Guidance department presents various preparation opportunities

The+guidance+department+always+has+opportunities+to+prepare+students+for+their+future.

Jack Luensmann

The guidance department always has opportunities to prepare students for their future.

Jack Luensmann, Staff Writer

It’s never too late to think about your future. Whether it be college, a job, or the military, it is essential to have some sort of preparation. The guidance department has recently announced that various programs for the juniors and seniors here at Bellwood-Antis High will be offered to equip students for their future.

First off, the virtual financial aid presentation will be held September 30th @ 6:00 P.M. EST. This year will differ from past years, due to our current situation. Families will have to register online and it will be similar to a “webinar” that they can view from home. This presentation will be presented by our local financial aid advisor, Julie Fontana. It will provide a basic understanding of the financial decisions students need to make concerning higher education. She will discuss higher education costs, types of financial aid available, and how to apply for financial aid. Julie can also work one-on-one with families to walk them through the process of completing and submitting the FASFA. The FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1st and virtual appointments are available. They can be scheduled by emailing Julie @[email protected].

The PSAT/NMSQT and ASVAB testing will be held on October 14th and 22nd, respectively. The PSAT is an optional test for 11th grade students and is geared towards students interested in attending a college/university after high school. It is a helpful tool to prepare and practice for the SAT. There are limited spots available and the cost is $17.00. Fee waivers are available to eligible students. Students can sign up in the guidance office. The ASVAB is an optional and free assessment for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. It is a great career exploration tool and can also be used for military entrance purposes. Students can also sign up in the guidance office.

Virtual post-secondary visits at Bellwood-Antis High are ongoing. At this time post-secondary and college representatives will be doing virtual information presentations rather than visiting with students in-person. Upcoming presentation dates are as follows: Lock Haven University: September 28th, Elizabethtown College: September 30th, Thiel College: October 5th, Penn Highlands Community College: October 7th, Penn State University: October 16th, Lycoming College: October 21st. Students interested can sign up in the guidance office.

Career shadowing week for 11th grade students has also been postponed until spring 2021. All students will participate in a career shadowing experience during the county-wide BASICS Career Shadowing Week.