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Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT)’s Virtual Summer College & Careers (July 28 & 29)

Join us for a free career exploration event. Explore your interests, interact with college faculty, and get the information you need to take your next steps.

Choose from over 60 interactive workshops as you craft your own schedule.

Example workshops:

Understanding Level Design in Video Games

Modern Movie Technology (and the Engineering Behind It)

Business Analytics and Management Information Systems

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: Vehicle Design

For more information and to register (opens mid-June), go to:  College & Careers | Admissions and Aid | RIT

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College & Careers | Admissions and Aid | RIT

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A virtual career exploration and college search event for rising high school seniors.

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Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills

Prepare yourself to succeed in any skilled-trade career.

This rigorous course from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) covers all the basic skills you need to begin an apprenticeship and a career in the Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, or other Construction trades.  Core Construction Skills is a prerequsite to all other Level 1 NCCER trades curriculum and is required to gain NCCER craft qualification. Learning is condensed into three weeks of intensive training, combining both in-person and online classes.

You’ll earn 80 hours of apprenticeship-related instruction as well as an industry-recognized, registered credential. Plus, you’ll connect with employers who may sponsor your career!

Enroll Today

These classes fill quickly. This tuition price has been subsidized by grants to make it an affordable start to building your career.

Choose: June 22-July 8, 2026 or July 13-July 28, 2026 daytime classes at the Plum Center in Springfield, VA.

Tuition: $212 (plus textbook)

Or: July 7-August 26, 2026 evening classes at the Plum Center in Springfield, VA.

Tuition: $312 (plus textbook)

Register at www.fcpsace.org or call 703-658-1201

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The Apprentice School’s EDGE Program

We want you to be aware that our Fall Applications for our online EDGE program are open NOW - July 6th. High school juniors, seniors, and graduates who qualify are encouraged to apply. Please see details below and share with students who may be interested in a career with The Apprentice School.

What is EDGE?

EDGE courses are online, asynchronous classes that count toward our Associate of Applied Science degree

EDGE coursework is completed on your own time, in addition to your normal high school coursework

EDGE courses prepare you for the academic rigor of our school and increase your chances of acceptance!

Why Choose EDGE?

EDGE courses are FREE!

EDGE courses are entirely online, so they can be completed from anywhere!

EDGE courses are done on your own time and are asynchronous. For most assignments, you will watch pre-recorded videos and complete tasks by the deadline provided. Some courses require occasional online meetings at designated times.

For those interested in / applying to The Apprentice School:

EDGE courses count as an additional qualifying credit on your Apprentice School application. Acceptance to our school is highly competitive – successful completion of EDGE classes increases your chances of being accepted!

EDGE courses can only help you – any unsatisfactory grade can be dropped and will not be held against you in the Admissions process, assuming you have upheld all academic integrity standards.

If you are successful in an EDGE course, The Apprentice School application fee is waived! Be sure to notify Admissions of your EDGE status.

EDGE Requirement Highlights:

At least a high school junior

Have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II courses with a C or better. A higher level math can be helpful in replacing one of these, if needed.

Provide written consent from a parent or guardian, if under 18

Have access to a reliable computer with a functional camera and dependable Wi-Fi

Use a TI-30XIIs calculator on tests and quizzes, when applicable

Ready to Apply?

FALL applications are open June 1 - July 6

FALL courses run August 24 - November 19

To register, visit our website and scroll to the bottom of the page to view FALL course offerings and apply as a "New EDGE Student"

Link to site: Apprentice EDGE – The Apprentice School The Apprentice School

For questions, please contact apprenticeedge@as.edu

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Apprentice EDGE – The Apprentice School The Apprentice School

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EDGE courses are offered four times a year. Use the timeline provided on the page to preview upcoming EDGE quarters.

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Coalition for College’s Free Summer College Application Events

Summer is a great time to make progress on your college applications. This free, virtual event series from the Coalition for College offers direct insight from admissions officers on writing your essay, building your activities list, and requesting recommendations. The final session even takes you behind the scenes of the admissions decision process. See the schedule and sign up:   https://ow.ly/WerQ50YRqLl
June 17: College Essay Tips from Admissions Officers

June 24: Finding Your Advocates: Letters of Recommendation

July 8: Telling Your Story Through Your Activities List

July 22: Ask an Admissions Officer: How Decisions Really Get Made

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Explore Coalition for College events like college fairs and panel discussions with admissions professionals on topics that help students prepare to apply to college.

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William & Mary’s Senior Interviews

Join us for an interview conducted by one of our William & Mary Senior Interviewers. These interviews are intended to be casual and informative conversations that will last approximately 20-30 minutes and give you an opportunity to chat with a current W&M senior. Sign up for an interview today! Interviews are offered in the summer for rising high school seniors and in the fall for current high school seniors. The interview is an optional component to the application, and the absence of an interview will in no way be a disadvantage in the application process.
Interviews are entirely optional. Please note, less than 20% of our applicants have an opportunity to interview. The absence of an interview will in no way harm or hinder your application. Additionally, given our busy travel schedules and limited staff we are unable to offer any additional interviews with staff members.

To sign up, go to:  https://admission.wm.edu/portal/interviews

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Join us for an interview conducted by one of our William & Mary Senior Interviewers. These interviews are intended to be casual and informative conversations that will last approximately 20-30 minutes and give you an opportunity to chat with a current W&M senior. Sign up for an interview today!

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Hofstra University’s Summer Virtual Workshops

Why Hofstra? Admission, Financial Aid, and Return on Investment, Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

Virtual Student Panel, Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 6 - 7 p.m. EDT

Financial Aid 101, Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

How to Apply to Hofstra, Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

How to Write Your College Essay, Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

ZeeMee: Ask a Current Student, Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6 - 7 p.m. EDT

Why Hofstra? Admission, Financial Aid and Return on Investment, Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

Virtual Student Panel, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 6 - 7 p.m. EDT

How to Write Your College Essay, Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4 - 5 p.m. EDT

ZeeMee: Emoji Translation Game, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 6 - 7 p.m. EDT

Feel free to share the above links with your students, or encourage them to email us or call 516-463-6700 with any questions.
For all events, see: https://admission.hofstra.edu/portal/virtual_admission_webinars

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Hofstra University - Virtual Admission Workshops

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Building Your College List- Hofstra University would like to share some tips to help you sort through all the information you are receiving and start your search for a university on the right path.

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Edu-Family 2026

Students and families are invited to participate in the summer event Edu-Family, taking place on Saturday, July 18th, at George Mason University. This free, one-day event is designed for attendees to participate in hands-on, engaging workshops that support college readiness, career development, and family learning.

The event will include:

For Middle School Students, Grades 6–8:
Students will participate in a Robotics Workshop where they will gain hands-on experience coding and operating robots in a fun and interactive setting.

For High School Students, Grades 9–12:
Students will participate in ELP 1: Journey to College, where they will learn essential life skills such as public speaking, resume building, interview techniques, and college preparation.

High school students will also have the opportunity to participate in an essay competition for a chance to win one of three scholarships: $2,000, $1,500, or $500.

For Parents/Guardians:
Parents/guardians will participate in financial and communication workshops focused on understanding the financial aspects of paying for college and learning about resources to support their children’s educational journey.

The event is completely free, and participants will receive both breakfast and lunch.

Student Registration Link

Parent Registration Link

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Promotional Event Staff – July 4th Parade

Terra Landscape and Design is seeking enthusiastic and outgoing individuals to join our promotional team for the upcoming July 4th Parade in Fairfax, VA. We will be distributing branded hand fans to attendees to help everyone stay cool while enjoying the festivities.

July 4, 2026

Along the Fairfax July 4th Parade Route

From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Handing out promotional fans to parade patrons

Key Responsibilities

● Respectful Distribution: Actively walk the route to hand out promotional fans to patrons in a courteous and professional manner.

● Litter Control: Monitor the area where you are working; if an excessive number of materials are found on the ground, you will be responsible for pausing distribution to help clean the surrounding area.

● Crowd Interaction: Engage positively with parade-goers to represent the Terra Landscape and Design brand effectively.

Safety and City Guidelines

To ensure a successful event and maintain our standing with the City of Fairfax, all staff must adhere to the following strictly enforced rules:

● No Throwing: Under no circumstances is anything to be thrown into the crowd (e.g., flyers, fans, or candy). All items must be handed directly to patrons.

● Parade Hiatus: Distribution must pause while the parade is actively ongoing between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

● Momentum: Staff must ensure their movements do not slow down or stop the forward momentum of any official parade activities.

Requirements

● Reliable, friendly, and comfortable interacting with large crowds.

● Ability to remain on your feet and walk for several hours.

● Commitment to maintaining a clean and litter-free environment during the event.

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our team for this holiday event, please contact:

Russell Allan, Terra Landscape and Design, (703) 898-7536

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High School Volunteers Needed for July 4th Parade

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in being balloon characters or dressing up in one of our many fun, patriotic costumes. Please note, all volunteers must be 16+ years old, and all balloon carriers must be 18+ years old (this is per the balloon company's regulations and for liability reasons). Volunteers will receive one of our VERY COOL 250th tie-dye t-shirts and a hat!

This year is extra special, as our nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of America and Fairfax City's 60th Annual Independence Day Celebration Parade. There has never been a better time to get involved and be part of something truly amazing—and historically significant!

Independence Day Celebration Parade

Saturday, July 4th

Parade: 10am - Noon

Call Time: 8:30am

If interested, please contact before Friday, June 19:

Deanna Payne

City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation

Deanna.Payne@fairfaxva.gov

Include t-shirt size and age.  (NOTE:  When emailing outside organizations, remember to email from a personal email account, not your fcpsschools.net account.)

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University of Mary Washington Enhanced Summer Visits

July 13 & July 24

Enhanced Summer Visits provide visitors an in-depth experience as they stroll along UMW’s tree-lined Campus Walk, get a glimpse inside its brick buildings and inviting classrooms, and brush up on what the UMW experience entails. Enhanced Summer Visits include information about admissions, financial aid, and offers the chance to talk one-on-one with Mary Washington’s academic leaders and deans. Register here:

https://admissions.umw.edu/portal/visits

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Enhanced Summer Visits provide visitors an in-depth experience as they stroll along UMW's tree-lined Campus Walk, get a glimpse inside its brick buildings and inviting classrooms, and brush up on what the UMW experience entails.

Enhanced Summer Visits include information about admissions, financial aid, and offers the chance to talk one-on-one with Mary Washington's academic leaders and deans.

In-Person Offerings

We offer campus tours and info sessions Monday through Friday, plus tours on most Saturdays. On our tours, you'll explore academic and student-centered buildings, residence halls, and get a real feel for life here. You'll see a bit of everything - a campus that truly feels like home. Check our calendar to find a date that fits your schedule.

Explore Beyond Campus

Our 234-acre campus is just the start - the Mary Washington community and Fredericksburg's charm make the experience unforgettable. After your tour, explore historic streets, vibrant arts, and plenty of eats. Craving pizza, ice cream, or coffee? You'll find local favorites like Mellow Mushroom, Benny's, Blue Cow, and Carl's Frozen Custard.

End the day with a Fredericksburg Nationals game at FredNats Park for a true local vibe.

Can't find a time that works?

No problem! Our campus is open year-round for visitors. We invite you to enjoy a Self-Guided Walking Tour anytime. While you're here, stop by the Link to pick up a free UMW t-shirt - our little welcome gift to you.

Virtual First-Year Information Sessions

Designed for high school seniors, this 30-minute online session gives you an inside look at starting your college journey at Mary Washington. Learn about academics, campus life, the application process, and important next steps for first-year students. Sessions are live, times vary, and you'll have the chance to ask questions directly to admissions staff. It's a convenient way to explore UMW and see how you can thrive here-no travel required.

Webinars

Your UMW Financial Aid Journey

Thursday, November 6
Watch the archive

Navigating college financial aid can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help! Join the University of Mary Washington's Financial Aid team as we walk you step-by-step through the process, from creating your FSA ID and completing the FAFSA to understanding your award letter and billing timeline. We'll cover key topics like which parent's information to use, dependent vs. independent status, and tax details. We'll also discuss merit awards, verification requirements, and more. Whether you're just getting started or ready to review your financial aid offer, this session will help you feel confident about your next steps toward UMW.

Your Financial Aid: Where Are We Now & Next Steps

Tuesday, December 9
Watch the archive

Whether you've already submitted your FAFSA or you're planning to soon, join the University of Mary Washington's Financial Aid team for an overview of what happens next in your financial aid journey. We'll cover how to track your application, understand your current status, review award letters, complete any outstanding requirements, and prepare for billing. No matter where you are in the process, this session will help you stay on track and make sure you're ready for what comes next.

Transfer Student Office Hours

Meet one-on-one with a transfer admissions counselor from wherever you are. Get your questions answered about credits, applications, financial aid, and making the move to Mary Wash.

Meet UMW on the Road

Our admissions counselors are hitting the road to meet future Eagles like you!

Look for Mary Washington at college fairs (including VACRAO and PACAC) and college nights.

Stop by our table or join us online to learn about our vibrant community, get helpful resources, and ask your questions. Pre-registration isn't required, but if you sign up ahead of time, we'll make sure you start receiving UMW updates right away (if you aren't already).

To search for events in your area, enter your zip code, or select a country/region below. Search Browse All

Include online-only events in results

Group Visits

The University of Mary Washington is excited to welcome school groups to campus for special tours!
To make sure every visitor has a great experience, we ask that groups be limited to 50 students or fewer due to space and staffing considerations.

Get more info

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Enhanced Summer Visits provide visitors an in-depth experience as they stroll along UMW's tree-lined Campus Walk, get a glimpse inside its brick buildings and inviting classrooms, and brush up on what the UMW experience entails. Enhanced Summer Visits include information about admissions, financial aid, and offers the chance to talk one-on-one with Mary Washington's academic leaders and deans.

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Police Leaders of Tomorrow

June 22 - 26, 2026

Considering a career in law enforcement?

Police Leaders of Tomorrow is a program for young adults wishing to explore careers in law enforcement and learn about policing. The program offers a variety of activities and opportunities for attendees to learn about the police profession, the importance of service to the community, and maintaining good character.

Police Leaders of Tomorrow is offered free of charge and is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 in the Metro Washington Area.

Class size is limited. Participants are expected to provide their own transportation.

Acceptance into the program is subject to a successful review of applicant's criminal record and police contact history.

The deadline to apply is June 15: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/servicesiz/plot

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Fairfax Criminal Justice Academy Tour

Crime scene investigation

K-9 demonstration

Ride-along

Leadership panel

Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

Applicant hiring standards

And more...

For more information, please call (703) 246-4315 or e-mail us at CPA@fairfaxcounty.gov
Details
Classes will be held Monday through Friday June 26 - 30, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at various police facilities in Fairfax County.
Eligibility
Police Leaders of Tomorrow is offered free of charge and is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 in the Metro Washington Area.

Class size is limited to 20 students. Participants are expected to provide their own transportation.

Acceptance into the program is subject to a successful review of applicant's criminal record and police contact history.

You may also be interested in our Teen Police Academy and Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement programs.

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Fairfax Criminal Justice Academy Tour Crime scene investigation K-9 demonstration Ride-along Leadership panel Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Applicant hiring standards And more... For more information, please call (703) 246-4315 or e-mail us at CPA@fairfaxcounty.gov Details Classes will be held Monday through Friday June 26 - 30, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.

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Camp Pod  (July 27-31)

This is a FREE student-led virtual event designed for high school and college students interested in exploring the field of podiatric medicine. This immersive experience includes an introduction into podiatric medical school topics, insight into the journey to being a podiatric physician, and an overview of foot and ankle surgical techniques. Topics include:

Introduction to Podiatric Medicine

Introduction to Foot Anatomy

Life of a Podiatric Physician

Introduction to Research

Specialties within Podiatry (Radiology, Sports Medicine, Surgery, Wound Care)

Podiatric Case Studies

There will be a variety of workshops that will guide participants through the podiatric medical school application process and exam requirements, including helpful MCAT tips. Attendees will also learn about resources available at Rosalind Franklin University and gain practical strategies for school land becoming an effective student in general.

Application link (2026 application is now open):  https://forms.gle/NNU7HoEyDR3cAk64A

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Naviance Student provides middle and high school students with individual Academic and Career Plan (ACP) resources and tools to explore and prepare for postsecondary college and career planning options.

Students

Middle and High School students can:

Explore their strengths and interests.

Research colleges.

Investigate career pathways.

Access x2VOL for Service Learning

Look up enrichment activities and scholarship opportunities.

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Review of the Fairfax County Public Schools Advanced Academic Programs Executive Summary

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GMU MIX Maker Academy Summer Makerspace & Media Innovation Program

Summer 2026  - Session 1: July 6-17 Session 2: July 20-31

George Mason University (GMU) and the MIX welcomes you to the MIX Maker Academy, a two-week immersive summer program designed for motivated high school students who want to explore advanced technologies, fabrication methods, and creative problem solving in a university makerspace environment. Hosted in the MIX Makerspace and Media Lab, the Maker Academy program introduces students to a wide range of professional tools and technologies used in engineering, design, robotics, and digital media production within an intensive two-week session that has scheduled programming and open lab activities that runs daily from 10am-4pm.

Cost is $1250 per student.  For more information, see: https://www.mix.gmu.edu/blog/76qzwtdri3uude07fh7d3w2vpbb2he

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$700 Scholarships Available for Veterinary Assistant Careers!

Turn your love for animals into a rewarding career. With an affordable, 16-week class through FCPS ACE, you'll learn every aspect of veterinary assisting and gain the skills you need to land an in-demand job.

A limited number of $700 scholarships are available to make this affordable course an even better value. Spaces fill quickly so enroll today to learn everything you need to know to be successful in your new, fulfilling career as a veterinary assistant! If you’re interested in a scholarship, please email educationalcounseling@fcps.edu before registering for the class.

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Veterinary Assistant Scholarship flyer compressed 4-26

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Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills

Hands-on training opportunity! Apprenticeship 101 prepares students for careers in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other construction trades.

Program highlights:

Earn 80 hours of apprenticeship-related instruction

Gain an industry-recognized NCCER credential

Learn essential skills needed to begin an apprenticeship

Connect with potential employers

Choose a session:

June 22 – July 8, 2026

July 13 – July 28, 2026

Location: Plum Center, Springfield, VA
Tuition: $212 (plus textbook/lab fees; subsidized cost)

Register at www.fcpsace.org
703-658-1201

educationalcounseling@fcps.edu

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Apprenticeship 101 Flyer compressed 4-26

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Congressman Walkinshaw's Youth Leadership Council Open Now

Congressman Walkinshaw is pleased to invite high school students in our community to apply for his 2026 Youth Leadership Council.

This program is open to high school students (grades 9–12) who reside in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, regardless of where they attend school. Public, private, and home-schooled students are all encouraged to apply. We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with students, parents, and your broader school community.

The Youth Leadership Council provides students with the opportunity to engage directly with the work of Congress while developing leadership and policy skills. Through structured discussions and collaborative activities, participants will examine issues affecting our district, debate real legislation, and develop policy recommendations to present to Congressman Walkinshaw. Students will also gain insight into leadership in government and their communities while building skills in public service and civic engagement.

The program will run from September through December 2026 and includes a series of in-person and virtual meetings, along with opportunities to hear from guest speakers.

The application will open on May 1st and close on June 30th at 5:00 PM.

Application materials and additional information can be found on our website here: https://walkinshaw.house.gov/services/youth-leadership-council.htm. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact our office at (703) 256-3071 or email kris.adkison@mail.house.gov.

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Applications are now open for Congressman Walkinshaws Youth Leadership Council 1

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Are you logging your service hours?

How Do I Access x2Vol?

x2Vol:  Students track their service learning hours through x2VOL, which can be accessed through Naviance by following these steps:

1. Go to the Naviance login page.

2. Log into your account.

3. Click on the Careers tab and select “x2VOL.”

4. If you have never signed into x2VOL, follow the prompts and complete your profile.

5. x2VOL Dashboard is where you will Add Hours, Find Opportunities, View Groups & Goals Progress.

6. Students need a minimum of 40 approved hours

to earn the service cord and 50 approved hours to

earn toward the civics and science seals. See

more information about FCPS diploma seals here.

7. Hours begin on July 1 in the summer before

freshman year and end in the spring of senior

year.

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Virginia Tech College of Science Summer Camp Application is Open

The College of Science will offer four week-long overnight science camps open to all rising 7th through 12thgraders.

At camp, campers will:

Do experiments and hands-on activities!

Explore different types of science and careers!

Connect with Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students!

Have fun and make friends with other science-loving kids!

Learn about college and college life!

Camps are five days long. We offer need-based scholarships to allow science-loving youth to attend regardless of their families’ financial situation.

For more information, please click (link)

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Have fun and get a sneak peek at college life this summer!

Explore the world of science through action-packed, fun, thought-provoking summer camps in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. In our camps, you can DO science- carry out experiments, work with cutting-edge technology, and solve real-life problems. Our talented professors and staff will inspire and prepare you for a great future in science!

Explore different kinds of science, from Physics to Psychology and everything in between

Carry out hands-on activities and experiments

Expand your knowledge of science careers

Tour state-of-the art research labs

Work with Virginia Tech faculty and scientists and students

Meet other students interested in science

Live in a dorm and eat at our award-winning dining hall

Learn about college and how to apply

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Explore the world of science through action-packed, fun, thought-provoking summer camps in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. In our camps, you can DO science- carry out experiments, work with cutting-edge technology, and solve real-life problems. Our talented professors and staff will inspire and prepare you for a great future in science!

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The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service in collaboration with the VDOE has researched and compiled the top 100 professions and degree programs for the 2025-2026 school year.

Top 100 professions in the Commonwealth by median pay and the education, training, and skills required for each such profession

Top 10 degree programs at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth by median pay of program graduates

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Binghamton University’s Virtual Summer Events

June Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, June 30, 7 - 8 p.m. ET

How to Write a Better College Essay
Thursday, July 9, 7 - 8 p.m. ET

For more events, see:  https://connect.binghamton.edu/portal/virtual-sessions

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Community Service / Volunteer Position: Student Career Readiness

Organization: Ground Up Trade & Talent Solutions (GUTTS)

Location: 11170 Main Street, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030

Position Overview:

GUTTS is seeking motivated high school volunteers to support our Career Readiness and Trades Pathway Program. Volunteers will help peers prepare for employment by assisting with resume creation, resume submission, and writing short student success stories.

This role is ideal for students who want to build leadership skills, strengthen communication abilities, and earn meaningful community service hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with students to support job readiness tasks

• Help students draft, edit, and format resumes

• Assist with submitting resumes to employers or job platforms

• Interview students to gather details for short “student stories”

• Write clear, positive summaries of student stories for program use

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality

• Communicate with GUTTS staff and follow established processes

Skills You’ll Build:

• Resume writing and editing

• Professional communication

• Interviewing and storytelling

• Leadership and peer mentoring

• Organization and time management

Time Commitment:

• 3–5 hours per week

• Flexible scheduling

• Community service hours verified by GUTTS

Additional Benefits for Students:

•GUTTS will provide recommendation letters for college applications, scholarships, and other academic or career opportunities upon request

•Certification of community service hours and extracurricular activities for college applications

• Volunteers may receive a monetary award when a GUTTS graduate they supported successfully is placed in a job.

Why This Matters:

Your support helps students, especially those facing financial barriers, take real steps toward stable, high-demand careers. You’ll be part of a mission that expands access, opportunity, and confidence for young adults entering the workforce.

If interested, please contact:

Jayme Delano

Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder

Ground Up Trade & Talent Solutions

Fairfax, VA, 22030

703-559-9584

jayme@gutts.tech

Or

Arif Jamil

Operations Manager

Ground Up Trade & Talent Solutions

Fairfax, VA, 22030

202-286-9585

arif@gutts.tech

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Inspire Art Needs High School Volunteers:

Are you interested in pre-med, community service, art, or interacting with patients? Do you want to use art as a meaningful tool to make an impact in your community?
Inspire Art is an organization that allows students to earn SSL hours, receive a training certificate, and volunteer in hospitals and senior living communities. For those seeking leadership experience, applications for our Executive Branch are now open. No prior experience is required—just passion and commitment.

Apply today to join Inspire Art as a volunteer or leader!

Volunteer Program: https://forms.gle/P8hcdrEg2XHTA9RYA
Executive Branch: https://forms.gle/8BGzPfESs3QcTEjB8

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Inspire Art Volunteer Recruitment Flyer (1)

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Macalester’s Workshop Wednesdays: Apply to college with confidence with our FREE, virtual workshops

How can I really nail my college essay? Is the Common App easy to fill out? How can my family afford college?

When you dive into your college search, the questions start piling up. So it’s time to find the answers in our free, online Workshop Wednesdays series. We’ll cover the topics that rise to the top for students planning for college.

Get advice from college admissions counselors and financial aid experts.

For complete schedule, see:  https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/workshop-wednesdays/?utm_campaign=adm-c&utm_content=8best-ww&utm_medium=email&utm_source=adm

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Admissions & Aid - At Macalester, our mission is to prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose. Students here receive unparalleled support and mentorship as they discover their place in the world and learn how to become agents of change.

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Join Macalester Admissions counselors in a series of workshops to make your college search easier. STudents will get free, helpful advice about writing their college essay, filling out the common application, getting their letters of recommendation, and navigating financial aid.

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15 on the 15th: Liberal Arts Colleges Across the U.S.

On the 15 of each month, May 15 through October 15, fifteen liberal arts and sciences colleges across the U.S. will come together with current students from their respective colleges to offer you a virtual session.

Registration is required. After you register you will receive Zoom links for each college where you will meet an admission officer and a current student. The format each month is “stay as little or as long” as you need and use the hour to visit as many of the colleges you wish. The program time each month is 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time.

The colleges include: Bates College, Carleton College, Claremont McKenna College, Colorado College, Davidson College, Haverford College, Middlebury College, Oberlin College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Skidmore College, Smith College, Union College, Wellesley College, Wesleyan University and Whitman College

For more information, see:  https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/visit/international-visit-programs/15-15th-liberal-arts-colleges-across-united-states

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On the 15 of each month, April 15 through November 15, fifteen liberal arts and sciences colleges across the U.S. will join together with current students from their respective colleges to offer you a virtual session.

The colleges will start each session with 15 minutes of tips to help with your college application process followed by an hour-long virtual fair. The tips change monthly, the fair format remains the same. Join as often as you wish. Registration is required.

April-November, on the 15th

15 Minutes of Tips @ 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time

Virtual College Fair @ 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time

Connect with admission officers and students at your own pace, visiting as many or as few colleges each month.

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15 on the 15th: Liberal Arts Colleges Across the U.S.

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On the 15 of each month, April 15 through November 15, fifteen liberal arts and sciences colleges across the U.S. will join together with current students from their respective colleges to offer you a virtual session. The colleges will start each session with 15 minutes of tips to help with your college application process followed by an hour-long virtual fair.

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Teen Police Academy July 13–17, 2026

Considering a career in law enforcement?

The Teen Police Academy provides high school students with an opportunity to learn more about the Fairfax County Police Department, understand core police functions, explore careers in law enforcement, and participate in hands-on activities. The program is free to all Fairfax County high school-age students (public, private, or home-schooled) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grades during the 2026-2027 school year. Class size is limited. While many students will provide their own transportation, to meet the needs of our large community, transportation can be offered to those who need it on a case-by-case basis. If you require transportation assistance, please email Captain Deanna Weand at Deanna.Weand@fairfaxcounty.gov when you submit your application.

The deadline to apply is June 29:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/servicesiz/teenpoliceacademy

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Fairfax County, Virginia - Police, Services, Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, FWLLE, Teen Police Academy

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Fairfax Collegiate, Northern Virginia’s largest academic enrichment program for students in grades 4-12, hires high school students each summer to work as assistant instructors. Pay starts at $15/hour.  For more information and to apply, go to:  https://fairfaxcollegiate.com/jobs

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Have Fun and Teach!

Do you have a strong academic record, a demonstrated interest in education, authoritative knowledge of one the subjects taught in our program, and experience working with children? If so, Fairfax Collegiate would like to hear from you!

As a Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program employee, you can:

Share your knowledge and passion for learning

Obtain practical teaching experience with a class of students

Build your résumé

Exercise autonomy and decision making

Receive mentorship and ongoing support from an experienced teacher

Be recognized for outstanding performance.

Earn competitive pay, and returning staff members get a $1/hour raise from the previous year

Fairfax Collegiate is hiring summer program instructors, lead instructors, assistant instructors, and location directors.

Instructors teach our classes using provided curriculum while adapting lesson plans to fit student needs. They work under the guidance and support of professional teachers as they manage their classes and deliver content in an engaging way. Instructors regularly communicate with parents to provide progress updates and some create written evaluations and test score reports for their students. All instructors have extensive prior experience working with students through tutoring, camp counseling, and other opportunities. Many instructors are undergraduates and graduate students at highly selective universities who major in STEM, humanities, art, and other subjects relevant to the Summer Program. The pay rate for undergraduate instructors starts at $20/hour.

Lead instructors also teach classes and have opportunities to mentor other staff, assist in training, and help with curriculum development as needed. Lead instructors have proven themselves to be capable of additional responsibility through extensive work with Fairfax Collegiate in the past (having taught at least twelve courses) and positive reviews from their location directors. Lead instructors also include full-time school teachers and those who are actively pursuing a career in education. The decision of whether to assign the role of lead instructor to a staff member is made during the hiring process; interested applicants should select "Instructor" as the role they apply for. The pay for lead instructors starts at $25/hour.

Assistant instructors play a vital role in helping classes run smoothly and instructing students. Assistant instructors are often staffed in larger classes and provide individual help to students, assist with class projects, take care of administrative tasks, and take the lead on lessons as the instructor sees fit. All assistant instructors work under the direction and supervision of the instructor or lead instructor for the classes they are assigned to. Candidates for this position are highly motivated and driven high school students who have worked with students in the past, typically through tutoring and mentorship opportunities provided by their schools. The pay for assistant instructors starts at $15/hour.

Location directors oversee and provide consistent feedback to the staff at their locations and are the point of contact for parents who have questions about their children's classes. Location directors work closely with their staff and with Fairfax Collegiate's administrative team to ensure a high-quality experience for students, parents, and staff. Many location directors are professional elementary or secondary teachers with a career interest in educational leadership. The pay for location directors starts at $35/hour.
Apply Now!
Click on our Employment FAQ page to learn more about summer employment with Fairfax Collegiate.

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Fairfax Collegiate provides summer teaching opportunities

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CACI is excited to announce a new internship program for graduating high school students!

CACI, a leading provider of digital and technology solutions for the federal government, is offering a 3-month internship program with the potential to transition into a full-time role. This program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the modernization and maintenance of mission-critical applications supporting national security missions. As a paid participant in the program, students will work alongside experienced CACI software delivery personnel and mentors, develop their skills in problem-solving, AI prompt engineering, and teamwork. They will also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of technology and national security.

Apply to careers.caci.com – AI Prompt Engineer High School Intern

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AI Prompt Engineer Intern job in Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America | Internships jobs at CACI

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Apply for AI Prompt Engineer Intern job with CACI in Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America. Browse and apply for Internships jobs at CACI

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Additional ACE Opportunities: Learn by Doing Virtually

Did you know?  ACE is very excited to offer 15 new, technical career training programs that come with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets for "hands-on" realistic simulations and practice. Most of these are very specialized skills classes. This may be a good fit for CTE students looking for additional, specific training. With next-gen VR headsets and controls, students will be able to explore interactive, realistic training simulations in an instructor-led, risk-free environment, bridging the gap between online learning and hands-on experience.

For more information, go to:  www.fcpsace.org or call 703-658-1201

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Fairfax County Police Department Police Apprentice Program

For more information, see:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/CommonTopics/JoinOurTeam/PoliceApprentice

Interested students can contact:

SRO D. Haley #333362

Fairfax County Police Department, School Resource Officer- Herndon High School, 700 Bennett St Herndon, VA 20170

School: 703-810-2200, dhaley1@fcps.edu

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The Apprentice School currently offers two pre-apprenticeship programs that high school students could participate in to begin exposing them to the shipbuilding industry and increase their chances of being accepted into a registered apprenticeship!  Participation in our programs, both pre-apprenticeship and The Apprentice School require U.S. citizenship.

Register for a Pre-Apprenticeship Virtual Open House today!

What will be covered? We will be discussing our Youth Builders and EDGE programs at length and what is needed for the application process. We will also talk about in-person events and our recommended pathways for students who hope to attend The Apprentice School.

For more information and to register, see:  www.as.edu/pre-apprenticeship/

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Liberty University’s College For A Weekend

Spend Three Days Test-Driving Life as an LU Student

Choosing a college is a big decision, and visiting campuses is key. At Liberty University’s College For A Weekend (CFAW), you can spend three days living like an LU student, exploring campus, and getting your questions answered. CFAW goes beyond the typical college tour — design your perfect visit and discover endless possibilities at Liberty University.

For more information and to register, go to:  https://www.liberty.edu/residential/cfaw/

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Choosing a college is a big decision, and visiting campuses is key. At Liberty University's College For A Weekend (CFAW), you can spend three days living like an LU student, exploring campus, and getting your questions answered. CFAW goes beyond the typical college tour - design your perfect visit and discover endless possibilities at Liberty University.
Who Can Attend CFAW?
High school juniors, seniors, transfer students, and their families are welcome to join us at all four CFAW events* each year. High school sophomores are eligible to join CFAW for spring events only.

*Limited to attending one event per academic year (August-May).

The CFAW Experience (0:30)

Upcoming CFAW Events

Nov. 6-8, 2025

Feb. 19-21, 2026

Register online through our CFAW portal, or call the Office of Admissions to register over the phone and pay your registration fee. High school juniors, seniors, transfer students, and their families are welcome to join us at all four CFAW events* each year. High school sophomores are eligible to join CFAW for spring events only.
*Limited to attending one event per academic year (August-May). Upcoming CFAW Events

Nov. 6-8, 2025

Feb. 19-21, 2026

Ranked the #2 Best College Campus in America

At Liberty, you'll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #2 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.

Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.

In order to check in and participate in the events and activities at CFAW, you will need a completed Participation Form uploaded to your CFAW account. Having an approved form on file prior to your arrival ensures a smooth check-in process and will allow you more time to enjoy the weekend activities! To begin, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download or electronically sign the CFAW Participation Form. Students under the age of 18 must also have a parent or guardian signature on the form, or it will be rejected, and a new form will be required.

Step 2: Log into your CFAW Account, navigate to your active registration, and select "Upload Your Participation Form." Once received, our team will review the form in a timely manner.

Once your form is approved, you will be one step closer to a great weekend exploring Liberty University!

For just $50, you get all your meals and access to awesome campus activities like athletic games and Student Connect events*! This fee doesn't cover concert tickets, admission to Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, or bowling rentals.

Payment can be made online or by phone at the time of registration and is non-refundable.
*Some exclusions apply.

Now that you have registered for CFAW, what is next?

We have tried to make it as simple as possible by outlining your planning needs and also providing a schedule of some of the many events you can experience while at CFAW.

Create and manage your CFAW account for all students in your group. Group accounts provide you with access to manage student registrations and payments. Please contact cfawgroups@liberty.edu for assistance.

Need other questions answered? We have a list of frequently asked questions to help you out.

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College For A Weekend (CFAW) | Liberty University

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Attend Classes, Eat in the Dining Hall, and Live Like a College Student when You Come to Liberty University's CFAW Event!

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FHS Career Center Newsletters Archive:

https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/student-services/college-and-career-center/career-center-news

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All scholarships that the county or Ms. Kim receives are posted on Naviance, every FCPS student's online college and career planning tool. Once in Naviance, look under Colleges - Scholarship Search. Scholarships are added to this database every week!

If you have any questions on scholarships, contact Ms. Maureen Kim, FHS College & Career Specialist: MHKim@fcps.edu

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Naviance Student provides middle and high school students with individual Academic and Career Plan (ACP) resources and tools to explore and prepare for postsecondary college and career planning options.

Students

Middle and High School students can:

Naviance Student

Students: Use FCPS Student ID and Password

Parents/Guardians

Parent/Guardians can login to:

View information about students' academic and postsecondary plans, interests and opportunities.

After logging in, click on About Me at the top of the page.

Choose Portfolio to view the data entered by your child through their Academic and Career Plan.

Research colleges and careers.

View available enrichment and scholarship opportunities.

Users can access key Naviance content translated into more than 70 supported languages.
After logging in, click the globe icon in the top right corner and select your preferred language.

Parent Access

Naviance and SIS Parent use the same credentials (username and password)

SIS Parent Help Resources:

Naviance Parent/Guardian

Parents: Use SIS ParentVUE Username and Password

Staff

Staff can login to support students with their academic and career goals.
This site requires JavaScript to be enabled in order to run.

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Middle and high school students can use Naviance to explore their strengths and interests, research colleges, and investigate career pathways.

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The Mount Holyoke College Office of Admission’s Fly-in and Overnight program: Mosaic

Students who apply and are admitted to the program will receive funding to travel to our beautiful campus for a weekend this fall.  At Mount Holyoke, we recognize that a mosaic represents much more than a work of art. Each of us has a distinctive story, and when we come together as a community, we form artwork that reflects the intersections and connections of our unique experiences and identities.
Program details:
Mosaic is open to all rising seniors, with a particular interest in selecting students who come from low-income, first-generation to college, and/or student-of-color backgrounds. Please share this application widely with your students and don’t hesitate to be in touch with us should you have any questions about the program.

Program Date

Application Deadline

November 7 - 9, 2026

September 25, 2026

Program includes:

✔

Transportation to and from the College.

✔

All meals covered while on campus.

✔

On-campus lodging in our residence halls with a current student.

✔

Access to class visits and spirited faculty.

✔

Peer mentorship from the incredible (Belonging and Equity Liaisons) current Mount   Holyoke Students.

✔

An immeasurable amount of fun getting to know our diverse and vibrant campus!

Act fast! We will prioritize applicants who apply by August 1, 2026. Any questions? Contact our team at travelgrant-g@mtholyoke.edu.

Apply here: Mosaic 2026 Student Application

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We are so excited that you’re interested in applying to Mosaic 2026! Before you get started please review the items needed to complete the application:

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UVA Inspire Summer 2026

Think you might be interested in business, engineering, or creative writing? Satisfy your curiosity with small class sizes focused on exploratory learning. Go beyond the curriculum with exciting topics that introduce new concepts and build on existing knowledge. Classes are offered in 1–4 week formats, available either in person (Fairfax, VA) or online. In-person courses are commuter only (non-residential). For more information, see: https://northern.virginia.edu/programs/internal/inspire/

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Summer programming for rising 10th-12th graders to explore new interests and skills. Both in-person and online sessions are available.

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WORKSHEET: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU

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WORKSHEET: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU

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The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations-such as carpenters, teachers, and veterinarians. Revised annually, the latest version contains employment projections for the 2022-32 decade.

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The Common Application streamlines the college application process. Learn how to effectively use this tool to apply to multiple colleges at once. Get tips on the essay, recommendation letters, and more.

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What is Common App?

Each year, more than 1 million students apply to more than 1,000 Common App member colleges worldwide through our online college application platform. Learn more about applying through our first-year application by following our step-by-step guide below.

Create a Common App account

Filling out your application takes time.

And if you have to keep interrupting your progress to find information, like a certificate for a continuing education course or the address of your last internship, it can take even longer. Get a head start by collecting this information before you begin.

A list of your activities, work, and family responsibilities

You can share your interests and who you are outside of the classroom in the activities section. You can share information about things like work, hobbies, clubs, and community engagement. And don't forget, family responsibilities can be important to share as well. This is the place to show colleges what makes you unique!

Creating a Common App account is easy and should only take a few minutes.

You can create a Common App account even if you don't plan on applying for another few months or another few years. You can answer questions in the Common App tab and build a college list at any time.

Create your account and choose your student type

If you haven't yet attended college, select "first-year student"

If you have college credits from dual enrollment high school courses, you should still select "first-year student"

If you have already attended 1 or more colleges after graduating high school, select "transfer student". We also have a separate transfer student guide to help you out.

Create new login credentials. Colleges may need to get in touch with you during the application process, so be mindful of which email address you choose. Sometimes your high school address may filter out these emails, so consider using a personal email address. When choosing an email address, be sure to use one that:

You check regularly

Does not use inappropriate language

You will have access to after you graduate from high school

Complete your registration information

We will need some basic information about you like your name, home address, phone number, and date of birth.

Be sure to use your legal name as it appears on official school documents and standardized tests. This will make sure colleges can match documents to the correct person.

At the end, you will adjust your communication preferences and accept the Common App privacy policy.

Select "create account" and you're done!

Account rollover

Once you've created your account and explored the colleges that accept the Common App, you're ready to start adding colleges.

The College Search tab is where you will search for and add the colleges you want to apply to. If you have a school in mind you can search by name. If you want to keep exploring, you can use the more filters button. Some filters include:

State or country

Distance from a zip code

Enrollment term

Application deadline

Application fees*

Writing requirements

Standardized testing policy

Recommendation requirement

Adding a college is easy! You may add a college using the add button in the search results list. You can also select a college and add them using the "Add to My Colleges" button from their info screen.

Once you've added colleges, you can see them on your Dashboard and in your My Colleges tab. Keep in mind you may only add up to 20 colleges. You may adjust your list of colleges at any time. Once you've submitted, you will not be able to remove those schools from your My Colleges list.
* While some colleges may charge an application fee, others have no fee to apply. And, many will offer fee waivers under certain circumstances, including financial need, veteran status, and more.

Fee Waiver

A request to the college to remove the application fee. Using either the Common App fee waiver, which your counselor must confirm, or a college-specific fee waiver, you will not be required to pay the fee to submit your application.

Coed

Coed is a term used to describe a college or university that offers the integrated education of male and female students in same environment.

All colleges need things like official school forms. Many colleges will also ask for letters of recommendation.

Counselors, teachers, and recommenders will submit these kinds of forms on your behalf. Here are the types of recommenders you can invite in the Common App.

Every college gets to choose their own recommendation requirements. You can find more details on each college's "College Information" page.

If you're planning to apply this school year, you can start inviting recommenders. If you don't plan on applying until next school year or later, skip this step for now.

How to invite and assign recommenders:

1. From the My Colleges tab select a college and open their "Recommenders and FERPA" section.

2. If you have not done so already, you will need to complete the FERPA Release Authorization.

3. Invite recommenders using the invite button from each section. You may also use the "Invite Recommenders" button at the top.

4. Select the type of invitation you would like to send. For each invitation you will need information like their name and email address.

5. After you add a recommender, you can view their info using the Manage Recommenders button.

6. Note that teachers, parents, and other recommenders will not receive an email invitation until you assign them to a college. To assign these recommenders, go to their section within this screen. Select their name from the dropdown and use the assign button.

7. If your high school uses Naviance or another partner software, you will not invite your counselor or teachers here. There will be instructional text on this page explaining what to do next. You will still add other recommenders and advisors using the steps above.

In general, each college has their own recommendation requirements. For example, one college may need two teacher recommendations. Some colleges may not want any teacher recommendations. Colleges can also determine what kinds of other recommenders they want. Some may allow for any recommender type, whereas others only allow an employer recommendation.

It's important to stay organized as you work on your applications.

Each college needs you to complete common questions and add counselor. Beyond that their applications vary. Each college can determine their unique requirements for:

Deadlines

Application Fees

Personal Essay

Courses & Grades

Test Policy

Portfolio

Writing Supplements

Recommendations

Here are some places where you can find each college's specific requirements:

Explore Colleges

Each college's Explore Colleges profile provides lots of information about the college. You can find details on application information, campus culture, scheduling visits, and more.

Requirements Grid

The requirements grid is a comprehensive PDF that lists all the colleges that use the Common App and their requirements. You can also find the grid within the application.

Writing Requirements by College

We maintain a list of all Common App colleges and their essay prompts. This resource will help as you begin planning your essays. For more help on planning essays, check out our essay planning worksheet.

Account rollover

You can save answers to Common App tab questions year over year. So you can get started on things like your personal essay or the activities section at any time.

Responses to questions in your My Colleges do not stay year over year. Only get started on things like college-specific questions, writing supplements, or portfolios if you intend to apply this school year. For more info, check out ouraccount rollover FAQ .

Sometimes writings essays can feel like the biggest part of your application. With a little bit of planning, organizing, and drafting, we can help you make this task more manageable.

As you work on your applications you can find essays or short answer questions in three sections:

College-specific questions

Many colleges include short answer questions or essay prompts within this section. You can find specific information about each college's individual writing prompts here.

Counselor tip

Submission is a three-step process:
1) Reviewing your application.
2) Paying the application fee (if applicable).
3) Submitting your application.

Get ready to begin your journey

Walk through the application with us before you apply.

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application guide for first-year students

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Application guide for first-year students

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College application guide for first-time students applying to college with Common App.

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College Access Fairfax will help FCPS families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) forms for free.  See website to schedule a virtual appointment.

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Understanding FAFSA (2022)

Do you need money to go to college? This is the first step if you want financial aid from the federal and state government or most colleges. Filling out the FAFSA can be overwhelming. Don't worry. There is a lot of help!
Click here to download the PDF.
Translations into many other languages are now available here.

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Student & a parent should each get an FSA ID prior to the December FAFSA opening date. Click here for important information regarding the 2024-25 FAFSA (for Seniors graduating Spring 2024). Preparing

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Understand how to choose the right college for you. Consider factors like location, size, campus culture, and academic programs. Use resources like the College Board and campus visit schedules to help with your decision.

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How to Decide What College to Attend - BigFuture | College Board

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Some students want to find the perfect college. In reality, there’s no such thing. However, many colleges will give you a great education and wonderful experiences.

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"I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to you for creating such a wonderful scholarship program. Without Matchlighters and my amazing counselor, I would have never been able to complete and compose such great essays that help me get admitted to Harvard, UPenn, Duke, JHU, Rice, and UCLA! I still cannot believe what happened this past month and all of that incredible news would not have been a reality without the Matchlighters program. I want to personally thank you for putting the effort in organizing this program and helping me match up with my counselor."

- Khoa, Matchlighters Scholar

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Dive into our updated collection of free, step-by-step guides to deciding your college essay structure, how to start your essay, what college essay topic to pick, how to write a personal statement or supplemental essay, and so much more.

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Not sure what you want to do after high school? That's okay! Take career assessments, talk to professionals, and explore different industries to find what might be the right fit for you.

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Career planning for high schoolers

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"I've always had a pretty clear idea of what I want to do," says Megan Lovely, a high school senior who hopes to become a director someday. She's already taking steps toward her career goal by interning with her school drama teacher, acting, and applying to colleges.

If you're still in high school, you may not be as sure of your vocation as Lovely is of hers. But, like Lovely, you can start thinking about-and planning for-your future before graduation.

"Start exploring what you want to do when you're a freshman," says Mark Danaher, a career counselor at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut. "The high school years go very quickly."

Most people need some preparation before they're ready for the workforce, and planning should begin long before it's time to start a career. This could include taking technical courses during high school or, after graduating, attending a college or university to earn a certificate or a degree. Knowing what type of career preparation you need begins with thinking about what type of career you want.

This article helps high school students plan for careers. The first section talks about exploring your interests. The second section highlights the importance of internships, jobs, and other opportunities for getting experience. The third section describes some education or training options, both in high school and afterward. The fourth section offers some thoughts on pursuing your dream career. And the final section lists sources for more information.

Explore your interests

High school is a great time to start thinking about careers. "All your life you've been asked what you want to do when you grow up," says Steve Schneider, a school counselor at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. "In high school, you start to work towards making that happen."

Many high schoolers don't yet know what they want to do. And school counselors say that's perfectly fine. In fact, students are likely to change their minds multiple times, perhaps even after they enter the workforce. And some of tomorrow's careers might not exist today.

Settling on just one occupation in high school isn't necessary. But looking into the types of careers you might like can help set you up for success. "My feeling is that high school students don't have to know the exact career they want," says Danaher, "but they should know how to explore careers and put time into investigating them and learning about their skills and interests."

Learn about yourself

Understanding what you enjoy-and what you're good at-is the first step in exploring careers, say school counselors. "If you don't know what you want to do, the question is, 'What do you like to learn about?'" Schneider says. "If you really like science, what do you enjoy about it-the lab work, the research?"

Use the answers to those questions to identify careers that may have similar tasks. High school junior Kate Sours, for example, loves spending time with kids as a babysitter and enjoys helping people. So she focused on those two interests when she began considering potential careers.

It's important to think about what you like to do, say school counselors, because work will eventually be a big part of your life. "The whole purpose of thinking about careers is so that when you go to the workforce, you wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work," says Julie Hartline, a school counseling consultant at Cobb County public schools in Smyrna, Georgia.

Identify possible careers

Once you've thought about the subjects and activities you like best, the next step is to look for careers that put those interests to use. If you love sports, for example, you might consider a career as a gym teacher, recreational therapist, or coach. If you like math, a career as a cost estimator, accountant, or budget analyst might be a good fit.

But those aren't the only options for people interested in sports or math. There are hundreds of occupations, and most of them involve more than one skill area. School counselors, teachers, and parents can help point you in the direction of occupations that match your interests and skills. School counselors, for example, often have tools that they use to link interests and skills with careers. Free online resources, such as My Next Move, also help with career exploration.

Another approach to identifying potential career interests is to consider local employers and the types of jobs they have. There are many jobs in manufacturing and healthcare near the high school where Schneider works, for example, so he often talks to students about the range of career options in those fields-from occupations that require a 6-week course after high school to those that require a bachelor's or higher degree.

Exploring careers that combine working with children and helping people led Sours to nursing. She's now considering working in a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit or pediatrics department.

Sours notes the importance of broadening, rather than narrowing, possibilities when studying careers. "Keep an open mind," she says, "because with some work, you might think, 'Oh, that's a nasty job.' But when you start exploring it, you might discover, 'This is cool. I might want to do this.'"

Do your research

After identifying possible occupations, you'll want to learn more about them. Resources such as Career Outlook and the Occupational Outlook Handbook can help you get started. Other sources of information include career-day programs, mentoring, and opportunities offered through your school to learn more about the world of work.

Talking directly to workers can help you get information about what they do. If you don't know workers in occupations that interest you, ask people such as parents, friends, or teachers for their contacts. Some schools have business liaisons or coordinators who help put students in touch with employers-and school counselors can assist, too. These networking efforts might pay off later, even if opportunities aren't available now.

After you've found workers who are willing to help, talk to them on the phone, by email, or through online forums. Meet with them in person for informational interviews to learn more about what they do. Or ask if you can shadow them on the job to see what their daily work is like.

To find out if you'll really like an occupation, school counselors say firsthand experience is indispensable. Sours, for example, shadowed her aunt, who works in a hospital as a physical therapist. Sours liked the hospital environment so much that she attended a week-long nursing camp, where she got to see the many tasks that nurses do. "I had so much fun, and I learned so much," she says about both experiences.

Get experience

If job shadowing gives you a taste of what an occupation is like, imagine how helpful getting experience could be. Students can begin getting career-related experiences in high school through internships, employment, and other activities.

Taking part in different experiences is another step toward helping you to figure out what you like-and what you don't. These experiences may teach valuable job skills, such as the importance of arriving on time. (See box: Put forth your best you.)

But, say school counselors, students need to remember that school takes priority over other pursuits. "It's a good idea to get experience while you're a student," says Hartline, "but not at the expense of academic success." Danaher agrees. "School should be your full-time job," he says.

Internships

Completing an internship is an excellent way to get experience. Internships are temporary, supervised assignments designed to give students or recent graduates practical job training. Sometimes, internships or other experiential learning positions are built into educational programs, and students receive academic credit for completing them.

At Lovely's school, for example, students have the option to fulfill an internship for credit during their junior or senior year. Lovely interned during her junior year for her high school theater director. "She gave us opportunities to do everything from contacting local newspapers for ads to writing program notes to directing the middle school production," says Lovely. The experience gave Lovely a feel for a director's work-and helped to cement her career goals.

At other schools, students seek out internships on their own. Academic credit may not be awarded, but gaining hands-on experience can still be worthwhile. Check with your school counselor to see if opportunities exist at your school.

Jobs

Summer or part-time employment is another way to get experience. Paid jobs allow you to earn money, which can help you learn how to budget and save for future goals or expenses.

For some students, summer is a great time to explore careers through employment. As the chart shows, young people worked in a variety of industries in July 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The U.S. Department of Labor has rules about youth employment. These rules differ depending on your age, but they often limit the types of jobs and number of hours you can work. States may have additional restrictions.

Hartline advises that students who work during the school year start with a few hours and build from there, once they find it won't interfere with their studies. "For some students, work is a motivator. For others, it's a distractor," she says.

Regardless of when or where they work, school counselors say, students who pursue employment can learn from it. "I think there's no substitute for any type of work experience," says Michael Carter, director of college counseling at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia. "Without experience, it's hard for students to appreciate what type of career they'd like to have because it's all hypothetical."

Other activities

You can participate in other activities in high school that may spark a career interest. Examples include yearbook committee, science club, and debate team.

By joining groups that involve community service and leadership opportunities, such as student government or honor societies, you can hone work-related skills or interests. Attending a camp in a subject area that interests you, such as engineering or writing, can help you focus on academic skills that may lead to a career.

Some student organizations aim to promote career readiness. SkillsUSA, DECA, and the Future Business Leaders of America are just a few of the national-level groups that might have student chapters at your high school.

Volunteering allows you to serve your community and bolster your experience. Religious institutions, local nonprofits, and government agencies are among the many organizations that use volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

In addition to encouraging you to meet like-minded people and develop your interests, these activities also show future employers and postsecondary schools that you are motivated and engaged. And the more you shape your thoughts about a career, the better you'll know how to prepare for it.

Train for a career

Career preparation should start in high school, but it shouldn't end with graduation: Most occupations require some type of training or education after high school. On-the-job training, apprenticeships, certificates, non-degree awards, and various levels of college degrees are typically required for entry-level jobs.

Which type of training you need depends on the career you want to pursue. Your high school may offer opportunities for getting career training or college credits before you graduate. And after graduation, your training options expand even more. The closer you get to entering the workforce, the more you'll want to narrow your choices.

In high school

Getting a solid education is an important foundation for any career. Workers in many occupations use problem-solving, communication, research, and other skills that they first learned in high school. By doing well in classes and taking part in career-training or college-preparation programs, you demonstrate that you're ready to put these skills into action.

Plan and achieve. Make sure your high school course plan prepares you for entering the next phase of training or education in your desired career. To enter an electrician apprenticeship, for example, you may need a year of high school algebra. Your school counselor can help you plan your schedule to ensure that you take the required classes.

Employers and postsecondary schools often look to your high school record to gauge how you might perform on the job or in an educational program. And finishing high school shows that you can set goals and follow through. "Starting freshman year, do the absolute best you can in your classes," says Laura Inscoe, dean of counseling and student services at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. "Start strong and stay strong."

But school counselors also say not to worry too much if your grades aren't as good as you'd like. "School studies open doors if you do well, but they don't shut doors if you don't," says Danaher. "You might just take a different path."

Career programs. Your high school may offer options for exploring careers while earning credit toward graduation. Some of these options also allow you to earn industry certifications, licensure, or college credit.

In her high school, for example, Sours attends a career academy for health and medical sciences. She is learning about healthcare careers and will have a chance to apply some of her skills and knowledge as she continues in the program. By graduation, she'll have earned both certifications and credits toward an applied nursing degree program at the local community college.

Career academies and other types of technical education are available in many schools to provide hands-on career training. Classes in fields such as business and finance, culinary arts, and information technology are designed to prepare you for work or postsecondary school.

College prep. If you know your goal is college, school counselors usually recommend taking the most rigorous academic classes your school offers-and those that you can successfully handle. Doing so helps bolster both your college application credentials and your readiness for college-level study.

Some college-prep programs, such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment, may help you get a head start on earning a postsecondary degree. Taking classes in these programs may allow you to waive some college course requirements, either by achieving a high score on exams or by completing a course for both high school and college credit.

Admission to college is not based on coursework alone, however. Not all high schools offer advanced academics programs, and not all students take them. You may still have more options than you think, depending on your career goals.

After high school

About two-thirds of high school graduates from the class of 2013 enrolled in college that fall, according to BLS: 42 percent in baccalaureate (4-year) colleges and 24 percent in 2-year schools. Of the remaining one-third of 2013 graduates, who opted not to go to college, 74 percent entered the labor force.

College-bound high school graduates may not know it, but BLS data show that wages are usually higher, and unemployment rates lower, for people who continue their education after high school.

Associate's and bachelor's degree programs range from accounting to zoology. But job training and vocational school programs may offer the type of career preparation you need for the occupation that interests you.

Job training. If you get a job or enter the military directly out of high school, you'll receive training specific to the job. Some employers may even pay for you to get related credentials, such as industry certification.

The type and length of on-the-job training you get depends on the occupation. For example, community health workers typically need 1 month or less of experience on the job and informal training, in addition to a high school diploma, to become competent in the occupation.

Apprenticeships are a form of job training in which a sponsor, such as an employer, pays a trainee to learn and work in a particular occupation. Some jobs in the military include apprenticeship training, but others involve different types of hands-on learning.

Vocational school. Also known as trade or technical schools, vocational schools have programs designed to give you hands-on training in a specific field. Many of these programs lead to non-degree credentials, such as a certificate or diploma. Occupations that you can prepare for at these types of schools include automotive mechanic and emergency medical technician (EMT).

Some vocational schools specialize in a certain occupation or career field, such as truck driving, culinary arts, or cosmetology. Others provide a diverse range of programs, such as medical assisting and precision production.

Earning a certificate allows you to prepare for a career in a relatively short amount of time: Nearly all certificate programs take fewer than 2 years to complete. For example, you may earn a nursing assistant certificate in less than 1 year.

Associate's degree. Associate's degrees, which may qualify you for occupations such as dental hygienist and funeral services manager, are available through public community colleges and other 2-year schools. But some 4-year schools also offer associate degrees that complement or lead into their bachelor's degree programs.

Associate's degrees are available in a variety of subject areas, but most degrees awarded in the past decade have been broadly focused. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the most popular fields of study for associate's degree recipients between 2001-02 and 2011-12 were liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities.

Earning an associate's degree and then transferring to a bachelor's degree program might make sense if you're unsure of what you want to study. It also allows you to save money on tuition, because community colleges are usually less expensive than baccalaureate colleges and universities.

Bachelor's degree. If you plan to get a bachelor's degree, your school counselor can help you with the application processes for colleges and financial aid. But you should also have a plan for why you're pursuing a degree.

A good initial step is to think about what you might like to major in. If you've been considering your career interests throughout high school, declaring a major won't be difficult. "Your initial undergraduate program should be an outgrowth of your academic strengths in high school," says Carter.

Still not sure what you want to study? Look at some studies. For example, job opportunities and starting salaries vary by college major. (See table.) Data may be helpful in narrowing your choices, but they shouldn't be the sole determinant of your future. "Don't let your decision be based on money alone," says Hartline. "Find something you're going to love to do."

Major category

2014 average starting salary

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers, September 2014 Salary survey

To keep your options open as you choose a major, school counselors suggest entering a liberal arts program. Take classes in a broad range of subjects to help you figure out what you like best-and where that might lead in your future.

Be flexible-and follow your dream

Everyone's career path is different, and there is no "right" way to start a career. For example, if you want to postpone your studies to discover your passion, you might decide to take a " gap year " after high school. A gap year gives you a chance to pursue meaningful volunteer, work, or travel experiences. But school counselors recommend that you have a plan to ensure that your time off is productive.

Whatever career path you choose, says Schneider, remember that you can change your mind at any time. "There's always the flexibility to shift course," he says. "A career is not a life sentence. If at some point you realize, 'I don't want to do this,' back up and ask yourself the same questions again: 'What am I good at? What do I like to do?'"

And have the confidence to work toward your ideal career, school counselors say, even if it seems out of reach. "Put a plan together and go for it," says Danaher, "even if everyone else says you're crazy, or you'll never make it. You may not make the NBA, but you might find a way to work within it doing work you really enjoy."

For more information

Visit your public or school library for books and other resources about careers. The BLS K-12 site has a career exploration page that can help you match your interests with selected occupations. For detailed occupational profiles, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Your state's labor market information office may have additional career tools and data specific to your area.

Other government career resources include

My Next Move, which helps you identify careers by keyword, industry, or interests and training.

YouthRules!, which provides information about federal and state employment rules to young workers and their parents, employers, and educators.

Career One Stop, which has resources related to jobseeking and career exploration.

StudentAid.gov, which can help you to prepare for-and fund-a college education.

Put forth your best you

It may seem early, but even in high school you can start to develop habits that are sure to be appreciated by future employers. "As a student, there are things you can do to get yourself college and work ready," says career counselor Mark Danaher. For example, he says, students can develop good habits by getting to class on time, taking responsibility for their school work, and emailing a teacher if they're going to be absent or late.

Also, students need to remember to dress and behave appropriately whenever they might be in contact with a potential employer. "You act one way with your friends and another on the jobsite," says school counseling consultant Julie Hartline. "Mind your demeanor."

This awareness extends to online forums, too. "There are a tremendous amount of positives to social media in terms of networking," says director of college counseling Michael Carter. "But you have to be really careful."

Employers and college admissions officers often check out applicants online and on social media sites. "They're looking into your background and want to see who you're going to be because you may represent a business or institution someday," says Carter. "Make sure that what you put out there for the world to see is how you want to be seen. Social media is a great tool, but you have to use it responsibly."

Elka Torpey is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. She can be reached at torpey.elka@bls.gov.

Suggested citation:

Elka Torpey, "Career planning for high schoolers," Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2015.

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Career planning for high schoolers : Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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It's never too soon to start thinking about your future.

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Learn how to build a strong resume that highlights your skills and experiences. A great resume can help you land internships and job opportunities. Check out these resume-building tips.

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As a high school student, developing a resume is a great way to start preparing for the working world. Resumes can be used for job applications, to secure internships and even to help complete college applications. Your high school resume will likely be focused on relevant coursework, extracurricular activities like volunteering or clubs and any job experience you do have.

Here are some tips to help you compose a high school resume that stands out to potential future employers and sets the foundation for a successful career.
Related Article: How to Write a Resume Employers Will Notice
How to write a high school resume

Include a career objective

A career objective is a one or two sentence statement stating your career goals and summarizing how your talents and skills align with the needs of the employer. While job seekers of any age and career level can benefit from including an objective statement, it's especially important for a high school student. This is largely because your work history may not reflect your future goals.

Adding a career objective to your resume will give employers a clear idea of why you're applying for the role and how their decision to hire you could be beneficial.

Examples of high school student resume career objectives

"I am a motivated team player and aspiring graphic designer seeking an opportunity to work in a sign shop where I can apply my skills and further develop my artistic abilities."

"I am an aspiring leader, with more than three years of experience in childcare, seeking a position as a summer camp counselor. I'm excited to share my talents while expanding my leadership skills as part of a valued community institution."

Highlight any experience

From babysitting to mowing lawns, volunteer work to extracurricular activities (such as clubs or sports), you should include all previous experiences that illustrate your a work ethic and your ability to participate in team-based activities. Be sure to highlight any leadership experience, special achievements or awards you earned within those roles.

While the positions you've held might not specifically relate to the job you're applying for, highlight relevant responsibilities or transferrable skills you can take with you into the new role. Take time to review the job description and look for specific keywords or requirements that align with your skills and talents.

For example, if you're applying for a role as a barista and the job description says they want someone with good customer service and organizational skills, your work experience may look something like this:
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Student Volunteer, 2016 - Present

Manage registration table, including greeting and checking in participants

Hand out water and snacks to participants at check-in points

Attend, contribute to and occasionally lead after-school planning meetings

Spearhead efforts to recruit and train new student volunteers

Provide a detailed education section

As a high school student, education and exploration of your interests (like sports or academic clubs) has likely been your primary focus. While you may not have a long list of job experiences, your participation in school, both in and out of the classroom, will provide potential employers insight into the value you'll bring as an employee. This includes both academic achievements and participation in activities that prove you to be a balanced, well-rounded person.

If you've achieved an impressive grade point average or completed challenging coursework, listing this information can illustrate your dedication and ability to overcome obstacles. Additionally, be sure to include your extracurricular activities. This shows employers that you're able to balance multiple responsibilities. Finally, be sure to list any completed coursework related to the job.

For example, if you're applying for an internship at a newspaper, your education section may look something like this:
Susan B. Anthony High School
Graduation Date: May 2019
GPA: 3.7
Relevant coursework: Introduction to Journalism, Yearbook, Creative Writing, Photography
Clubs: School newspaper, Art club, International club, Future business leaders of America
Related Article: How to List Education on a Resume

List awards and achievements

Employers are looking for candidates who have a history of making an impact. Sharing your awards and achievements-academic or otherwise-proves you can make positive contributions and will help you stand out above other candidates.

Here are a few examples of awards or achievements you can include on a high school resume:

Member of the National Honors Society

Elected student body president for the 2016/2017 school year

Awarded school newspaper best feature article of the year

Helped yearbook staff increase ad sales 30% year over year

Share hard and soft skills

Employers prefer to hire employees who have a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are abilities that are specific to the job, while soft skills are attributes that can be applied in any position. In most cases, hard skills are learned and based on experience while soft skills are rooted in your personality and are often not easily taught.

For example, if you're applying for an internship as a graphic designer, your hard skills might include:

And your soft skills might include:

Active listening

Verbal communication

Accepting constructive criticism

Customer service

Problem-solving

Related Article: Interview Question: "What is Your Greatest Strength?"

High School Resume Example

Below is an example of a high school resume to reference as you're drafting your own. You can also view our full list of resume samples for more inspiration.

Contact
Tomas Domingo
(555) 111-2233
tdiego@email.com

I am a motivated, aspiring finance and accounting professional seeking an opportunity to learn alongside industry leaders in the tech space where I can apply my skills and further develop my passion for mathematics.

Education
River Tech High School
Graduation Date: May 2019
GPA: 3.8
Relevant coursework: Intro to Business Studies, Calculus 1 & 2, Advanced Geometry

Experience & Activities
Finance & Accounting Internship
Crane & Jenkins, Fall 2018

Performed systems analysis, testing and documentation for existing processes

Organized process to decrease time spent reviewing by 10%

Project team selected as winner for most innovative at program-end

Mathletes Team Captain, 2017-2018

Lead weekly team meetings and developed practice events to prepare for the annual Winter Math Competition

Team won nine of 10 competitions during tenure as team captain

Increased spring sign-ups through recruitment events by 15%

Cashier
Thompson's Grocery, 2015-2017

Strategically plan ahead according to high traffic times of day

Handle register during high pressure

Conduct all transactions involving gift cards, refunds, and store credit

Awards & Achievements
Intro to Business Certification
Member of the Key Club 2016, 2017, 2018
Academic Honor Roll 2014-Present

Skills & Abilities
Quickbooks
G Suite
Active listening
Accepting constructive criticism
Problem-solving

As a high school student, you have the ability to develop an impressive resume filled with relevant coursework, volunteer work, skills and abilities and other experiences that make you a great fit for a job. By highlighting your greatest strengths, skills, abilities and future aspirations, you'll have a lasting impression on employers.

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As a high school student, developing a resume is a great way to start preparing for the working world. Resumes can be used for job applications, to secure internships and even to help complete college applications. Your high school resume will likely be focused on relevant coursework, extracurricular activities like volunteering or clubs and any job experience you do have.

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Before you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you need to create a Federal Student Aid account: https://studentaid.gov/

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Create your account (FSA ID) to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education online systems and sign student loan documents and the FAFSA® form electronically.

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Student loans can be confusing. Understand the different types of loans available, their interest rates, and repayment options to make informed decisions about borrowing for college.

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If you have a disability which limits your ability to apply online, please contact us at hrstaffing@dominionenergy.com to submit your interest in a position. This option is limited to individuals with disabilities only. You must include the requisition number, a resume and a contact phone number in your email. A representative will follow up with you to finalize your application.

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Find the college that's the best fit for you! The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard has the most reliable data on college costs,graduation, and post-college earnings.

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College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics

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College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about over 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States - such as programs offered, retention and graduation rates, prices, aid available, degrees awarded, campus safety, and accreditation.

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Dermatology nurses provide care and treatment for patients with a variety of skin conditions and diseases such as psoriasis, skin cancer and acne. In addition to assisting with skin examinations, dermatology nurses also perform many cosmetic dermatology treatments such as chemical peels. In response to the increase in skin cancer in the United States, many dermatology nurses focus on early detection, treatment and patient education on how to prevent skin cancer. A wide and varied field, there is a wealth of career opportunities for dermatology nurses.

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Experts on developmental disabilities and delays, Developmental Nurses work with patients and their facilities to understand a patients' immediate and lifelong abilities, physical, cognitive, social and emotional traits that are associated with developmental disabilities and other special needs and assistive devices that may need to be accommodated for. Many Developmental Disability nurses are fierce advocates of patient rights and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

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Nursing Directors, also known as Directors of Nursing (DON), are RNs who assume responsibility in an administrative capacity combing years of clinical nursing experience, education, and managerial skills to develop organizational structure and standards of care. They coordinate and oversee nursing staff, review budgets, and manage the nursing department/program. This is a very high-level nursing position that requires extensive education and experience.

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Domestic violence nurses combine compassionate healthcare and forensic techniques to care for domestic abuse victims. These nurses examine domestic violence patients for physical, mental, and emotional wounds, and work with doctors and law enforcement officers to report injuries. Domestic violence nurses must be patient, empathetic, and observant, as many patients may be too traumatized to speak about their experiences readily. They must also keep meticulous records and collect evidence for use in court, and they may even be called to testify in domestic abuse cases.

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ER or 'Emergency Room' nurses are efficient, effective and calm. Their prescences and skills are both general - as the Emergency Room admits all kinds of patients with all kinds of trauma - and highly specialized to assess, triage and care for those who have been a victim of a sudden accident or illness. With a varied intake, which depends on the day and sometimes on the hour, the ER nurse is responsible for continuously prioritizing the needs of the patients in the emergency ward in order to ensure everyone remains stable as doctors move to treat, admit, or refer to ancillary care. A leader with a strong ethical sense and calm demeanor, ER nurses have equal parts strong stomach, efficient pace, and assertive personality.

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Enterostomy therapy nurses, often referred to as ET or stoma nurses, treat patients before, during, and after enterostomy procedures. Once a patient has an ostomy, ET nurses monitor the ostomy site and teach a patient and their family how to properly care for the ostomy to prevent infection and other complications. They also assist in cleaning and changing ostomy appliances and are a valuable resource in identifying problems, recommending supplies, and suggesting care techniques.

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Fertility or reproductive nurses treat and educate patients and couples on all areas involving fertility (i.e. fertility treatments, issues with conception, egg donation and IVF, and more). They can work in reproductive centers assisting physicians with fertility treatments and procedures, or they may focus on counseling and education. They may also assist researchers with the latest scientific advancements in reproductive technology.

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Flight nurses, also referred to as transport nurses, provide critical care to patients en route to a hospital or medical facility on board an aircraft, such as a helicopter or rescue flight. They assess patients, administer first aid, perform resuscitation or ventilation procedures, and monitor vital signs to keep patients stable until arrival. They also assist in getting patients into and out of the aircraft and ensure that they are secured safely once onboard. Upon arrival at the hospital, flight nurses update the onsite medical staff to ensure a smooth hand-off.

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Forensic nurses are specially trained to care for victims of trauma and abuse. In addition to treating these patients, they work alongside law enforcement to collect evidence, photograph injuries, and even testify in court if necessary. They can work in hospitals, usually in trauma or ER wards, or assist coroners and medical examiners.

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Gastroenterology (gastrointestinal, or GI) nurses treat patients with illnesses or disorders of the GI tract. This includes acid reflux, Crohn's disease, and cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and more. Typical duties of a GI nurse include assisting with procedures like endoscopies, medication management, dietary education, and administration of conscious sedation.

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Genetics nurses care for patients who are at risk for, or are affected by, diseases or conditions with a genetic component. Working in a variety of healthcare settings from specialty genetics clinics and reproductive centers to hospitals and research institutions, genetics nurses assess and analyze a patient's risk factors for genetic diseases and provide compassionate care and education to patients and their caregivers.

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Geriatric nurses work with elderly patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and more. They help this demographic with things like maintaining functional mobility, medication management, bedside nursing and more.

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Health Policy Nurses are trained RNs who specialize in healthcare policy to review and influence laws, regulations, and more. This type of RN generally holds an MSN degree in a related field, such as the MSN in Healthcare Policy. The health policy nurse must have strong leadership and research skills, and have an interest in both medicine and law.

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Healthcare administrators play a high-level managerial role in healthcare organizations and facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and more. They may manage personnel, develop budgets, oversee payroll, recruit and train, and/or work with electronic health records and health information. A background in nursing or clinical practice is helpful, though not required, for this position.

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Healthcare managers handle the business side of health organizations, overseeing budgets, policies, facilities management, and more. This leadership position involves a great deal of interpersonal communication and administrative acumen. Healthcare manager positions can range from junior to high-level executive. A background in nursing or clinical practice is helpful, though not mandatory, for this role.

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A holistic or complementary health nurse focuses on treating the patient as a whole rather than merely treating individual symptoms. This certified RN takes a mind-body-spirit approach to the practice of professional nursing and may use techniques such as massage, acupuncture, or Eastern healing methods alongside traditional treatments.

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Home health nursing staff are responsible for caring for patients in their homes, performing various tasks if patients and/or their families are unable to care for themselves. This specialty is available to RNs, LVNs/LPNs, and nurse assistants. Tasks may include medication administration, taking vitals, wound care, assisting with mobility, and more.

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Hospice nurses care for patients who are at the end of their lives. This includes making them as comfortable as possible, managing their symptoms, maintaining their hygiene, and administering medications. They also provide important communication and support to family and other caregivers. Hospice nurses typically work in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, or hospice centers.

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Intensive care nurses, sometimes called 'Critical Care' nurses or simply ICU nurses are a highly specialized and trained subsection of the nursing profession. With a low patient to nurse ratio, the ICU nurse is responsible for the individual tasks and subtasks that are involved in caring for a patient in order to stabilize their condition. Frequently, intensive care nurses work with patients out of surgery, post-trauma, during complicated phases of disease, and those who are transitioning to end of life care measures. ICU nurses can choose to specialize by patient population or by affliction.

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Infection control nurses specialize in preventing the spread of infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria. They work diligently to prevent and control infectious outbreaks in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They develop plans, educate and train staff, and implement infection control practices in order to bring the rate of infections down within a particular facility and prevent outbreaks. They may also act as leaders and coordinators if any outbreaks occur.

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Infusion nurses specialize in administering medications and fluids via an intravenous (IV) line, central line, or venous access port. They insert these lines and assist with things like chemotherapy administration, blood transfusions, nutrition replacement/vitamin infusions, fluid/electrolyte infusions, and more.

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The Labor and Delivery (L&D) RN ensures the safety of both mother and baby during the childbirth process. They work with the interdisciplinary team to bring life safely into the world. The L&D nurse must think and act quickly while constantly assessing for emergencies and initiating appropriate interventions. This RN may assist with caesarean sections, initiate and monitor fetal heart rates, monitor and assist with epidurals, induce labor, and ultimately work to find the safest and most effective ways to healthy childbirth.

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Legal nurse consultants are highly educated RNs who work as experts on cases involving medical issues. They can work in law offices, government agencies, hospitals, and insurance companies. Their duties may include reviewing and summarizing medical records, serving as expert witnesses, investigating patient claims, auditing medical bills, and more.

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Long-term care nurses provide care for patients requiring extended care, including the elderly, patients with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses. In addition to administering medication, conducting vital sign checks and performing therapeutic treatments, long-term care nurses assist their patients in daily activities such as feeding, dressing and bathing, as well as provide emotional support and education for patients and their loved ones.

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Managed care nurses evaluate the healthcare needs of patients and use specialized knowledge of the managed care system to connect them to quality, cost-effective healthcare providers. Often working with the elderly and low income individuals who rely on government funded healthcare assistance programs like Medicare and Medicaid, managed care nurses counsel patients on the importance of preventative healthcare and ensure patients receive the consistent care they need while keeping costs low for patients and insurance companies.

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As the single largest population of nurses, Medical-Surgical nurses work mostly in caring for adult patients who have an acute condition or illness, or who are recovering from surgery. While Med-Surg nursing used to be viewed as an entry-level position for nurses looking to gain experience after graduation and licensure, perspective has shifted somewhat in that to be competent and effective requires mastery of so many different specialties that med-surg has become something of a specialty in itself.

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Military nurses are RNs who serve in a branch of the military and are specially trained to provide medical care to patients in military clinics or hospitals, or in makeshift medical facilities near combat zones. They may care for soldiers or other military personnel, veterans, or service members' families. Military nurses are required to make at least a three-year commitment to serve their country, but in return can receive benefits such as housing stipends, student loan repayment, and pensions.

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Missionary nurses work in underdeveloped and developing regions of the world, caring for patients who otherwise would not have access to modern medicine and basic healthcare. Often working with churches, non-profit organizations and humanitarian groups, missionary nurses treat common illnesses and injuries, administer vaccinations and medicines and educate patients about proper hygiene and how to prevent disease and infection, as well as share their spiritual beliefs with local communities.

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Nephrology nurses care for patients who have, or are at risk for, kidney problems including Chronic Kidney Disease, kidney transplants, and other diseases and issues. Nephrology nurses may perform dialysis, monitor patients, provide prevention information and education, help manage symptoms, and more. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers, and physicians' offices.

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Neuroscience nurses treat patients with nervous system diseases or disorders, such as epilepsy, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and more. They help perform physical assessments and neurological exams, and assist with things like mobility, physical rehabilitation, and other tasks to help patients get back to activities of daily living. They also provide resources to patients and families and track the healing process.

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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses, also known as NICU nurses, care for newborn infants who have a variety of medical ailments, including premature congenital disabilities, cardiac malformations, dangerous infections, and more. Aside from treating these newborns, they also train and educate families on how to care for the infant and communicate with them regarding the infant's treatment and progress. They primarily work in the NICU department of hospitals, although they can occasionally work in other settings.

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Nurse administrators are high-level nurses who oversee staff in hospitals or other medical environments. They set policies and procedures, hire and train new nurses, and develop and maintain department budgets. This role usually reports to the hospital CEO and is office-based rather than patient-facing.

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A nurse advocate works on behalf of patients to maintain quality of care and protect patients' rights. They help patients and families navigate the healthcare system and act as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. They play a big role in educating patients on healthcare decisions, resources, and insurance benefits and assist with any disputes a patient may have with their care.

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A nurse attorney is trained as both a registered nurse and an attorney. This means that both a nursing degree and law degree are required. Nurse attorneys may work in either legal or medical settings doing things like reviewing medical records for insurance companies, working with risk management departments in hospitals to ensure that healthcare policies are followed, or lobbying for healthcare organizations.

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A nurse care coordinator is a nurse who specializes in organizing patient care and treatments by incorporating all members in the care team. They usually focus on patients with specific diagnoses such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure, etc. Nurse care coordinators are, in a sense, patient representatives, developing care plans to involve the entire interdisciplinary team.

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Nurse entrepreneurs use their professional nursing experience and business savvy to launch and run their own business ventures within the healthcare field. Requiring strong business skills, creativity and a lot of hard work, becoming a nurse entrepreneur offers nurses a unique opportunity to take control of their careers, set their own schedule and follow their passions in the nursing field.

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Nurse executives are highly educated RNs who also usually hold an advanced business degree. They manage and oversee the nursing staff in medical facilities, design and manage patient care, shape healthcare policies, create healthcare budgets, and more. Experience in both nursing and business is necessary to succeed in the role. They work in places such as hospitals, healthcare organizations, nursing schools, and other facilities.

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Nurse health coaches help patients and clients meet goals with individual health needs including general wellness and chronic disease management. Often employed in healthcare organizations, insurance companies, or independently, nurse health coaches help meet the demand for attentive healthcare and compassionate nursing.

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Nurse managers are responsible for supervising a nursing unit in a hospital or clinic. That includes direction of nursing staff, oversight of patient care and some management or budget decisions. In other words, instead of spending their day screening patients and checking vitals, they are establishing work schedules, coordinating meetings and making personnel decisions.

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Nurse writers utilize their knowledge and skillset to inform and educate others. They can communicate clinical and healthcare information through writing. The job relies on comprehensive training and expertise and requires that nurse writers inform a broad audience. Nurse writers may assist with medical documents, articles and blogs, manuscripts, brochures, and more.

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Obstetrics (OB) nurses care for female patients before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth. They assist an OB/GYN doctor with prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, screenings, and can also help with the childbirthing process. In addition to this, they also assist with other women's health issues such as birth control information, cancer screenings, and infertility. They most often work in OB/GYN physician offices, maternity wards in hospitals, or in birthing centers, though they can work in areas such as urgent care as well.

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Occupational health nurses help prevent and investigate workplace ailments and injuries. They promote safe and healthy workplaces, and look into instances of on-the-job injuries or unsafe procedures to protect a company and ensure worker health. They may help establish safety and security protocols for companies, tend to and document workplace injuries and illnesses, and/or perform drug and alcohol testing, amongst other tasks.

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Oncology nursing care is sometimes referred to as Hematology/Oncology or 'Heme/Onc' nursing. These nurses specialize in caring for individuals who have been diagnosed with a bloodborne cancer (like leukemia) or a solid cancer (like a tumor). Oncology nurses are the first line of communication, care and education that patients learn to lean on as they undergo a scary and often challenging path to remission. Working with both adult and pediatric populations, the Oncology nurse helps patients and families track results and studies, inform about next steps, and manage symptoms throughout treatment.

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In every aspect of pre-surgery, intra-surgery and post-surgery, there's an OR nurse to help navigate the process; assisting the surgical team, providing care for the patient, and educating the patient's family. The OR nurse promotes the health and welfare of the patient under a variety of conditions. With the promotion of a supportive, care-focused and positive environment, the OR nurse is a valuable addition to many hospitals, doctor's offices and clinics.

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Ophthalmic nurses specialize in treating patients with various eye diseases and injuries. Working directly with ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses assist with eye exams, perform vision tests and administer medications, as well as educate patients on how to care for their eye disease or injury at home. They may also assist with various surgical procedures and care for patients prior to and following surgery.

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Organ procurement coordinators are registered nurses who oversee and assist in the process of organ transplant surgeries. They help prepare the deceased body for transplant, help to match a donor to a recipient, and coordinate with doctors and surgeons regarding transportation of the organ. Most coordinators are RNs who have a surgical background and complete the Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator examination.

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Orthopaedic nurses deal with musculoskeletal issues including broken or fractured bones, arthritis, joint replacements, and more. They monitor patients before, during, and after orthopaedic surgeries and assist in casting and wound dressing. Orthopaedic nurses also help patients get on a pain management schedule and help administer pain medications. Most orthopaedic nurses are RNs with a BSN who have passed the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification exam.

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Otorhinolaryngology nurses specialize in treating patients with various diseases and injuries of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. Also known as ENT nurses, otorhinolaryngology nurses assist with patient exams, collect samples, administer medications and record symptoms and medical histories. They may also assist with various surgical procedures and care for patients prior to and following surgery.

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Pain management nurses are RNs who help to provide pain relief to patients experiencing chronic pain due to illness or injury. They employ a wide variety of techniques in order to achieve this, including medications, stress relief techniques, exercise/diet changes, and more. They must constantly assess and reassess patients to make sure they are comfortable and cared for without doing harm to them by over-medicating, etc. Pain management nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, sports medicine centers, and other places where patients may be seeking pain relief.

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Palliative care nurses provide compassionate nursing care to patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. They help patients with pain and symptom management to ensure that they carry out their final days in comfort. These nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private homes, or wherever a patient requires this type of care. They also often provide emotional support to the patient and their friends/family.

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Parish nurses, also known as faith community nurses, are RNs who serve a parish or other faith community, integrating faith and healing to promote health and wellness. Aside from the necessary medical training, parish nurses must also have a strong foundation in and knowledge of their particular faith. Parish nurses may be responsible for tasks such as providing spiritual support to patients, mentoring volunteers or other members of their parish, educating patients on the importance of faith in relation to health and wellness, and starting up support groups. They can work in churches, hospitals, social services agencies, and more.

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Pediatric endocrinology nurses treat children with endocrine disorders, such as juvenile diabetes, pituitary problems, and adrenal diseases. They work alongside pediatricians to test and monitor children with these disorders, and educate patients and parents on treatments and prevention methods, which may include lifestyle changes. Pediatric endocrinology nurses typically work in hospitals and pediatricians' or physicians' offices.

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Perianesthesia nurses prep patients for surgery, but their main duty is to care for patients coming off of anesthesia or sedation following a surgical procedure. They help to orient the patient, check vitals including blood pressure and respiration rate, and make sure the patient isn't suffering from any side effects or adverse reactions from the anesthesia. These nurses most commonly work in hospitals, in Post-Anesthesia Care Units (PACUs).

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Perinatal nurses care for women before, during, and after pregnancy, and help both mother and baby for the first few weeks of the newborn's life. They educate patients and families on things like childbirth options, umbilical cord care, and more. Additionally, they screen and assess patients for high-risk pregnancies and perform a multitude of routine pregnancy tests. They may work alongside a physician or nurse midwife during labor as well.

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Plastic surgery nurses care for patients undergoing cosmetic or aesthetic procedures. This includes things like breast augmentation, face/neck lifts, liposuction, reconstructions after trauma, and more. These nurses screen patients for surgery and care for them before, during, and after the procedure. RNs in this field must be supportive and non-judgmental as many plastic surgeries deal with enhancing body self-image.

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Postpartum nurses provide physical and emotional care for mothers and newborn babies following a delivery. They work in hospitals and birthing centers and often work alongside lactation consultants and labor and delivery nurses to ensure that a new mother recovers from the birth properly and is educated on caring for an infant. They also provide important pain management and postpartum monitoring for the new mother.

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Psychiatric nurses care for patients who suffer from mental health illnesses as well as those struggling with addiction and substance abuse problems. They assess and monitor patients, work with an interdisciplinary team including psychiatrists and social workers, and help administer medications. Psychiatric nurses work in hospitals, medical offices, mental health facilities, schools, correctional facilities, and in community settings where mental healthcare is needed.

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Public health nurses serve a community, promoting health and wellness and providing medical services. A large part of their job is working with underserved and underprivileged populations, providing education and resources. Public health nurses can work in local government, such as county or city health departments, or private public-health agencies.

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Radiology nurses care for patients who must undergo diagnostic imaging procedures (such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs), or for those undergoing radiation therapy for certain illnesses, including cancer. These nurses educate the patients on the need for the procedure, prepare the patients on the day of the procedure, operate the machines, administer any contrast dyes, and monitor the patient after the procedure. They typically work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging facilities, or outpatient care facilities.

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Rehabilitation nurses assist patients with disabilities, injuries, or chronic illnesses with any personal limitations that may have arisen because of them. Their primary goal is to help patients regain independence and functionality to the best of their ability. They can work in outpatient or inpatient settings and may work with patients on an on-going basis.

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Research nurses design and implement scientific studies within the healthcare field, analyze data and report their findings to other nurses, doctors and medical researchers with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare services and patient outcomes. A challenging career path that requires an advanced nursing education and specialized training in research methodology, nurse researchers make discoveries that have the potential to save lives and change the healthcare industry.

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Respiratory nurses, also referred to as pulmonary care nurses, treat patients with a variety of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, bronchitis, and more. They help develop treatment plans for their patients, which sometimes includes the use of mechanical devices to help aid breathing. Aside from caring for these patients, they also provide education on things like smoking cessation and healthy habits.

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Rheumatology nurses care for patients with a variety of rheumatic diseases that affect the joints and muscles, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and more. These nurses help patients with pain relief and symptom management. Many patients with rheumatic diseases require on-going care and can form long-lasting relationships with rheumatology nurses.

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School nurses attend to the physical and mental health of children on a school campus. They treat and assess illnesses and injuries, and alert parents and emergency services when a health issue is severe. School nurses provide health education to students and work with teachers, parents, and administrators to promote health in the school system. They work in a variety of educational institutions and may travel between schools in a district.

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Substance abuse nurses care for patients addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances. Trained in mental health care in addition to general nursing, substance abuse nurses provide pain management services, education and emotional support for patients and their families who are struggling with addiction. A nursing position that requires a high level of compassion, substance abuse nurses have the opportunity to provide a lifeline for patients in crisis.

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Telemetry nurses care for patients with heart problems who have moved out of the ICU. They specialize in monitoring the readings of electrocardiogram, or EKG, machines and alerting the doctor to any dangerous changes. They also monitor other vital signs including blood pressure and breathing patterns and may assist the doctor with diagnoses, treatments, or procedures. Telemetry nurses also educate patients on cardiac health and may recommend lifestyle or diet changes to promote a healthy heart.

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Telephone triage nurses, also known as telehealth nurses and TTNs, provide care to patients over the phone or via video chat. They are crucial healthcare resources for those who may live far away from a medical facility or need help and advice after-hours. Telephone triage nurses help to assess the patient's medical issue and refer them to the proper line of care, whether that's home care, a physician's or specialist's office, or the emergency room.

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Transcultural nurses help treat foreign patients with a primary focus on care that is culturally sensitive and inclusive. They communicate with these patients and act as a bridge between the patient's culture and healthcare practices. Transcultural nurses must be highly familiar with a variety of cultures and their corresponding values in order to deliver compassionate medical care.

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Transplant nurses care for patients who are in need of organ or tissue transplant surgeries, as well as living donors who have volunteered to donate tissues or organs. They prepare patients for surgery, assist surgeons during harvest and donation procedures and provide patient education and crucial post-operative care, including monitoring for complications such as infection or organ rejection.

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Trauma nurses specialize in caring for patients with acute injuries or illnesses, including accidents, assaults, gunshot or stab wounds, and more. They typically work in emergency environments and are charged with stabilizing patients. They also document a patient's care and may work with any law enforcement officers involved.

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Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps. This type of nurse may work domestically or internationally, filling in where the need arises. They perform standard registered nursing tasks, but may need to adapt to certain challenges such as language differences or particular local illness/disease outbreaks.

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Wound care (WOC) nurses treat patients with ostomies and serious wounds. This includes wound debridement, cleaning, and bandaging, amongst other things. Wound care nurses also help doctors assess whether further treatment such as antibiotics or surgery is necessary. This type of nurse also helps care for bedridden patients who have bedsores, people suffering from complications of diabetes, and may work in a hospital, nursing home, or other long-term care setting.

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Types of Nursing Careers & Specialties || RegisteredNursing.org

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Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses administer numerous non-invasive, in-office cosmetic treatments, such as anti-aging injectables and fillers, microdermabrasion, acne treatments, chemical peels, laser treatments, and more. This type of nurse also preps patients on what to expect with cosmetic procedures as well as the aftercare involved.

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Detailed descriptions of the world-of-work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more. Individuals can find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on their goals and needs. Comprehensive reports include occupation requirements, worker characteristics, and available training, education, and job opportunities.

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Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid

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Comprehensive source of student financial aid, student loan and loan forgiveness program information, with advice and tools for students, parents and educators.

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Make college planning easier with tools and calculators to help understand college costs and the amount of financial aid you will need.

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Virginia Alternative State Aid Application (VASA)

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Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

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The latest news, images, videos, career information, and links from the U.S. Army.

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Marines.mil - Official website of the United States Marine Corps

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The official website of the United States Marine Corps

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The Official Website for the Air National Guard

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The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is the largest and oldest source of officers for the Air Force. It is an elective college course that supports students who wish to become officers in the Air Force after graduation.

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It's part of your college curriculum and includes training and one-of-a-kind experiences

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Graduate from College as an Army Officer Army ROTC pays for your tuition while you go to college and train to become an Army Officer. Offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities, you can get the college experience along with a guaranteed career after graduation as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

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RECEIVE FULL TUITION, BOOK STIPEND, AND MORE

The purpose of the Navy ROTC Program is to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps and the Marine Corps. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.

Selected applicants for the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits OR Room and Board at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the unrestricted line Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve.

The Navy ROTC Scholarship Program is available to qualified students who graduate from high school before August 1 of the year they intend to start college.

Students selected for the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program make their own arrangements for college enrollment and room and board, and take the normal course load required by the college or university for degree completion. Additionally, scholarship midshipmen are required to follow specific academic guidelines.

Full information concerning the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program is available from any of the colleges and universities with Navy ROTC units or from Navy and Marine Corps recruiters. A list of colleges and universities is available on this website at the Colleges and Universities page.

MISSION

The Navy ROTC Program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

HISTORY

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (Navy ROTC) Program was established in 1926 to provide a broad base of citizens knowledgeable in the arts and sciences of Naval Warfare. The program provided an opportunity for young men to undertake careers in the naval profession. In the beginning, there were six Navy ROTC units located at the University of California at Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, University of Washington, and Harvard and Yale Universities. In June of 1930, 126 midshipmen graduated from college, and received commissions in the United States Navy. At least 3 of the graduates went on to obtain flag rank.

The Marine Corps entered the Navy ROTC Program in 1932, offering qualified Navy ROTC graduates commissions in the United States Marine Corps. In 1968, Prairie View A&M became the first Historically Black College (HBC) to host the program. In 1972, the Secretary of the Navy authorized 16 women to enroll in the program and attend school at one of four colleges. Women may now participate in the program while attending any Navy ROTC affiliated college or university. In 1990, the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program was expanded to include applicants pursuing a four-year degree in Nursing, leading to a commission in the Navy Nurse Corps.

The mission of the Navy ROTC Program today... is to develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. The program educates and trains young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. Currently there are 63 Navy ROTC units/consortiums hosted at 77 schools throughout the United States. The Navy ROTC Program is available at over 160 colleges and universities that either host Navy ROTC units or have cross-town enrollment agreements with a host university. Selected applicants for the program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities.

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The Navy and Marine Corps team need leaders like you to help make the team successful, to build trust among teams, to work collaboratively and equitably, to be courageous and adjust plans and solutions based on learning, to be apply problem-solving skills and identify and remove barriers to progress.

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Cadets in College: Top Majors for ROTC Students

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Learn which undergraduate majors are best suited for ROTC students, discover how your major can be beneficial to a military career, and find information on ROTC college scholarships.

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Official homepage for the U.S. Air Force Academy

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We are a federal service academy that educates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.

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An Experience Like No Other

The U.S. Military Academy is the premier leader development institution in the world. The Academy's integrated 47-month experience is unlike that at any other college. Cadets are exposed to unique opportunities and forge bonds that last a lifetime. West Point graduates are leaders of character in all walks of life - members of the Long Gray Line - who are committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country.

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Home Page | United States Military Academy West Point

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West Point is the world's preeminent leader development institution. Members of the Long Gray Line live by the motto "Duty, Honor, Country" and serve as leaders both in and out of uniform.

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The undergraduate college of our country’s naval service.

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Graduation Requirements and Course Planning

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High school students and their families work together with the school counselor to create a Academic and Career Plan, to include successful course sequencing. The course catalogs are updated yearly to use as a reference when meeting with the student's counselor. Requirements for graduation differ depending on the year the student entered high school for the first time.

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SAT/ACT INFORMATION:

The next SAT Test is on August 15, 2026.  The regular registration deadline is Aug. 7.  To register, go to: SAT Dates and Deadlines – SAT Suite | College Board

The next ACT is on July 11, 2026.  The late registration deadline is June 24.  To register, go to:  http://www.act.org/

Note: Students who are on free or reduced lunch should contact Ms. Kim at MHKim@fcps.edu, or see her in the Career Center, Room L106, for a fee waiver.

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The SAT supports success in school and can help you on your path to college. Access your My SAT Dashboard to register or send SAT scores.

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National test dates are for the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico.

If you missed the regular registration deadline for a test date, you can still register by the late registration deadline for an additional fee.

If you did not register for a test date by the late registration deadline, you may be able to request standby testing for an additional fee.

Deadlines occur at midnight Central Time.

If you are unable to test on a Saturday test date for religious reasons, there may be options available to you. See Non-Saturday Testing.

All requests for Accommodations and English Learner supports, including appeals, must be submitted by the late registration deadline through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system.

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ACT Registration Testing Dates | The ACT Test

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ACT registration information including testing dates for the ACT Test.

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Worldwide Admissions

Students can achieve their dreams of university study, immigration and more with the TOEFL iBT ® and TOEFL ® Essentials ™ tests. Each test is uniquely designed so they can choose the TOEFL test that's best for them.

Register Now Which Test Is Right For You?

Building Confidence and Success

Measure students' English-language skills to place them in the right courses, monitor their progress and adjust instruction.

Research

Pioneering new ways to assess English-language proficiency for over 55 years. Explore the research behind our advancements in English language learning and assessment.
TOEFL Research

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Students can achieve their dreams of university study, immigration and more with the TOEFL iBT ® and TOEFL ® Essentials ™ tests. Each test is uniquely designed so they can choose the TOEFL test that's best for them. Register Now Which Test Is Right For You?

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The PSAT/NMSQT is now digital! The test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator. It can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.

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The PSAT/NMSQT can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.

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SAT Question of the Day

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From free practice tests to a checklist of what to bring on test day, College Board provides everything you need to prepare for the digital SAT.

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ACT Test Prep

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If you’re taking an ACT prep course or practicing yourself, check out our free online learning tools and ACT practice tests. Practice each section of the exam - our resources help you get the best score possible on the ACT test.

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SAT Practice Test

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Find full-length practice tests on Bluebook™ as well as downloadable paper (nonadaptive) practice tests to help you prepare for the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9.

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Plan your gap

It's important to take time to reflect as you consider your interests and research your options during this step of the college deferral process. Familiarize yourself with our modular Gap Year, Semester, and Short-Term programs with the help of your expert Gap Year Consultant, who will work with you and your family one-on-one to determine the perfect program for you.

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Plan your gap It's important to take time to reflect as you consider your interests and research your options during this step of the college deferral process. Familiarize yourself with our modular Gap Year, Semester, and Short-Term programs with the help of your expert Gap Year Consultant, who will work with you and your family one-on-one to determine the perfect program for you.

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National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

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For the Fall 2023 admission cycle, NACAC member four-year colleges reported that the most important factors in admission decisions were grades in high school courses and strength of the high school curriculum.
(NACAC Membership Required)

PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IMPORTANCE TO FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS: FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN , FALL 2023

N

Considerable Importance

Moderate Importance

Limited Importance

No Importance

Do the top factors in admission decisions vary by type of college?

Across all four-year colleges surveyed, high school grades and strength of high school curriculum are uniformly rated as the most important factors. However, some differences were found between public and private colleges in the level of importance given to the following factors:

high school GPA in college prep courses

strength of curriculum

class rank

positive character attributes

the essay or writing sample

the interview

work

extracurricular activities

counselor and teacher recommendations

student's interest in attending the institution.

How has the importance of admission factors changed over time?

The Fall 2023 survey represents NACAC's first data collection since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent wide-spread adoption of test-optional or test-free admission policies. As expected, the importance of test scores has substantially declined, while grades and strength of curriculum have remained of top importance.

PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING "CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE" TO FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS: FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN , FALL 2012 TO FALL 2023

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For the Fall 2023 admission cycle, NACAC member four-year colleges reported that the most important factors in admission decisions were grades in high school courses and strength of the high school curriculum. Access the dashboards and tools (NACAC Membership Required) PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING

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Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: "...any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation." HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors.

Fast Facts (Source: National Center for Education Statistics)

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White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation.

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For the past 14 years, USA Gap Year Fairs has partnered with US high schools to educate, inspire, and empower students to look beyond the classroom and pursue opportunities for experiential learning. Taking a gap year might seem intimidating, but it's actually much easier than you think -- especially when you know there's a community of gap year experts and enthusiasts to help support you.

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NOVA Degrees and Programs

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programs credits course education transfer

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The NOVA Catalog has information about credit instructional programs, degrees and certificates, policies and procedures, and student services

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Explore the advantages of attending a community college. Benefits include lower tuition costs, flexible class schedules, and the ability to transfer credits to a four-year university.

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Whether you're a high school student unsure of which colleges to apply to or an adult considering going back to school, there are plenty of reasons to put community college on your list.

Nearly 30% of U.S. undergraduates are enrolled at public, two-year colleges, which offer benefits like open-enrollment policies and flexible scheduling.

Attending community college can be an affordable way to dip your toes into higher education before transferring to a four-year program. But these colleges also offer a breadth of programs that can allow students to forego the university experience entirely.

When R.J. Hunt was a senior in high school, community college wasn't even on his radar. He'd planned to attend Oakland University, in Rochester, Michigan, after graduating - that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Leery of spending tens of thousands of dollars to take classes online, he decided to attend Washtenaw Community College, near his hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan, instead. Now he's wrapping up his second year. Reflecting on his choice in a column for his school paper, Hunt wrote that attending community college was the best decision he'd ever made.

If you're considering community college, here are five advantages to keep in mind.

One of the most frequently cited benefits of community college is its relatively low cost of attendance.

"Cost is certainly one of the primary reasons why someone should consider a community college," says Martha Parham, senior vice president of public relations at the American Association of Community Colleges.

According to data from the College Board, community colleges cost, on average, about one-third of in-state tuition at four-year public universities. For example, Washington residents attending North Seattle College will pay a little more than $4,100 per year in tuition and fees (without financial aid). Those attending the University of Washington-Seattle, on the other hand, will pay just over $12,000 per year.

"On top of that, most community colleges have resources to help students eliminate any financial barriers they may have to attending college," Parham says, noting that community colleges often provide generous financial aid and scholarships to their students.

A Path to a Four-year College

Many four-year universities have transfer agreements with local community colleges. These agreements allow students who complete specific requirements to easily transfer into a four-year program at a nearby university.

Transfer students can then earn a bachelor's degree while only having to pay two years of higher tuition.

"When you get an associate's degree at a community college, you start as a junior when you transfer to a four-year university," says Iris Palmer, deputy director of community colleges at New America's Education Policy program. "So you take your general education and you don't have to redo it or add on classes at the four-year (college)."

Hunt learned about his college's transfer agreement program shortly after enrolling at Washtenaw. He plans to enroll in Eastern Michigan University after earning his associate degree.

George L. Wimberly, director of professional development and diversity officer at the American Educational Research Association, says that, in addition to reducing the cost of a bachelor's degree, completing two years at a community college can ease the transition from high school to university-level coursework.

Palmer says it's particularly important for students to take note of the specific requirements for their college's transfer agreement, as these can vary significantly from place to place.

Community colleges typically enroll students in and around the region in which they're located, facilitating a sense of comfort and ease of accessibility.

"I grew up in Ypsilanti my whole life - Washtenaw is like 10 minutes away from my house," Hunt says. "I'm familiar with the area, which definitely makes me more comfortable."

Parham says that the open-enrollment policy at community colleges allows many students who might not necessarily be interested in or able to attend a faraway university to gain access to higher education. In this way, she says that community colleges place a strong emphasis on serving the local population.

"If you're able to live at home and work and go to school in your local community, that of course increases access," she says.

Community colleges allow for flexible scheduling, giving students the ability to attend college while working or raising a family. This flexibility comes in many forms, from night classes to asynchronous coursework.

"A lot of community colleges recognize that their students are working part-time or full-time jobs," Wimberly says.

Parham says this flexibility makes community colleges a particularly good option for older students who are working professionals or parents. According to the AACC, the average community college student is 27 years old, and about 44% percent of community college students are above the age of 22.

Flexible scheduling doesn't just benefit older students either. Palmer says many community colleges have dual-enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college-level courses during the evening or weekends.

Community colleges tend to offer a wide range of career and technical education programs in fields like nursing or firefighting. Palmer and Parham agree that the highly applied nature of these programs prepares students for entering the workforce.

"There are really good training programs at community colleges, and they tend to have really good relationships with the employers in their community," Palmer says.

From culinary arts to automobile mechanics, community colleges offer a broad selection of professionalized coursework that four-year universities often do not. While students could also study these topics in a vocational trade school, Wimberly says community colleges tend to offer these programs at a much lower cost.

Palmer adds that many community colleges also offer baccalaureate programs in highly applied fields like business, nursing and computer science. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor's degree without ever having to attend a four-year university. Researchers at New America estimate that more than 100 public, mainly two-year institutions - or roughly 10% of all community colleges in the U.S. - offer baccalaureate programs throughout 24 states, and that number is "expected to rise substantially in the next few years."

"These are actually a lot of similar programs to what you would have in a traditional four-year institution, but with less of the liberal arts"," Palmer says. "They're much more applied and really focused on particular occupations."

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Whether you're a high school student unsure of which colleges to apply to or an adult considering going back to school, there are plenty of reasons to put community college on your list. Nearly 30% of U.S. undergraduates are enrolled at public, two-year colleges, which offer benefits like open-enrollment policies and flexible scheduling.

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ADVANCE is an exciting partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor's degrees in a timely manner and save money.

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Have a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (for students with college credit)

Be enrolled in a NOVA associate degree program

Have earned no more than 30 college credits at the time the ADVANCE Declaration is submitted

The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other credit earned by exam. High school dual enrollment credit and credit earned at other U.S. or international colleges/universities does apply to the 30-credit limit. Steps to Enroll in ADVANCE

Submit the ADVANCE Declaration form by clicking here (hyperlink the word "here" to the Declaration)

Request that official transcripts from all U.S. and international colleges/universities attended (other than NOVA) be sent to the Office of Admissions at Mason

Monitor your VCCS email account after your Declaration is submitted. Be sure to look for additional messages prompting you to complete two additional steps, including completing the intent to enroll and selecting your academic pathway.

If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria or Declaration process, you may schedule an appointment with an ADVANCE Admission Counselor by emailing advance@gmu.edu.

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Have a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (for students with college credit) Be enrolled in a NOVA associate degree program Have earned no more than 30 college credits at the time the ADVANCE Declaration is submitted The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other credit earned by exam.

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https://www.nvcc.edu/about/locations/medical-education-campus/index.html

The Medical Education Campus (MEC) is a state-of-the-art specialized campus focused on training and educating professionals in Nursing and Health Sciences. It is committed to fostering workforce development and offers robust continuing education programs. We are dedicated to equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for their respective fields.

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Finding a major can be tough.

That's why we created the College Major Assessment. In 15-minutes, the program will recommend your best-fit majors that match your academic achievement, aptitude, unique interests, and preferences.

"I was undecided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. After completing the assessment, I was able to find my list of majors to talk with my advisor. We were able to sign up for classes, found a student group to join, and discussed what I needed to do to graduate in 4 years."

KYLE TURNER
Student '20

The College Major Assessment recommends your top ten best-fit majors. Finding your major will help select the right college and complete your degree on time. Start now to find your major. This program is free for students.

Start Now

National Science Foundation backed program that recommends your custom majors in ranked order. Helping your prospective and current students create a plan on campus and work with faculty and staff to improve retention and graduation rates.

Learn More

Online tool for high school counselors, principals, and teachers to help students find a major, college, and career. Create a free high school account for the student assessment and be able to access their results.

Sign Up Now

Minutes to complete the assessment

For Students

What should you major in? Complete the free 15-minute assessment and find your best-fit list of majors, careers, and college matches.

If you are undecided or not sure if your current major is the right fit, complete the assessment to explore all your opportunities. More than 80% of college students change their major at least once in college. MyMajors can help give clarity to your uncertainities.

Find Your Major

National Science Foundation

awarded MyMajors two SBIR grants
to improve college completion and student advising.

For Colleges & Universities

Colleges face three major problems: recruiting best-fit students, retaining them, and graduating them on time. Using web-based assessment technology and artificial intelligence, MyMajors matches students to their best-fit majors at your college. The result is that students engaging in the right majors on your campus enroll, persist, and graduate in four-years at up to 22% higher rates than the national average.

We are not a traditional assessment.
The customized program leverages an algorithm, backed by the NSF, to match students to your specific majors. Students can learn about your unique programs, career outcomes, and connect with resources on campus. Faculty and staff can be notified as students complete the program and alerted with key data to help students persist on campus.

MyMajors can make an immediate impact in admissions, orientation, first-year advising, changing majors, career services, and retention and graduation initiatives.

Try a sample assessment:

Private Label Traditional 4-year Program

Community College Program

How we help Colleges

Proactive Strategies from Partner Colleges and Universities

MyMajors assists colleges and universities from small to large, public to private, community colleges, religious colleges, and HBCU and HACU institutions. Custom programs are set up based on each institutions programs, philosophy, and process.

Helping Students Find an Academic Home

Program that supports retention and graduation initiatives.

Nationally, only 39% of students receive a degree in four years.*

Students with the right academic plan will select the right college and complete their degree on time. A study conducted through the National Student Clearinghouse found that MyMajors students had a 13.8% higher retention rate than the national average. Students completed their degree in four years at an 11.3% higher rate. Hispanic(11.6% higher) and African American (20.9% higher) students both had higher four year graduation rates than the national average.
*NCES

Download White Paper

For High Schools

School Counselors and Administrators can create an account and help students find a major, college, and career. We create a subdomain for your high school to access the program, and you can view their results to have better college and career advising sessions. Utilize the majors assessment in a school-wide "Major Day" to help students proactively explore their options before they apply to colleges.

Sign Up for High School Account

"MyMajors introduces new options which encourages the student to explore new areas that they may never have considered or even knew existed. Students find MyMajors easy to use and highly accurate and their academic advisors rely on the results to guide their students through the most important decision they will make in college."

Dr. Kathleen Shea Smith The University of Oklahoma

"I love the option of being able to access the results myself in order to have more effective conversations with my students."

Dr. Connie litzsinger Holt High School

"It was developed after years of compiling data on what it takes to succeed in different fields of study. A student's responses to questions regarding personal interests, temperaments, value systems and academic history are matched to those majors where they are most likely to find success and satisfaction."

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What Should I Major in? Create your college and career plan

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Finding a major can be tough. That's why we created the College Major Assessment. In 15-minutes, the program will recommend your best-fit majors that match your academic achievement, aptitude, unique interests, and preferences. "I was undecided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

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Behind the Scenes of the Admissions Committee

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Explore Coalition for College events like college fairs and panel discussions with admissions professionals on topics that help students prepare to apply to college.