SEE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

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Course Choices- This link will show available courses for 6th through 12th grade! Students also have the opportunity to earn Dual Credit (meaning the student could simultaneously earn credit toward High School and College requirements)! To hear more about the choices available, please inquire with Ms. Hunolt.

Hillyards- As a Sophomore, Union Stars Student are provided the option to explore the option to attend Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph, MO.  Once they have visited, students are given the opportunity to apply to the program which allows Junior and Senior Students to seek Technical Certification while working toward earning their High School Diploma! With the cost of the program being funded, Students could potentially graduate from High School and go directly into the career of their choice!

A+ Program- If you are interested in going in furthering your education, the A+ Program maybe for you! This program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools (like Union Star) who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools. Click the link to and explore if A+ can help you!  Click Here to check out a List of A+ Eligible Schools.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Deciding what to do after high school can be difficult because there are so many options available to you.  The following information will help you to understand each of your options.  Please read the information below and come talk to Ms. Walker about your plans.  She can give you advice on who to talk with and help you work toward a plan that works best for your individual needs. 

Many occupations are currently experiencing critically low personnel levels and a shortage of highly skilled workers. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has compiled a list of information that can be utilized to identify these careers and how to get started in these occupations. Please refer to the following link to access this information: https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling. 

One option is to continue your education.  There are a few different ways to continue your education and develop the skills you need to be successful.  Listed below are decisions you can make to develop your potential and pursue future career goals. It is also a major investment of your time, effort, and money. With so many important factors at stake, use the state’s premier go-to source to help identify the best tactics in planning and paying for college.  Missouri Dept. of Higher Education (MDHE) Finances may seem like a big obstacles. 

College

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Year-by-Year College 
Planning Checklist
Academic Preparation
These articles offer advice on which high school courses to choose, how to make the most out of high school, and where to go for help when you need it. Paying attention to your academic preparation in high school makes it more likely that you will be accepted to the college you really want.

  • Plan your high school courses wisely 
    Colleges care about which courses you're taking in high school. Those courses show colleges what kind of goals you set for yourself. Find out whether your high school course selections match what most colleges expect you to know.
  • The GPA myth
    A high GPA is important, but it's not the only thing college recruiters are looking for in prospective students.
  • Strengthen your academic skills 
    If you think your skills aren't quite up to speed for college, don't give up. This article gives tips to help you improve your academic skills for college.
Applying to Colleges
Advice from ACT about what you need to do when you're applying to colleges.

  • Become familiar with college entrance requirements You should know about admissions requirements before you start applying to colleges. While particular requirements vary, every college sets some standard for evaluating prospective students. Most colleges look at your high school performance, course selections, and test scores to decide which courses you will be allowed to take.

  • Should you test again?Sometimes it's hard to know if you should retake the ACT test. This article offers some things to think about when you're considering whether you want to take the ACT test again.

  • Apply to "choice" collegesThe application process at each school is unique. Some things remain consistent though, and we have advice to help you through the application process.

  • Top 10 college application mistakesKnow common college application blunders to avoid. Counselors and admissions staff share the most common mistakes students make on college applications.
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Choosing a College
Choosing a college is one of the toughest choices you'll make in high school. Each of these articles offers some great tips for choosing a college.


Technical Schools

What Is a Technical School?
Technical school is an option for those furthering their education or those following a specific career path. Unlike four-year colleges, technical schools are usually two years and focus on career preparation for a variety of skills. Welding, business, culinary arts, nursing and graphic design are a few of the occupations that training is offered for. Credits earned at many of these schools usually do not transfer to four-year colleges, but there are many benefits associated with obtaining a degree from a technical school.

Other People Are Reading Finding a Technical School
  • It is best before applying to have a clear idea of what you want to do for a career. Look online for schools in your area that have the classes and degrees you need. Some of the major technical schools include DeVry, Anthem Institute, Dover Business College, Kaplan College and TechSkills. Tour the school and do a thorough research of the program. There are some fly-by-night technical schools that could cost you a lot of money and time.

  • Make sure the school you choose has been accredited or licensed by the state. An accreditation agency will award a school accreditation after the school has met the state's required standards. Some schools decide not to be accredited, but as a prospective student you should do your homework about the school before applying. The majority of the states in the United States require a school to be licensed to teach instructional classes. If your state is one of the few that does not require a school to be licensed, be sure to check out the school's reputation
  • When visiting the school, speak to students about their program. Ask to sit in on a class or speak to a professor. Are the professors knowledgeable? What is the school's employment rate after graduation? Many schools will provide a list of employers who hire recent graduates. Make sure they use the latest in software and equipment. It will be no benefit to you to learn career skills on outdated computers, medical equipment or from old textbooks. Call employers in your field and get an idea of who they hire. The curriculum must match the skills employers are looking for in an employee.

  • Several factors will go into the decision of picking the right school. If a full-time job is keeping you from attending classes, you might need to look for a program that offers online classes. These classes give you the time to work through the material in the comfort of your home. Meet with the school's financial-aid department to make sure the program fits your budget. Keep in mind that going to school takes a lot of time away from work and home, but certain accelerated programs might be offered to get your course work completed in a few months.

  • For many technical schools, a high school diploma or GED is required for students. Fill out the application and financial forms in a timely manner. Different applications require you to submit an essay or test before completion. It is good idea to keep a check list of all the information. If you are furthering your education while working, let your employer know about your class schedule. This will ease any communication problems in regards to scheduling. Attending technical school is an exciting time for any student. It marks a significant point in your life where you pursue you dreams of having a career.​
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5109868_technical-school.html

Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is any funds provided to students and their families to help pay for the cost of college. A college education is an investment in the future, and various forms of financial aid are available to help pay for it.

Cost of Attendance (COA)
The Cost of Attendance is an estimate of a student’s total education-related expenses for an enrollment period at a specific college. The COA generally includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation costs and other school related expenses.

 Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The Expected Family Contribution is the federal government’s measure of a family’s financial strength used to determine the types and amounts of financial aid. The EFC is not a bill, nor does it indicate the amount owed to the college of your choice.

Categories of Financial Aid
  • Need-based aid is awarded on the basis of a student’s financial need.
  • Non-need-based aid is awarded on the basis of a student’s academic or athletic achievements, service to a local community, unique skills or special talents.  

Types of Financial Aid
  • Scholarships – Financial assistance usually based on merit or ability which typically does not have to be repaid.
  • Grants – Need-based aid that typically does not have to be repaid (often referred to as gift aid).
  • Employment – Jobs available to students as a way to earn money toward their educational expenses. 
  • Loans – Federal and private loans available to students and parents to help pay for educational expenses.

Sources of Student Financial Aid
  • Federal government – The U.S. Department of Higher Education provides the largest source of financial aid through its Federal Student Aid programs.
  • State – The MDHE administers several Missouri grant and scholarship programs in addition to the severalother Missouri student aid programs sponsored by the state of Missouri.
  • Colleges & Universities – Institutional aid is awarded by colleges and universities. For more information about their financial aid offered, check with each individual institution website.
  • Private organizations – Research local and national businesses, community groups and religious and civic organizations for grants and scholarships they may have available.
  • Employers – Check with your employer or your parent’s employer for scholarships and educational benefits they may offer.

Scholarships -Click here for Links

A variety of grants and scholarships are available to help you finance your dream of a college education. Grants and scholarships are available to all ages and can be based on your financial need, scholastic abilities, civic involvement, athletic skills, or even religious affiliation.

It is important to look into all forms of grants and scholarships from federal and state government, colleges and universities, private organizations and local sources each year you’re in school.

Federal Grants
The U.S. Department of Higher Education provides a variety of federal grants to help you and your family pay for college. To be eligible for any federal student aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

State Grants and Scholarships
The Missouri Department of Higher Education administers several state grants and scholarships to help Missouri students and their families pay for college. To be eligible for most Missouri state aid programs, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be on file by April 1, for initial and renewal students.

In addition, research other Missouri student aid programs available for Missouri Residents.

College and University Grants and Scholarships
Institutional grants and scholarships are awarded by the school you are planning to attend. For more information about the financial aid they offer, check with each individual institution website.

Private Grants and Scholarships
Research local and national businesses, community groups and religious and civic organizations for grants and scholarships they may have available. To help steer you in the right direction, view these scholarship search tips.

Work and Learn through an Apprenticeship

 If you like to work with your hands and your mind, you might want to consider an apprenticeship after high school. More than 850 occupations can be learned on the job through an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship prepares you for a career through a structured program of on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, while you work and earn a salary. The programs can last from one to six years and you can choose careers in areas such as telecommunications, health care, computing, business support and the arts. The most common apprenticeships are in construction and manufacturing.

Most apprenticeships are registered through the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring the program meets government standards for fairness, safety and training. If you complete a registered program, you will receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor which proves your qualifications for the career. Also, classroom instruction often can be used to earn a license, certification or degree.

Following are the top 10 occupations offering apprenticeships that expect to have the most job openings for new workers (2000-2010):

  • cook, restaurant and cafeteria
  • automotive service technician, mechanic
  • licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse
  • carpenter
  • police officer
  • electrician
  • hairdresser, cosmetologist
  • maintenance and repair worker
  • welder, cutter, solderer and brazer
  • plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter
For more information on apprenticeships, visit with your counselor. You also can call America's Workforce Network toll-free at (877) US2-JOBS. (872-5672) Operators can help you find career counselors and apprenticeship programs in your area.