- 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.)
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Seniors Going to College - How Far Along Are You?
U of I to Host Application Workshops
Monday, November 11, 2024
Thank You, Veterans!
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Work Based Learning - Construction
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.
- Students choose one of the trades and spend a semester at an actual job site.
Applications are due March 1st.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Check Those Deadlines!
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!
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
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.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Considering Bradley? Check This Out!
Monday, October 21, 2024
Stir Up Some Culinary Magic at ICC!
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.
Friday, October 18, 2024
💰 $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! 🎉
On average, each college session had 12.5 eager minds ready to learn about their future possibilities. The top crowd-pullers?
- ICC
- Illinois State
- U of I - Urbana/Champaign
- Bradley
- Iowa State
- Augustana & Mizzou
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
ICC Hosts Illinois Regional College Fair
Monday, October 7, 2024
Army ROTC Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) Scholarship
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.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Unlocking the Secrets of College Campuses: Your Ultimate Guide to Campus Visits
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.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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.
Monday, September 30, 2024
Upcoming Senior Retreat
- 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.
Let’s make this retreat unforgettable! 🌟
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
EBSCO Resources for FREE!
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!
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Becoming a Teacher? Check This Out!
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
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
UIUC 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.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Methodist College Open House Events
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!
Friday, September 13, 2024
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
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Free Tuition in Illinois?
Princess Closet Hours Posted
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
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.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
IVC Financial Aid Night
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.
Monday, September 9, 2024
ISAC Guide to Programs (FREE MONEY!)
- 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.
Friday, September 6, 2024
Off to College Parent Breakfast Recap
Thursday, September 5, 2024
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.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Calling All Science Students - Student Researcher Program
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)
22 Ways Parents Can Help (and Hurt) The College Application Process
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
How to Manage the Stress of College Admission
Sunday, September 1, 2024
College Tour App & Show
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
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Freshman Class Meeting
-- the different reasons a freshman may want to chat,
-- 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.
Additionally, if you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact the school counseling office. We are here to support both you and your child during this critical transition period. Thank you for your continued support.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Linking Common App to Naviance
1. Log onto your Naviance account.
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.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
🎓 Senior Class Meeting Recap!
Remember to check out the Off to College Guide you received at the meeting. It’s packed with valuable insights and, along with the PDF copy of the presentation, will help students and parents navigate the journey ahead.
Got questions? Your counselors are here to help! Reach out anytime. 🚀
Let’s make your future bright! 🌟
Calling All Future Social Workers and Teachers!
🌟 Inspire the Next Generation! 🌟 Spend the day at WIU for Future Teachers Visit Day! Discover the rewarding path of shaping young minds and making a lasting impact. Meet passionate educators, explore WIU's innovative teaching programs, and get a glimpse into your future classroom. Your journey to becoming an inspiring teacher starts here!
Provided there is enough interest, the counselors will be chaperoning the Social Work Visit Day. Students would be on their own to attend the Future Teacher Day. Sign up for the Social Work Field Trip in the counseling office.
Monday, August 26, 2024
Stand Out College Prep Step-by-Step Guides
The Common App is a central platform used by many colleges and universities, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions with a single application. This link will break down the nuances of the Common App and help ensure your information is accurate and complete.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical form for securing financial aid for college. Completing the FAFSA accurately can significantly impact your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. This link is essential for navigating the often daunting task of applying for financial aid.
Discover Illinois Colleges with No Application Fee
Aurora University
Bradley University
Eastern Illinois University
Elmhurst College
Eureka College
Friday, August 23, 2024
Discover Illinois Schools - Your Path to Excellence
The 12 Reasons document is the brand new admissions guide that provides you with current information about each state university.
The 2022-23 At-A-Glance offer a look at all the college majors at the universities. Although the document is no longer published, this one from two years ago will still be mostly accurate. Definitely a great starting point when looking at college majors.
Click on the guide to access.
Thursday, August 22, 2024
2024-25 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!
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase
Students are invited to explore careers at the Illinois Central College Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase on Friday, September 13, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm on the ICC East Peoria Campus.
This FREE event is an opportunity for students to explore high-demand careers in the high-tech agriculture, diesel-powered equipment, and horticulture industries. They will participate in hands-on activities showcasing the latest innovations and technologies, browse equipment displays from industry partners, and have the opportunity to ask employers questions about careers in their industries. Lunch will be provided.
Monday, August 19, 2024
New Online Curriculum Guide
--- 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.
Seniors - Interested in the Navy?
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship Program offers students the opportunity to earn their degree while receiving naval training and financial benefits. This program is a great choice for college bound students wishing to enlist in the Navy. Click the links below for more information.
Friday, August 16, 2024
Thursday, August 15, 2024
SENIORS: What is Parchment?
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.
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Online Dual Credit ICC Class Help
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.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Do you know what IVC has to offer?
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.
Friday, August 9, 2024
Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year!!
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
Friday, May 17, 2024
New CONSTRUCTION program begins this fall, for the Class of 2024, at Illinois Central College!
New CONSTRUCTION program begins this fall, for the Class of 2024, at Illinois Central College!
Students can then go to work or continue to build their skills with the second certificate – Construction Management that includes an internship after only one more semester of school.
Finally, they can add one more year of school to what they’ve already learned and receive an Applied Science degree by completing Construction Management Technology which creates more job opportunities as well as the option of continuing their education at a university.
These certificates build on each other for a successful career. Please have them make an appointment with Nikisha Anderson to get enrolled before classes fill up.
Contact the Agricultural & Industrial Technologies (AIT) Dept. office at 309-694-5510 for more information.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Juniors Interested in the Navy
Monday, February 26, 2024
Local Scholarship List Released
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.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
A How-to Guide For Incoming Freshmen 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 purple registration sheets are due by Friday, Feb 23rd 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...
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Insight to Occupations
As part of the Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training (P.E.R.F.E.C.T.), student career exploration focus, we are offering an opportunity for students to explore careers in the Criminal Justice system.
Insight to Occupations is set for Thursday, February 29, 2024. This 4-hour program (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) will expose students to various careers behind the scenes held at the Peoria County Jail. There will be interactive sessions covering: K9 Team; Crime Scene Unit; Investigative Division; Victim Services; and Search and Rescue.
This program is available for 4 students per school. Please note the program is for juniors and seniors only.
Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 14.
Sign-up in the Counseling Office.