasters. Losses may occur without notice - and have the potential to greatly setback your corporations ability to operate. The only alternative to bankruptcy is for your team to correctly assess the impact of these perils and implement superior risk management strategies. The winning team is determined by which corporation generates the most profit by the end of the week.


This experience is challenging and requires teams to think creatively and stay resourceful.

We have fun too! In the evenings there are structured social activities such as bowling, mini-golf, and other competitive activities designed to build camaraderie and help earn additional revenue for your “companies”. Students stay in a dorm on the Illinois State University campus while in the program, allowing them to experience what it is like to live on a college campus.

Special student guides and programming are arranged for students during the evening.



                                                            APPLY HERE



Please contact Program Coordinator Kylie at kmaurer@ilstu.edu with any questions.


We are seeking students who:

• Are entering their senior year in high school
• Plan to attend college after graduation
• Presently have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 Scale)
• ACT scores and Letters of Recommendation are viewed favorably but NOT required

Selection will be based on GPA, extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles held by the applicant. A letter of recommendation from a business/consumer science teacher is viewed favorably. This recommendation confirms the student’s activities and interests in business.


Applications are due May 31, 2025.

What Does This Cost?

This program is FREE. The Redbird Risk Management Challenge is funded through a generous donation from State Farm® and the Spencer Educational Fund. While on campus for the challenge, the costs of tuition, room, and meals are covered.

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!