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.