It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the first semester of your school year. Soon, too soon in my world, we will be turning the calendar to 2023. For juniors, that is an important time to get your college goals and career aspirations in focus. The tips in this newsletter will help you to organize your time and activities.

I had two children. They are both grown now and into their careers. One is a Veterinarian, the other has a Doctorate in Education. Both took different paths.

My daughter was directed into veterinary medicine very early in life. All courses, pathways, and activities were directed to reaching her final goal…taking care of small animals. She chose a college with a veterinary medicine post-graduate program and went right from her bachelor’s degree into vet school. Her passion…caring for animals.

My son took a year off between high school and college. He then went to community college and afterward completed his bachelor’s degree in a four-year college. After entering the workforce, he redefined his career path and became a certified teacher, then went down the path to earn his doctorate. He is currently the youngest superintendent of schools in California elementary school systems. His passion…helping students to continue to advance toward achieving the best goal for each one.

My goal in sharing these two stories is to reinforce that there is no “right” path. The only “right” path is yours. As a junior, you can begin to think of your path. If you are like my daughter, you are very directed. If you are like my son, you need to explore more. However, the “right” path is your path.

Use this time to think about your future…what you like…what you don’t like. Talk to your parents, guardians, mentors, or any and all who you trust to discuss your future plans. Talk to your high school counselors and LEAF advisors. Forge your own path.

And don’t forget to enjoy this wonderful time of year. Always remember that you are a special person. You are like no other. Your path, your world, is like no other. And you deserve the best life has to offer. You are worth it.

Happy Holidays!

Patricia G. Egan, MBA, CFRE

Executive Director at LEAF

Junior year is a time to fine-tune your plans for after high school. If still undecided on a career path, check out online self-assessment tools that match your interests, skills, and values to career options. Explore career clusters and research job requirements, work conditions, pay, educational/training requirements, and job growth for specific occupations within the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Talk to people who work in the occupation you are considering and ask if you can job shadow for a day to get a first-hand look at the realities of the job.

Having a solid understanding of your career goals will help guide your postsecondary decisions. Below are options to consider.

Bachelor's degrees are offered at public and private four-year colleges and universities. These schools vary in size, academic difficulty, affordability, and admission requirements. A bachelor's degree can typically be used to pursue a variety of different careers because they require both general and program-specific coursework. Students may opt to pursue more than one major or may pursue a minor to complement their major or explore an outside interest.

An associate degree is typically earned at a two-year college or a branch campus. These schools usually offer open enrollment with admission requirements including an application and a high school diploma or GED. Some associate degrees provide a pathway directly into the workforce, focusing on the skills needed for specific careers, while others serve as a cost-effective stepping stone to earning a bachelor's degree.

Certificate programs are affordable, short-term education options that provide students with the skills needed to work in specialized, high-demand occupations. Students can earn certifications in high school or after graduation through adult learning programs at local career training centers or community colleges. Programs are offered in health sciences, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, public safety, business administration, culinary arts, and more.

Apprenticeships are typically a three-to-five-year commitment allowing students to earn an income while training for an in-demand occupation with a sponsor organization. Apprentices learn their trade through on-the-job training and classroom instruction as they earn industry credentials. Entry requirements are typically an application and high school diploma or GED. Apprenticeships are offered in a variety of career fields, including advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades.

Innovation and rapidly-changing technology have transformed today's manufacturing companies into fast-paced, high-tech environments where skilled workers are in high demand. Many companies offer extensive training programs and tuition reimbursement for their employees. Visit thinkmfg.com for more information about manufacturing opportunities in the Greater Cleveland area.

The military offers a wide range of career paths within its five branches with options to serve full-time or part-time in the reserves. Students may enlist after high school graduation, but becoming an officer typically requires a four-year degree or higher. The military has many programs to help its members fund a college education. Visit todaysmilitary.com and connect with a local recruiter to learn more about the military's many career options.

Due to the pandemic and access to testing sites, many colleges and universities adopted flexible standardized testing policies that are still in place. Schools that are "test optional" allow students the choice to submit their standardized test score when applying for admission. "Test blind" schools will not consider standardized test scores, even if submitted.

TEST EARLY AND TEST OFTEN! Because current testing policies are subject to change, Class of 2024 students are highly encouraged to take the ACT or SAT multiple times and prepare for the test in advance. A strong ACT or SAT score can strengthen a student’s application. Scores may also be required for certain programs and scholarship opportunities. 

Typically, students are offered one opportunity to take the ACT or SAT at their high school for free during the spring of their junior year. Students can register to take additional tests on the ACT and SAT websites. Ask your LEAF Advisor if you qualify financially for an ACT or SAT test waiver.

Students will want to have their best score available to submit to colleges before admission application deadlines, which can be as early as fall of senior year. 

Below are links to some free online test preparation resources:

ACT

SAT

Vocabulary.com

Kaplan

Khan Academy

Princeton Review

number2.com

Follow this timeline throughout junior year to stay on track with your postsecondary planning.

Scholarships Myths and Facts 

FACT: Scholarships can be based on a wide range of criteria, not just academics or athletic ability. They can be awarded for leadership, extracurricular involvement, financial need, community service, overcoming adversity, a response to an essay prompt, and much more.



FACT: Scholarships that cover the full cost of attendance or even full tuition costs are rare. The average academic scholarship awarded by colleges is $7,400 while the average athletic scholarship is $10,400. Most students will need to apply for many different scholarships to significantly reduce the cost of college and should expect to have to cover some portion of their college costs through college savings and/or loans.



FACT: There are scholarship opportunities for high school juniors and younger. (Below are two examples.) You will also want to continue your search for scholarships throughout your years in college as there are many scholarship opportunities available to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Scholarships Opportunities for Juniors

Maltz Museum

STOP THE HATE

Essay Contest

The Maltz Museum Stop the Hate Essay Contest is now in its 15th year, providing students with an opportunity to share their commitment to a more accepting and inclusive society.

This essay contest is open to 6-12 grade students and asks participants to share how they shine their light as an agent of positive change in their community.

Top scoring 11 & 12 grade students receive scholarship awards up to $20,000. The application deadline for juniors and seniors is February 23, 2023. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply.

Don't forget that LEAF is a free resource at your high school to assist with career exploration and college/career technical program search, and to answer all of your postsecondary education funding questions.

Get connected with your LEAF advisor today!



Thank you to Western Reserve Junior Service League for making this publication possible and to all of our LEAF E-Newsletter sponsors: