Scholarship Listing UPDATED

If you want some money, you are going to have to do some work!!

Seniors should be checking out the 2022-23 scholarship listing. There is a huge range of scholarships with due dates ranging from January to March.  The scholarship page has been updated to include over 20 scholarships. Most listed are Peoria area scholarships with a few national scholarships included.

Scholarship listing may be accessed by clicking on the button on the right column or by clicking here. 

AMT Earn While You Learn Program

AMT has started an “Earn While You Learn” Program that pays students while they go through a six-week course to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic. The applications are now open for the third class. Attached is the job posting you can pass along to any students, past or present, that might be interested. It is a Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm course and the student must be 18 years old by 4/1/23. See the link at the bottom of the posting for more information.

There will also be 2 informational sessions students can attend for more information if they are unsure if this career path is right for them. The first is Tuesday, November 29 at 5:00pm and the second is Thursday, December 1 at 10:00am. Both are located at Advanced Medical Transport, 1718 N Sterling Ave in Peoria.

Join Team AMT!

Time to Look for Some Money

We have added a list of over 20 area (and national) scholarships. There is a wide variety of criteria. Employer scholarships include HyVee, Mediacom, and McDonald's. There are scholarships for a number of different intended majors including: teaching, agriculture, engineering, nursing, technical schools, and more.  We will update the scholarships as they come across our desk. Many deadlines are approaching soon so check out the list. The list can be accessed with the link on the right side of this blog or by clicking here.

Note: This is not a list of the Local Scholarships that will be distributed to IVC students. That list will be released at the end of February. 

Lutheran Hillside Village is Hiring

Lutheran Hillside Village, a Life Plan Community for Seniors located here in Peoria, is looking for part time evening dining servers and dishwashers, which are great jobs for high school students because shifts start at 4pm and end no later than 8pm each night.

They will be hosting Open Interviews twice in the month of November: Wednesday, November 2nd and Wednesday, November 16th. They will be welcoming Walk-In Interviews for Part Time Evening Dining Associates between the hours of 10am-4pm. If students are not able to attend either event or would like to get started on the process sooner, they may apply at the website, www.lssworking.org, and schedule a phone screen..

Anyone with questions can contact Coartney Foster at 309-857-6060.

ICC EMS and CNA Applications Released

 Applications are available for the 2023-24 school year.  

• EMS and Fire Safety Program - Open to Seniors - Click here for more info
• CNA Program - Open to Juniors and Seniors - Click here for more info

Illinois Commitment

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers need-based financial aid through their
Illinois Commitment program. Illinois Commitment covers tuition and fees for up to four years for Illinois residents whose family income is $67,100 or less. For more detailed information about the program and to learn whether you may qualify, check out their FAQ page.

Questions to Ask on a College Visit

One of the best ways to learn more about a college is to visit their campus. When you're visiting, it is to your advantage to slow down and ask several questions. While it is helpful to talk to the admission staff (individuals who are paid to talk up a school), it also very insightful to talk to students about what they like and don't like about their school (individuals who will give their honest opinion).


Here is a list of questions to ask while on a campus visit:

Academic

• What high school courses are required for admission?
• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?
• What academic supports are available if a student is struggling?
• Is credit offered for college level classes taken in high school?
• Does the school provide a freshman experience / freshman faculty adviser?

Financial

• What does a typical aid package for a freshman look like?
• How many on-campus jobs are available for students?
• What is the average college debt that students leave with?
• What work-study opportunities are available?

Student Life

• What student activities, clubs, and intramurals are offered?
• What are the on-campus housing opportunities
• What percentage of your students study abroad?
• What makes this school stand out from the rest?
• What is one thing you would change about your school if you could?

Senior Retreat is around the corner

We are very excited about the upcoming senior retreat. The retreat will take place Nov. 2-5 at Eagle Crest Camp in Washburn.
Some info about the retreat...

-- The retreat is four days in length and nearly 100% led by a group of six seniors.

-- This is the 33rd retreat. Over 1,000 students have attended the retreat over the past seventeen years.

-- If a student would like to attend but cannot afford the retreat ($90), there are some partial and full scholarships available if the student comes to see one of the counselors.

Please see one of the counselors for a registration sheet. The sheets are due by October 21st. See any Mr. Kosinski with questions.

FAFSA Opens this Weekend - October 1st

 

The College Tour - Exploring Colleges

Here is a fun way to investigate colleges. The College Tour has video classes that walk you through the search process. And they take less than an hour!! The first College Tour class focuses on location, campus culture, college type, and intended major.

It is presented in a fun, interesting manner. Strongly recommended. And it's all free!

Click here to reach the free classes.

Completing the FAFSA

This article can be found on ISAC.org along with a ton of other useful information.

Financial Aid Planning
Completing the FAFSA®

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This application, which is available to complete online via desktop and laptop computers or mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, or in paper/PDF format, will use income, assets and other factors to determine the amount you and your family are expected to contribute to your college expenses. You must submit the FAFSA in order to be considered for all federal financial aid programs (including student loans), most programs through your college and most state programs, including the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. Most of the questions are demographic-related and the rest of the answers come from your tax forms and/or those of your parents (if you’re a dependent student) or your spouse (if you are married).

Coca Cola Scholarship Is Open

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the country, is now accepting applications from high school seniors to become part of the 35th class of Coca-Cola Scholars and receive one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000.

Students with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply at Cokeurl.com/Apply2022 through October 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. Eastern. Full eligibility requirements can be found at Cokeurl.com/Scholarships. Coke Scholars not only demonstrate excellence in academics, but also serve as leaders in their community and are dedicated to creating positive change.

Homecoming Activities Begin Friday!!

Theme: BIG Cities

Float Building/Hall Decs: Start Friday, Sept 23rd
Skit Night: Thursday, Oct 6th
Football Game: Friday, Oct 7th
Dance: Saturday, Oct 8th

Here is a float building schedule for each class...

Freshman Class
Sophomore Class
Junior Class
Senior Class 

A Guide to the ISAC Programs

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 more info

JUNIORS - PSAT Test Coming Soon - Sign up Now

What: PSAT/NMSQT Test
Who: Open to any junior
When: October 13th

The PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to preview and practice for the SAT. It will test the same skills and knowledge as the SAT. When you get your test results, connect your College Board and Khan Academy® accounts to get free personalized SAT study recommendations.

In addition, when you take the PSAT/NMSQT, you’re automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

There are only 35 spots available. You can sign up with Mrs. Placher in the counseling office. The test will cost $17.00. Checks can be made out to IVC. Payment must be received before test day. We will test on October 13th, 2020 at 8:00 am.

State Universities - Do they have your major?

Does the school you are considering have the major in which you interested? At-A-Glance breaks down every major at every state university in Illinois.  You can see which university has the major or minor for you.   

12 Reasons To Stay in Illinois

The 12 Reasons PDF booklet is SUPER helpful if considering state schools in IL.  There is a breakdown of all necessary information for each state school.

-- Location

-- Size

-- Tuition

-- Admissions Info

-- Housing Info

-- Open House Dates

-- Scholarship Info

-- Contact Numbers and Addresses 

ISAC Financial Aid Presentation

If you were unable to attend Wednesday night's Financial Aid night, ISAC representative Jacob Harlan covered the differences between scholarships, loans, grants, and more. Though the 2022-23 presentation is unavailable to the public, here is the link to the 2021-22 presentation. The information is largely the same, though some of the dollar amounts have changed.

How to negotiate your financial aid package!

Great video from IVC graduate Micah Schultz '20 about how to get the most out of your financial aid package. Well done Micah!

$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. Last year's winner Reese Hankins finished 10th in State.

Topic: Why is the Veteran Important?
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 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.

Link to Application 

UIUC Releases Application Deadlines

Fall 2023 Application Deadlines

UIUC will be offering two application periods, with early action and regular decision dates. Applying early does give students an advantage. For Fall 2022, students who applied by our priority deadline were 22% more likely to be admitted.

Early Action Deadline
• Deadline: November 1
• Notification: January 27

Regular Decision Deadline
• Deadline: January 5
• Notification: March 3

Planning of Becoming a Teacher - Check this out

The Golden Apple Scholars teacher preparation and tuition assistance program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2023!

Golden Apple Scholars Receive:

• Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college
• Extensive classroom teaching experience
• Academic and social-emotional support
• Job placement assistance
• Mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty

Golden Apple Application and Info

Manufacturing Career Expo 2022

Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training (P.E.R.F.E.C.T.) is hosting this year's Manufacturing Career Expo on Tuesday, October 25th at Caterpillar/Komatsu followed by lunch and a tour of the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies facility at ICC. Space is limited to 14 students - stop by the counseling office to sign up.

Upcoming Visits for Shape Your Future Week

This is the current list of schools or military that will be visiting IVC. The list will be updated periodically. Check the Guidance calendar in the upper left of this page for the latest visit dates. New schools are added daily. 

Students will receive a form enabling them to sign up for the visits that interest them.

The College Tour App

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.
​
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

-- Iowa State

-- Illinois State University

-- Illinois Wesleyan (Coming Soon)

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 2022-23. 

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

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.

Tuesdays: 9/20, 9/27 & 10/4 - 5:00pm-8:00pm
Thursdays: 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29- 5:00pm- 8:00pm

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.

Freshman Assembly

The counselors met with the freshmen today during homeroom to give them a brief overall of how the department works.

Things that were covered include:
-- who the counselors are,
-- the different reasons a freshman may want to chat with us,
-- where our office are located,
-- how to go about requesting to see us,
-- confidentiality,
-- living up to their awesomeness,
-- getting involved,
-- and who their class advisors are.

Click here to see the presentation

Off to College Meeting

The counselors met with all seniors today during HR about the options after high school.  Most of the focus was on the college application process.  Click on the picture below to open the presentation below. It is in PDF format.

Shape Your Future Week - For Seniors and Juniors

Over a two week period in September, over 20 schools will be visiting IVC to meet with students. This is the perfect chance for the students to explore and figure out what school make be the right fit for them.  The visits are are not limited to just colleges and universities.  We will have vocational and career tech schools also stopping by.

The counseling department will be sending a sign up form to all juniors and seniors, listing the schools that will be visiting IVC.  

This is a great chance for students to meet an admissions rep from a school to which they are interested in attending.  Every connections made with a school increases the chance of being admitted.

A Great Way to Earn College Credit

 Welcome to CLEP!! 

College Level Examination Program - You can receive college credit for what you already know and avoid sitting through college courses that you don’t need. There are CLEP Tests in over 30 subject areas.

Who is eligible? - Any student at least 13 yrs old

Where do I test? - IVC H.S. is an official CLEP Test site now

How do I get more info? - Stop by the counseling office or CLICK HERE for a step by step guide to taking the test.

Important Dates for Seniors and Parents

Below is a list of important dates this year with a short description of each. We encourage seniors and parents to attend as many of these programs as possible. For more info on any of them, please call (309) 274-5481 x2.

Off to College Breakfast
Friday, Sept 9th
8:00-9:00 a.m. - Chillicothe Library

This is our 13th year offering an Off to College Breakfast at the Chilli library. The breakfast will cover the application process, some of the ins and outs of college, tips for parents, and more. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be

Off to College Breakfast for Parents

Off to College Guide - 2022-23

All seniors will be receiving this year's Off to College Guide at the senior meeting next Tuesday (Aug 30th.) The guide is packed information such as: timelines, factors to consider, college open houses, keys to the process, important website links, and steps to writing a great essay.

The guide can be accessed by clicking this link.
 

ISU Future Teacher Conference - Juniors and Seniors

The Counseling Department will be taking a dozen interested students to the Future Teacher Conference at ISU.

When - October 21st
Where - Illinois State University
Cost - Free
Who should attend - Any junior or senior interested in the teaching field

Students will be given the opportunity to choose from over 25 different breakout sessions.  

Interested students should sign up in the Counseling Office. Only 12 spots available.

SAT - October Test Date Approaches

The deadline for the October 1st SAT is coming up. Registration deadline is September 2nd. Any senior

who plans to retake the SAT should sign up ASAP. To register, students should go to www.collegeboard.org. The test is not given at IVC but there are nearby testing centers.

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

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.

Do you know what IVC has to offer?

Getting Involved At IVC

IVC has dozens of sports, clubs, groups, and activities for students of all ages and interests. Check out the list to see many of the great options IVC has to offer!

If you have questions about any sport, club or activity, contact a counselor. We can point you in the right direction.

Welcome to the new school year!!

We are so glad to get back to school.  There will definitely 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.

New to the Counseling Department:

Ms. Dana James (Intern) - Ms. James has been teaching for 16 years, most recently in Alaska. She will be with us all year as a counseling intern.

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 and 504s) - rwilliams@ivcschools.com

ICC Early College Orientation

 All students taking online dual credit classes through ICC - please read!! Here are three helpful links you should check out before classes begin on August 15th:

-- Early College Orientation Video - this is the same video found in your ICC email address
-- Student Technology Help - click here for help signing into your ICC email, finding your User ID, learning your default password, etc.
-- Canvas Overview - Canvas is new this year. It is ICC's learning management system for syllabi, assignments, and grades.

Freshman Orientation - August 10th

 

Great Way to Get Ready for High School

 
On Starting High School is a summer program we started many years ago to help students successfully transition into high school.  The five-day class is both informative and fun. 

Benefits of attending On Starting High School...
-- Build a strong foundation for a successful start
-- Learn the ins and outs of the high school
-- Meet new people before the year starts
-- Learn strategies to be have a great first year
-- Cover all of the sports, clubs, and activities
-- Tips on how to balance activities and school
-- ...and more

The flyer to the left has been mailed to every family!

Summer School Info

 

Production Welding Certificate at ICC

Illinois Central College Workforce Development Division has an opportunity for free and reduced lunch individuals that are graduating in May of 2022, to get their Production Welding Certificate from the college through a grant.

This opportunity would also be open to any unemployed, displaced worker, or community members that fit the low-income status of the grant and hold a GED or high school diploma. Please read the details below about this program.

Workforce Equity in Advanced Manufacturing Production Welding Program

Summer Semester: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 3:20 PM, Pekin Campus

May 31, 2022 – August 1, 2022, for the first 3 Classes

Fall Semester: August 15, 2022 - December 12, 2022, Final 2 Classes on East Peoria

The production Welder certificate program is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills pertaining to gas metal arc welding processes for employment as an entry-level welder. This certificate program provides minimum coursework and laboratory practice for individuals gaining MIG (GMAW) welding skills required by local employers for entry-level production welding skills. Students focus on the theory and practice associated with production welding in a manufacturing setting. Those who are successful in the academic portion will receive a production certificate and have the opportunity to test for the industry-recognized American Welding Society certification.

If interested, complete the form at www.icc.edu/wei and/or contact the Workforce Equity Initiative at (309) 690-6832.

A Great Way to Earn College Credit

Welcome to CLEP!! 

College Level Examination Program - You can receive college credit for what you already know and avoid sitting through college courses that you don’t need. There are CLEP Tests in over 30 subject areas.

Who is eligible? - Any student at least 13 yrs old

Where do I test? - IVC H.S. is an official CLEP Test site now

How do I get more info? - Check out this CLEP presentation created by the IVC District Administrators. A PDF of the presentation is also available.

Summer Employment Opportunity

Bradley University Off-Campus Properties and Main Street Commons in conjunction with PHD Services are looking for individuals who like working on their feet and with their hands, who enjoy working as part of a team. This position, as a summer team member, can expect to clean, maintain, and prep apartments in the Saint James Complex, as well as Main Street Commons (both located within a half mile to Bradley University). They can look forward to learning high value skills, all while adding another key experience to their resume.

We offer flexible scheduling with pay ranging from $12-$15 per hour. Must be at least 16 years of age, able to lift 50 lbs, be able stay on your feet for long periods of time, work primarily around Peoria and the Bradley University campus area, and will work in a team atmosphere. IVC high school students have successfully held these positions in past summers. We will provide a fun atmosphere, and will train anyone, at any skill level, as long as they are willing to learn. No experience necessary.   

All those interested can email Ethan at stjamesoffice@fsmail.bradley.edu.

Helen Jordan Truitt Scholarship Workshop

The Helen Jordan Truitt Scholarship was established in 1987. Since its inception, the Truitt Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling more than $2.3 million. Last year $45,000 was awarded to two IVC students.

Students are invited to apply for a Truitt Scholarship. The criteria for eligibility was established by the Truitt Foundation, not IVC High School.

Invitation to Apply

GPA after 6 semesters - 3.0

7th semester GPA - 3.5

Local Scholarship Assembly Recap

Seniors met in the auditorium this morning during HR period and were given a list of all the available local scholarships. Click here for presentation. Last year, over 50 scholarships were awarded totaling over $90,000. Although we do not have exact figures for all of this year's scholarships, it is pretty fair to expect an amount very similar to last year.

To view scholarship list, click here. Although parents are welcome to look at the scholarship list, only students can access the actual application.  All scholarships must be accessed from the students' IVC email accounts. 

All scholarships due Monday, April 4th at 3:00. No late applications will be accepted. This is the third year that students were given the opportunity to use spring break to complete applications. 

Note: Many applications ask for recommendations. If a student plans to ask an IVC faculty member for a recommendation, he or she should ask the faculty member before Tuesday, March 22nd so the faculty has ample time to complete recommendations.

Work Based Construction Apps Are Due!

Reminder to any sophomore of junior interested in the WBL Construction Program: Your applications are due this Friday (Feb. 25th) to Mr. Kosinski in the counseling office. This is a strict deadline since all apps must be delivered to the PERFECT offices.

Upcoming College Fair

The Illinois Regional College Fair is back at Bradley University and will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Nearly 80 colleges and universities from 11 states are registered to attend. The college fair is specifically designed for high school students and their families to come and visit with college representatives from across the country.

For more information:  bradley.edu/collegefair

PSAT/SAT-Related Information

 

Students who took the PSAT test should have test scores back and in hand. Scores to Illinois students were released on December 7, 2021. Now that you have this data, what are you to do with it? This post can give you helpful resources and direction on how to improve upon your scores and keep the test information fresh in your mind. The SAT test is scheduled for April 13, 2022 and now is the time to start preparing at all ages. 

First, ensure your College Board account has been created. Next, view your scores from SAT. Then, unlock your personalized study plans to prepare for the SAT.

Sign in and Explore:

• SAT PRACTICE: Send your scores to Khan Academy® for a free, personalized SAT practice plan based on your test results.
• PRACTICE TESTS: Get free, downloadable SAT practice tests online or on paper.

Materials Engineering Camp This Summer

Fantastic opportunity for students interested in engineering! And it is FREE!  

What is a Materials Engineer? Materials engineers work with metals, ceramics, and plastics to create new materials. Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. Basically, materials engineer create and study materials at the atomic level.

Click here for more information

Click here for application

Work Based Learning Construction Trades Meeting