Senior Newsletter

HOW TO APPLY TO COLLEGES

Applications for college admissions at 4-year, 2-year and technical colleges are now being accepted. Seniors are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible, preferably before December 1. Some colleges may close admissions in January. Students who apply to the UW system have a no-cost application fee except for Eau Claire ($25), La Crosse ($25) and Madison ($60). There is no fee for students who submit an application to Blackhawk Technical College.
Complete the application online:

• UW Colleges – www.apply.wisconsin.edu/homepage
• Wisconsin technical college – www.witechcolleges.org
• (or get a paper application in the Student Services Center)
• WI Private colleges – www.wisconsinprivatecolleges.org

** Some in-state and a variety of out of state private colleges require the Common Application. To apply go to www.commonapp.org.

If you need further guidance on how to apply to a UW college, go to https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/admission-guidelines/freshman/.

How do I send my transcripts after I applied?

Official transcripts must come directly from Parker High School. If you have your transcripts sent to your colleges through SendU, you don’t have to bring anything into Student Services. Your counselor will send and record your transcript to your college.
If you need to mail your transcript, bring the following materials to Student Services: #10 business sized white envelope with one First Class Stamp (please do not address the envelope).

How do I send my ACT/SAT Scores?

ACT/SAT scores must be sent by the ACT/SAT company. If you did not have your scores sent to the college you are applying to when you took the test, go to www.act.org (ACT) and www.collegeboard.org/ (SAT).

What are the next steps after I submit my application?

• Apply for financial aid
• Check your email for information regarding creating an account with the college you applied to.

After students have committed to a college by confirming their  enrollment and paying their class deposit (if applicable), they should follow these next steps:

• Register for placement test
• Register for student orientation
• Send final transcript(s) (this is done during your senior checkout)
• Send Advanced Placement test scores

If you have taken dual credit classes, contact the college you took them through for a transcript.

FINANCIAL AID

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the primary form that the federal government, states and colleges use to award grants, scholarships, work study and student loans. Grants and scholarships are free forms of aid, you have to earn the work study dollars by working a campus job, and pay back the loans. All students should consider applying for financial aid.

Financial aid information (FAFSA) is available beginning October 1st. This aligns the financial aid and college application processes and gives students more time to apply. The application must be completed online at www.studentaid.gov. Families will use 2021 tax information for the 2023-24 form. For more information regarding financial aid, watch the video on PHS website.

Helpful Financial Aid Websites:

• Step-by-step instructions to filling out the FAFSA
• Alternative ways to pay for college
• Different types of college savings plans

Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA:
https://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/fafsa-guide/
Graduating Without Debt:
https://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/debt-free-college-education-guide/
College Savings Plans:
https://www.moneygeek.com/education/college/resources/college-savings-plans-guide/

Who Gets Federal Student Aid?

Every student who meets certain eligibility requirements can get some type of federal student aid, regardless of age or family income. The most basic eligibility requirements are that you must:

• Demonstrate financial need (for most programs);
• Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen; 
• Have a valid Social Security number;
• Register (if you haven’t already) with Selective Service if you’re a male between the ages
• of 18 and 25;
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school; and
• Show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by having a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate or completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law

Find more details about eligibility requirements at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility.

College Goal Wisconsin 2022 FAFSA Completion Events

College Goal Wisconsin helps students put their hands on money for college by accessing federal and state financial aid. The statewide program is designed to assist students and families in the timely completion of their Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA completion events will connect students and
families with FAFSA experts to guide them through the FAFSA-completion process.

College Goal Wisconsin will host virtual and in-person events this fall. Follow this link to find out more information about these events: (https://collegegoalwi.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/2022-Flier.pdf).

All events begin at 6 pm. If possible, students who must complete the FAFSA as a dependent should attend the event with a parent or  guardian. If a parent can’t attend, the student can attend on their own.
To register, please follow this link (https://collegegoalwi.org/register/).

Scholarship Application Process

Follow these procedures when you apply for scholarships.

1. Get the application form from the appropriate source. Scholarship applications may be available from Student Services, online from the Parker Home Page, from other websites or from outside agencies.
2. Type the application if possible. If the application is in paper form, make it as neat as possible. Use black pen. Never fill out an application in pencil.
3. Request letters of recommendation at least two weeks in advance. Also give the person who is to write the letter a personal information sheet (located in Student Services) detailing information that they may not know. (Clubs, leadership roles, honors and awards, work and volunteer experience, etc.)
4. Request a transcript from Student Services, if it is required.
5. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINE DATES. Scholarship committees do not accept late applications.
6. Note in the newsletter or on the application if you are to return the application to Student Services or mail it yourself.

Letter of Recommendation

Don't ask "Could you write a letter of recommendation for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to include in the letter. Rather,ask "Do you feel you know me well enough to write me a good letter of recommendation?" By giving the following information such as your GPA, your outside activities, leadership positions and volunteer work to the person who is being asked to write the letter of recommendation you can be assured that those who say "yes" will beenthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.

Letter of Recommendation forms can be found in the student services office. Fill out the form and include this when you request a letter of recommendation. Always allow at least two weeks to complete the letter. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush. Also, keep a copy of the letter(s) for use later in the college
application and scholarship process.

My Undocumented Life: Up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants

My Undocumented Life provides up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students. There are post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system. Information on how to apply for DACA, news on immigration policies, and much more.
Logon to: https://mydocumentedlife.org/ for more information and scholarship applications. Deadlines vary so make sure you are checking dates.

College Representative Visits at Parker High School

Representatives from various colleges schedule time to visit Parker High School on a regular basis. If you would like to meet with a representative, stop in Room 1008 (Conference Room B) during the scheduled time and sign in. Students will be excused from class during visit times, but are responsible for any missed work. Additional visits
are added to the daily announcements.

• Blackhawk Technical College—Dec. 13 from 8 am to 12:30 pm

New General Scholarships

• Alliant Energy Innovation Scholarship – Alliant Energy recognizes outstanding community leadership in young people and helps students reach their academic goals. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must have participated in a leadership role in community service work or volunteer activities. Applicants must be a dependent child of a current customer, or be a current customer of one of the Alliant Energy’s utility subsidiaries, have a cumulative high school grade point average between 2.5 and 4, and plan to enroll in a full-time course of study at an accredited two-or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school located with the Alliant Energy service territory. Judges will consider leadership experience and community service or volunteer activities, academic grade point average, standardized test scores and the content of a 300 word essay submission. To apply for the Alliant Energy Innovation Scholarship, visit https://www.alliantenergy.com/CommunityAndStewardship/CommunitySupport/Scholarships. Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2022 to February 15, 2023.
• Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin - Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for thousands of dollars in local scholarships.   Visit the website (www.cfsw.org) to see a list of available scholarships. Follow these quick steps:
  • Select the Scholarships tab on the right side of the page
  • Select Scholarships by School
  • Scroll down to find “Janesville  Parker High School”
  • Scholarships will be listed in 4 categories (All, In-School, Online, Printable)
  • *The online application is self-explanatory and there is information available on the website to help with questions. 
  • *All scholarships listed as “In-School” will use the Local Scholarship Application Form (located in Student Services).
  • *Printable scholarships require you to download the application to complete it, print your final copy, and return it to Student Services.
  • Deadline is March 1, 2023.
• James F. Swart ROTC Scholarship—Available to any student enrolled in an ROTC program at your college. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to Student Services by March 15, 2023.
• Janesville Noon Lions Club Scholarship—Available to any student pursuing a post-secondary education. Applications are available in Student Services office and must be returned to Student Services by April 1, 2023.
• Janesville Professional Police Association, Inc.—Available to any high school senior enrolling in a college, university or technical college. Applicants must have an interest in a career in law enforcement. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to Student Services by March 1, 2023.
• J.P. Cullen Foundation Scholarship—Available to any young woman or man who are interested in entering the construction field.  Applications are available in the Student Services office and student must return to J.P. Cullen by March 24, 2023.
• Kid’s Chance of Wisconsin—Provides educational scholarships to the children of Wisconsin workers who have been seriously injured or killed due to work-related accidents. Apply by May 1, 2023, by using the application form available at http://kidschanceofwi.org/.
• Madison Elementary School PTA Scholarship—Available to students who have attended Madison Elementary School.  Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to Student Services by March 1, 2023.
• Mercy Health Scholarship—Available to any graduating senior who is pursuing a career in healthcare fields. In order to qualify for consideration, you must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and accepted into or currently attending an accredited 2 or (preferably) 4 year college or university. To apply, visit https://forms.mercyhealthsystem.org/machform/view.php?id=191489.  All scholarships applications must be received by January 20, 2023, without exception. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please DO NOT mail anything that should be sent with this application separate. Everything must be sent in and received together. If anything is missing your application will be considered incomplete. 
• Parker Viking Athletic Booster Club Scholarship—Students must graduate from Parker, have completed SIX athletic seasons during high school, which includes athletics, Pom Pons, Cheerleaders and managers. Must be of good character who is dedicated and exemplifies team sportsmanship. Applications can be picked up in student services and returned to student services by NOON ON APRIL 9. There will be no exceptions.
• Rhyme Time - Jack A. Steinhoff & Steve P. Ennis Memorial Scholarship—Available to any graduating senior who has been affected by cancer, whether themselves, a family member, or close friend. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and must be mailed by the student. Application deadline is March 31, 2023.
• Society’s Assets Scholarship—The applicant must have a permanent and substantial physical or sensory disability.  Applicant must be enrolled in a college, university or technical school on a full-time basis. An essay and 3 letters of recommendation are required. All materials must be postmarked by February 1, 2023.  Applications are available in Student Services and must be mailed by the applicant.
• WASBO Scholarships for Wisconsin High School Students—Scholarship recipients may pursue any course of study. The scholarships will be awarded to students attending any accredited college or university (public or private). The objective of these awards is to provide financial assistance to deserving students.  To learn more and apply, visit https://wasbo.com/WASBO/About_Us/Scholarships_WASBO/Scholarships_HS.aspx. Application deadline is February 1, 2023.
• Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers (WATD) Foundation Scholarship—Available to any graduating senior who are pursuing a career in the auto and truck industry. To apply, visit  https://www.watda.org/scholarship.html. Application deadline is January 15, 2023.
• Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Future Teacher Scholarship—Available to any graduating senior who are planning to enter the field of education and whose parent(s) are a WEAC member, a WEAC retired member or who passed away while holding a WEAC membership are eligible to apply. To apply, visit https://weac.org/membership/awards-scholarships/.  Application deadline is February 1, 2023.

Previous Scholarships

• American Association of University Women Scholarship—Available to any graduating senior who is planning to attend either a college or a technical school. Emphasis on STEM careers is preferred. Applications are available in student services and due by March 10, 2023 to student services.
• Horatio Alger Scholarship—Available to seniors who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Students must be enrolled full time as a senior and be progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer 2021 with plans to enter a college in the United States. Students must exhibit strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States. Applications can be found at https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9417/horatio_alger_scholarship_scholarship.php. Application deadline is March 15, 2023.
• Riverside Mens Golf Association Scholarships - George Clatworthy Memorial Scholarship and Gene Thorp, Fred Parkinson, Don Kazda Memorial Scholarship available to any senior going to a 4 year, 2 year, vocational-technical, beauty school, business school, etc., who is a member of high school golf team or a son/daughter of a RMGA member. Application forms can be downloaded at: http://www.golfrmga.org/scholarships.html or stop in Student Services for a paper copy. Application deadline is April 15, 2023.
• Rock Energy Cooperative Scholarship – Available to students whose parents or guardians are active members of the Rock County Electric Cooperative. Applicants are judged on the following bases: general merit, cooperation, leadership abilities, financial need, and class rank. Visit: www.rock.coop, go to the Community Youth tab and click on Scholarships. You must complete the application in one sitting. You cannot save and come back later. Deadline for students to complete the online application is January 10, 2023.
• St. William Catholic School Scholarship—Available to any student who attended St. William School for at least three years. Applications are in the Student Services office and must be returned to St. William School by March 3, 2023.
• Janesville Basketball Association/Tony Huml Memorial Scholarship —Given to former JBA participants who excelled in both the classroom and on the court. This is a $500 scholarship awarded to (1) female student-athlete and (1) male student-athlete at both Craig and Parker High Schools. The student must have participated in the JBA for at least 1 year and successfully completed the graduation requirements at their high school. To apply, complete a local scholarship application found in student services. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2023.
• TheDream.US Scholarship—TheDream.US is the nation largest college access and success program for immigrant youth with DACA or TPS status, or that meet TheDream.US immigration eligibility criteria. It opened its new round of scholarship applications for the 2021-22 academic year on November 1, 2022. TheDream.US has provided more than 6,000 scholarships to students who are attending one of its more than 75 partner colleges and universities in 15 states and Washington, D.C.
• The Jackie Robinson Foundation—No one succeeds in college alone. That's why The Jackie Robinson Foundation offers promising minority students not only a generous four-year grant to assist with the costs of attending college, but also a full support network of fellow scholars, alumni, and professional mentors to help them excel in school and beyond. The deadline for applications is January 11, 2023, so encourage your eligible students to apply right away. Learn more by visiting http://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/.
• Vietnam Veterans of American Rock River Chapter #236 Scholarship—Available to students whose parents, grandparents, step-grandparent or sponsor must be a Vietnam-Era Veteran as defined on the back of the application. Application must be accompanied by proof of service dates. Scholarship applications are available in student services. Please print legibly with blue or black ink—no pencils please. Deadline is March 16, 2023. This application must be mailed by the applicant.
• Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA)—Available to any Wisconsin high school senior who is enrolling in a college or vocational/ technical school in a course of study leading to a two- or four-year degree in police science, criminal justice, or a law enforcement-related field—which does not include law school—is eligible. To learn more, please visit https://wppa.com/scholarship-program/ and to download an application. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2023. This application must be mailed by the applicant.
• Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers—Since 1981, the Engineers Foundation of Wisconsin (EFW), has been dedicated to providing scholarships and support to outstanding high school and college students pursuing engineering as a professional career. ​Sponsored by the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers, the EFW promotes engineering education through annual scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities and need. For applications go to https://www.wspe.org/scholarships.  Completed applications must be emailed by December 19, 2022.

UW College Scholarship Websites

Parker High School is not aware of all scholarships available through your college. Listed below are specific UW college websites. Check out the websites for scholarship opportunities.

• UW Eau Claire Scholarships—We are excited to share a groundbreaking scholarship program: The Centennial Scholarship. This is a $5000 scholarship which provides $2500 to students in their first year and then they bank $2500 to use toward experiences such as study abroad,research, internships, etc. More details and scholarship application here: https://www.uwec.edu/admissions/scholarships/. We now use a separate scholarship application for most of our scholarships and it must be submitted by February 1 (December 1 for early awards).
• UW Green Bay Scholarships—The deadline to apply for new student scholarships is February 15. Scholarship information and application instructions are available at https://www.uwgb.edu/scholarships/new-freshmen/.
• UW La Crosse Scholarships—Our Foundation Office offers pages and pages of scholarships. In order to be considered, seniors need to apply for the Foundation Scholarships by February 15. The scholarshipapplication is available at https://uwlax.academicworks.com/.The application for admission is used to determine recipients of scholarships awarded through the Admissions Office. The most academically-talented students from the pool of admitted students will receive scholarships and will be notified by mail.
• UW Madison Scholarships—Find information on all our available scholarships at https://wisc.academicworks.com/.
• UW Oshkosh Scholarships—Students must submit applications to receive UW-Oshkosh scholarships. We do not use the application for admission to award scholarships.  Deadlines vary between January and March. Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholars may receive renewable benefits that include $2000 for tuition, half the cost of room/board, $400 for books, and a $1500 work opportunity in addition to the State tuition award of $2250 https://uwosh.academicworks.com/.
• UW Platteville Scholarships—Students must apply and be admitted to UW-Platteville before submitting the application for any of the following scholarships. All applications are available online at www.uwplatt.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-nf.
• UW River Falls Scholarships—The 2020-2021 scholarship application is now open to incoming 2021 Freshman. Deadline dates may vary, so please refer to the UW-River Falls scholarship system for deadlines. The scholarship application is available at https://www.uwrf.edu/FinancialAid/TypesOfAid/UWRFScholarships.cfm.
• UW Stevens Point Scholarships—Our freshman scholarship application is available at  https://www.uwsp.edu/finaid/Pages/scholarships.aspx. Priority consideration will be given to admitted students who have submitted the scholarship application by January 15. Substantial tuition scholarships are available to National Merit semifinalists and finalists.
• UW Stout Scholarships—The Stout University Foundation Scholarship deadline is now the first Monday in February of the student’s senior year in high school. We also offer academic merit based scholarships for incoming freshmen including: Stout Scholars, Chancellor’s Scholarship, Polytechnic Scholarship Check these out at https://www.uwstout.edu/admissions-aid/paying-college/scholarships.
• UW Superior Scholarships—Applications open at the beginning of February and close a the beginning of March  (https://www.uwsuper.edu/give2uws/scholarships/index.cfm).  If a student qualifies for a UW-Superior scholarship, they will be sent an email of their next steps in March, which includes submitting a letter of recommendation. Admissions, scholarships, housing or campus visit questions can be answered at (715) 394-8230 or admissions@uwsuper.edu.  Visit www.uwsuper.edu/admissions to learn more!
• UW Whitewater Scholarships—The admission application also serves as the scholarship application for freshman. Applicants must be admitted by February 1, 2021 to be considered. Scholarship consideration extends to individuals ranking in the top 25% of their high school class with at least a 25 ACT. 

Free Scholarship Searches

Each of these interactive sites allows students to search for possible scholarships based on personal information provided by the student. Once an application posted to the Web has been completed, the user is able to search for scholarships using different criteria.

• Absolutely Scholarships - Absolutely Scholarships is a searchable database that has over 200,000 available scholarships. The search is performed in two comprehensive scholarship databases.
• Collegeboard.com - Collegeboard.com enables students to match their educational goals with internships, scholarships, and loans. It offers a wide variety of facts and tips to aid students when planning for college.
• Financial Aid Search Through the Web (fastWeb) - fastWEB is a database of more than 270,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans
• Kaarme.com -Provides tools, reference materials, and connectivity for college-bound students, counselors and parents.  You may easily browse scholarships; no login information is required.
• MOLIS - The Minority on-Line Information Service provides information about scholarship and fellowship opportunities for qualified minority applicants.
• Wired Scholar - Wired Scholar allows students to complete an online profile to see for which scholarships they are eligible. Gain access to over 600,000 scholarships, grants, fellowships and internships. This database is available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Apprenticeships

What jobs offer apprenticeships?

• Elevator Installers and Repairers
• Pile-Driver Operators
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Electricians
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Mechanical Insulation Workers

 

Where to start with an apprenticeship or traineeship?

• Decide what sort of apprenticeship or traineeship you want to do 
• Find an employer who will take you on as an apprentice or trainee
• Meet with an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP)
• Find a training provider

For more information visit www.skills.sa.gov.au and click on Apprenticeships & traineeships.

Additional Apprenticeship & Traineeship websites:

• Wisconsin Apprenticeship— dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/individuals.htm
• Apprenticeship USA—https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/
• Find Opportunities—https://www.dol.gov 

Military Information

Selective Service When males turn 18, they must register with selective service.  Where?  At the Post Office or www.sss.gov.

To learn more about the military, check out the following web sites.

• Army www.goarmy.com
• Marines www.marines.com
• Navy www.navy.com
• Air Force www.airforce.com
• Coast Guard www.gocoastguard.com
• Armed Forces Career Center (608) 752-9501

Senior Meetings

Senior meetings are now underway.  Please check your student email for a Google invite from your counselor.  Parents are also welcome to attend.

COUNSELORS

• Sara Ofner (A-F)  608-743-5722
• Samantha Corrigan (G-L)   608-743-5656
• Denise Kruser (M-R)   608-743-5657
• Mark Roth (S-Z)   608-743-5655