Questions about the JCC programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425. Comments or questions about the publication should be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416. Publisher: Editor: Writer: Creative Director/Design: Photography:
Cynthia S. Allen Dotty Karkheck Marilynn Fryer Lisa Drake Lisa Drake Marilynn Fryer
JCC Board of Trustees
Dr. Edward A. Mathein Chairman
Samuel R. Barnes Trustee
John M. Crist Vice Chairman
Matthew R. Heins Trustee
Christina L. Medlar Secretary
Sheila R. Patterson Trustee
Philip E. Hoffman Treasurer
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan President
It is the policy of Jackson Community College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, marital status, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 (312) 236-0456 www.ncacihe.org
Jackson Community College 2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.787.0800
www.jccmi.edu
Fall 2009
Hello students!
It may seem like you have all the time in the world, but before you know it, your senior year will arrive and you will be making some big decisions about your future. This publication is designed to offer you some guidance on how to prepare while you’re still in high school, planning for college, the process for admission and becoming familiar with college. Whether or not you attend college will be a significant decision in your life. There are many reasons to go to college, to train for a job, to increase your opportunities to find employment, to improve your future earning potential, and become a well-rounded individual. There are many opportunities for higher education, including the community college, public and private universities and more. Consider all of your options when making this very important decision. We are committed to seeing students succeed. College will be an exciting new beginning for you, and we want you to have the best experience possible. JCC offers excellent career programs that will help you develop new job skills. Our partnerships with other colleges and universities help you easily transfer JCC courses. We have a variety of student life activities: sports, performing arts, leadership opportunities and more, to help give you a full college experience. Good luck to you as you journey through high school and plan for the future. I invite you to visit JCC and see what we have to offer. Sincerely, Charlotte Finnegan Dean of Student Services
A publication of Jackson Community College
Preparing for college:
2
What 12th Graders need to know
4
What 10th Graders need to know
3
What 11th Graders need to know
5
What 9th Graders need to know
6
Career Pathways:
Arts and Communication Business Engineering Health Human Services
16 Online Learning: Is it right for you?
18 Footing the Bill:
Financial aid helps with college costs
sites 20 Online provide lessons in going to college
21 DISCOVER your future with computerized career tool
22 Advice from the experts
24 Extra credit!
You can earn college credit while still in high school
What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008
Printing of this publication funded in part through a Carl D. Perkins grant.
Don’t stop now. Keep taking challenging classes.
Fight “senioritis.” Second semester grades can
affect scholarship eligibility.
s Stay involved and seek leadership roles in your activities. It’s time to apply! Apply to the colleges you have chosen.
Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions and pay attention to deadlines! College applications are typically due in January, though it varies, and you should find out in April if you have been accepted.
s
Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit required documents (e.g. transcript, letters of recommendation) to the colleges to which you are applying.
Financial aid. Complete all necessary financial aid forms. All colleges require the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is available online or can be acquired from the college, guidance counselor or library.
s Attend a financial aid workshop to learn more about the process. College Goal Sunday is offered in late winter. Check out www.micollegegoal.org for details on this free financial aid event. s Encourage your parents to complete their income tax forms early. That information will be necessary in filling out the FAFSA form, available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. s Fill out your FAFSA as soon as income taxes are filed. Submit your FAFSA by the earliest financial aid deadline of the schools to which you are applying, usually by early February. After you complete your FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Quickly make any necessary corrections and send them to FAFSA for further processing. s
Males age 18 to 25 must register for Selective Service to apply for financial aid.
Scholarships. Apply for scholarships
as soon as possible. Check with your high school’s guidance office or local library about scholarships that are available, and ask about any scholarships from employers or any professional associations, clubs or unions to which you or your parents belong. Many scholarship deadlines occur on or before March 1.
Test do-over. Retake ACT or SAT tests
if scores weren’t what you hoped to earn.
Check it out. When you receive
acceptance letters from colleges inviting you to enroll, review the acceptances and compare financial aid packages.
Make your decision. When you decide
2
What’s Next Magazine • Fall 2009 • Winter 2008
which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit. Some schools require this notification by May 1.
Prepare for tests.
You will have two important tests to take this year.
s
In October, juniors should take the Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take this test in the 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Program.
s In the winter or spring, take the exams for college admission, the ACT® or the SAT®. Check with the college you are interested in attending to see what test they require. In Michigan, juniors will take the ACT as part of the Michigan Merit Examination during the month of March. Research colleges. In February or March, make a list of prospective colleges and work campus visits into your family’s travel plans. A visit while classes are in session will be most beneficial.
s
College fairs and college nights are a great opportunity to learn more about several institutions at once. JCC offers College Night in October of every year.
Keep up the work! Continue to review the high school curriculum requirements for graduation. Work hard in class and maintain your good grades.
who’s on your pick list? In the spring before 12th grade, narrow
down the list of prospective colleges and begin requesting applications, course catalogs and financial aid information.
Stay active. Continue your involvement in school or community-based extracurricular activities.
Math adds up. Taking a math class your senior
year of high school will improve your performance when you get to college and reduce your need for foundational courses.
Build those savings! Continue to save for college.
What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall 2008 2009 • Winter
3
Look ahead. Meet with your
school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.
Take the PSAT® test now
s Almost all colleges and universities
in preparation for next year. If you are thinking of dual enrolling in college courses, you should take the PSAT or PLAN.
s Talk with family, friends, neighbors
Get connected.Utilize resources
Job shadow. Have some ideas
Stay on track.Continue to take
have web sites that can give you an idea of what the institution is like. and older students who have been or are currently in college and see what thoughts or advice they have to give.
about what careers may interest you but are not certain? Job shadowing someone in that field currently is a great way to find out more about it and whether it’s right for you.
Get involved.Join clubs, play
sports and volunteer. This is a good way to develop or expand your interests. The Jackson Legacy Scholarship program requires community service to be eligible for funds.
Take the PLAN® test when
offered, usually in the fall, a practice test for the ACT college entrance test. This will allow you to get some practice and familiarize yourself with test-taking, and results can help in guidance throughout your remaining high school years and future planning.
4
What’sNext Next•Magazine What’s Fall 2009• Winter 2008
for career preparation that may be available to you at your high school, such as the Career Cruising® program.
challenging core classes. Again, speak with your counselor to be sure you are following all graduation requirements and getting the courses you need that may be prerequisites to courses you take in your junior and senior years.
s Work hard in your classes, stay on
top of homework and earn good grades.
Get reading. In your free time
and over the summer, read as much as you can of a variety of materials. Reading can help build your vocabulary, improve your concentration and boost your writing skills.
As you begin high school, keep in mind that in just four years it will be time to start college! Here are some points to think about as a freshman: Save, save, save!
If you or your parents haven’t started yet, begin saving money for college. College costs do vary, and starting at a community college like JCC can save you money, but it is still a significant investment. It will be worth it – statistics show that college graduates make significantly more income throughout their lives than those with only a high school diploma, so saving and then investing in yourself can help you throughout your life. One way you can start saving is:
s
Open a savings account in a bank or credit union
Get focused.
Take challenging core classes in academic subjects: English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign languages.
s
Michigan has high school graduation requirements designed to prepare for future success in college and the workplace. Be sure to meet with your counselor so you are following the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
k Mathematics – 4 credits k English Language Arts – 4 credits k Science – 3 credits k Social Studies – 3 credits k Physical Education & Health – 1 credit k Visual, Performing and Applied Arts – 1 credit k Language other than English – 2 credits k Online learning experience
Go explore.
Start planning for college by thinking about your career interests. If you are not sure, try different classes and activities to see where your talents and abilities fit. Work hard in your classes, stay on top of homework and earn good grades.
Magazine 2008 What’s Next What’s Next• •Winter Fall 2009
5
Careers in this path are related to the humanities and performing, visual, literary, and media arts. These include graphic and web design; writing; fine arts; journalism; languages; media; advertising; and public relations.
imagination and high degree of risk
s Activities of a scientific and
technical nature
Web developer
High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Computers, Electronics, Math, Technology
s Activities that require self-motivation s Activities relating to processes,
Web developers use a thorough knowledge of programming and server software operations to plan, develop, implement, maintain and enhance Internet web sites for businesses, profit/ nonprofit organizations, colleges, governmental agencies, and other entities.
What’s Next Magazine • Fall 2009 • Winter 2008
s Activities that require creative
JCC programs in this pathway:
6
If you are interested in becoming a Web Developer, you should prefer:
machines and methods
logy chno ology e T & ting echn on icati t, Marke ustrial T n u en mm Ind gem & Co ng & Arts ss, Mana ufacturi ne an Busi ering, M e s n Engi Science h t l e a ic s He Ser v n a Hum
Graphic design
Graphic Designers create artwork to illustrate or promote products, services and ideas, and to improve appearance or attract attention. They plan, design and draw illustrations for displays, billboards, brochures, catalogs, books, magazines, newspapers, television, the Internet and packaging. If you are interested in becoming a Graphic Designer you should prefer:
s Activities concerned with
communicating ideas to people
s Activities which require
creative imagination
s Activities which provide satisfaction
from seeing your work in print
Video production
High school pathway courses to take: Art, Math, Videography, Communications Computers, Photography
Videographers produce images that can tell a story, inform or entertain an audience, or record an event. Learn the basics of working with digital video.
Art certificate programs
Studio art
JCC offers certificate programs in the following fields that can help you find job or career opportunities now, or serve as a building block for further study.
Theatre performance
Actors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion picture productions. They also work for nightclubs, cruise ships and theme parks.
Artists create work to communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings using a variety of methods – painting, sculpting, or illustration. Individual creativity coupled with basic studio skills can help artists find success.
Technical theatre
Theatre technicians or stagehands find work in a variety of production settings, including behind the scenes in theatre or with video production.
Magazine 2008 What’s NextWhat’s Next••Winter Fall 2009
7
Careers in this pathway are related to the business environment, from management, entrepreneurship to marketing and sales, as well as computer/information systems.
JCC offers the following programs in this pathway that may prepare you for a career as a: Microcomputer specialist
Microcomputer Specialists install, troubleshoot and repair problems with microcomputers, related hardware and software, and components such as printers and terminals. They also train users of microcomputers in basic operation and maintenance as well as provide support for microcomputer systems. If you are interested in becoming a Microcomputer Specialist, you should prefer:
s Working with machines or equipment s Using your imagination to find new ways of doing things s Activities of a scientific or technical nature High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Electronics, Technology, Computers, Math
Three-dimensional design & animation
Digital Artists and Animators create art for the digital environment. These artists create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, CD-ROMS, music videos and commercials. If you are interested in becoming a digital artist or animator you should prefer:
s Activities concerned with communicating ideas to people s Activities which require creative imagination s Activities which provide satisfaction from seeing your completed work High school pathway courses to take: Art, Communications, Computers, Math, Photography and Videography
Networking specialists
8
Networking Specialists install, maintain, monitor and enhance the operation of an organization’s computer Local Area Network. They evaluate vendor products and make purchase recommendations for hardware, software and telecommunications equipment. Networking Specialists also recommend computer system policies and procedures to ensure the security of the network.
What’s Next Magazine • Fall 2009 • Winter 2008
If you are interested in becoming a Networking Specialist you should prefer:
s Activities of a scientific or
s Activities of a scientific and
s Activities involving computers and
High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Technology, Business, Computers, English, Math
technical nature
related equipment
s Activities which require creative
imagination
s Activities concerned with the
communication of ideas
s Activities which require
self-motivation
High school pathway courses to take: Business, Math, Communications, Computers
Computer technician
Computer Service Technicians install, maintain and repair computers and computer-related machines, such as magnetic tape readers, highspeed printers, disk drives, modems, scanners, monitors, hand-held wireless mobile devices and dataentry equipment. If you are interested in becoming a Computer Service Technician, you should prefer:
s Working with machines s Seeing the physical results of
your work
High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Math, Computers, English, Electronics, Technology, Automotive, Technical Drawing, Building Trades
Computer programmer
Computer Programmers write stepby-step instructions called programs for computers, using one of the languages developed especially for computers. These instructions tell the computer exactly what it must do to solve a problem. If you are interested in becoming a Computer Programmer, you should prefer:
technical nature
s
Activities which require creative imagination
eCommerce
Electronic commerce, or eCommerce, is the term given to the buying and selling of products or services over the Internet. JCC offers an eCommerce program to help meet the demand of local businesses looking to expand in today’s electronic global marketplace and provide an avenue for individuals looking to make a few extra dollars. If you are interested in going into eCommerce, you should prefer:
s
Activities which require creative imagination and a high degree of risk
s
Activities of a scientific and technical nature
s
Activities which require self- motivation
s
Activities relating to processes, machines, and methods
High school pathway courses to take: Business, Computers, Communications, Economics, Technology.
Administrative assistant Tax preparer
Accounting clerk
Administrative assistants manage a variety of clerical and technological duties in office settings. They serve as information and communication managers, plan and schedule meetings and appointments, organize and maintain paper and electronic files and more. Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks are an organization’s financial record keepers. Tax Preparers help complete tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the educational background
or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant. Accounting Clerks prepare statements, invoices, and bills of lading (contracts issued to a shipper by a transportation agency). If you are interested in becoming an Administrative Assistant, Accounting Clerk or Tax Preparer, you should prefer:
s Activities of a routine,
concrete, and organized nature
s Activities concerned
with communication of data
High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Life Management, Business, Computers, Math, Accounting
Salesperson
Careers in sales are available in a wide range of fields, from retail sales, to real estate and insurance, to marketers. Sales personnel in all fields should be: Mature, creative, highly motivated, resistant to stress, flexible, decisive High school pathway courses to take: Math, Business, Economics, Public Speaking, Computers, Communications
What’s NextWhat’s Next• •Winter Fall 2009 Magazine 2008
9
Careers in this pathway are related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install or maintain physical systems.
JCC programs in this
pathway include:
Automotive
Automotive Service Technicians inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair mechanical, electronic and electrical parts of automobiles, vans, trucks and buses. If you are interested in becoming an Automotive Services Technician, you should prefer:
s
Activities dealing with mechanical and electrical repair
s
Activities involving the use of machines, processes or methods
s
Activities that bring satisfaction from working on or fixing equipment
High school pathway courses to take: Automotive, Communications, Electronics, Math, Technical Drawing, Computers, Technology
10
What’s Next Magazine • Fall 2009 • Winter 2008
Climate control
Climate Control Mechanics are skilled workers who install, service and repair air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units used in homes, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. They may be called heating and cooling service technicians. If you are interested in becoming a Climate Control Mechanic, you should prefer:
s
Activities involving the use of equipment, processes, or methods
s
Activities that bring satisfaction from working on/producing equipment High school pathway courses to take: Building Trades, Computers, Communications, Electronics, Technical Drawing, Science, Technology
Electrical Technician
Electrical and Electronics Technicians, also known as electrical and electronic engineering technicians, apply electrical and electronic theory and related subjects to help develop, manufacture, maintain and service a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment and components.
If you are interested in becoming an Electrical Technician, you should prefer:
s Working with electronic/electrical/ scientific/technical equipment s Solving problems about processes, machines and techniques High school pathway courses to take: Building Trades, Communication, Technical Drawing, Electronics, Science, Computers, English, Technology, Math
Electrician
Electricians install and maintain the wiring, fuses and other components that bring electricity into homes, businesses and factories. If you are interested in becoming an Electrician, you should prefer:
s Working with electronic/electricial/
scientific/technical equipment
s Seeing the results of your work High school pathway courses to take: Communications, English, Computers, Math, Electronics, Technology, Science, Building Trades
What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall2008 2009 • Winter
11
Careers in this pathway relate to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries, medical conditions and disease.
JCC programs in this pathway include: Medical assistants
Medical Assistants, under the direction of a physician, provide various medical care and related services. They may assist physicians examining patients and/or handle duties involving office management. If you are interested in becoming a Medical Assistant, you should prefer:
s Activities of a scientific or technical nature s Activities that involve helping and working with people High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Computers, Health & Health Careers, Math, Technology, Science
Nursing
Registered Nurses provide care, treatment, counseling and health education to the sick and injured. They assist in the maintenance of health and the prevention or management of illness, injury or disability. If you are interested in becoming a Nurse, you should prefer:
s Activities that involve direct personal contact with people s Activities of a scientific and technical nature s Activities that involve helping and working with people High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Math, Nutrition, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Health and Health Careers
Sonography
12
Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, use complex equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into specific areas of a patient’s body to produce images. Physicians use these images in making diagnoses. What’s • Winter 2008 What’sNext NextMagazine • Fall 2009
Vascular Sonographers perform arterial and venous diagnostic procedures.
Technologists who use ultrasound to examine the heart chambers, valves, and vessels are referred to as Cardiac Sonographers, or Echocardiographers.
assist physicians in the use of X-ray and fluoroscopic equipment in the diagnosis of disease or injury.
If you are interested in becoming a sonographer you should prefer:
s Activities involving direct personal contact to help people s Activities that bring personal satisfaction from
s Activities of a scientific and technical nature s Activities involving processes, machines
and techniques
High school pathway courses to take: Communications, Technology, Health and Health Careers, Science, Photography and Videography, Computers, Electronics, Math
Respiratory care
Respiratory Care Practitioners (also known as respiratory therapists) work primarily in hospitals and assist in the evaluation, diagnosis and care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary problems.
If you are interested in becoming a Radiologic Technician, you should prefer:
s Activities of a scientific or technical nature High school pathway courses to take: Business, Math, Communications, Computers, Technology, Science, Health and Health Careers
Health Management
If you are interested in working in the business and administrative side of health care, JCC offers a health management program. Workers in this field help in planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the delivery of health care. If you are interested in Health Management, you should prefer:
s Activities concerned with the communication
If you are interested in becoming a Respiratory Care Practitioner, you should prefer:
s Activities of a scientific and mechanical nature s Enjoy working with people, including patients,
other caregivers and the public
s Enjoy direct patient care High school pathway courses to take: Health, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Communications
Emergency medical technician
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) work as members of pre-hospital emergency care medical teams administering first-aid treatment and other emergency care to sick and injured persons and transporting them to medical facilities. If you are interested in becoming an EMT, you should prefer:
s Activities of a scientific and technical nature s Activities which require working with and
helping people
High school pathway courses to take: Math, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Computers, Communications, Health and Health Careers
Radiologic technician
Radiologic Technicians (also called radiographers or X-ray technicians)
your work
of data
s Activities involving business contact with people
s Activities directed toward helping people High school pathway courses to take: Business, Communications, Health & Health Careers, Math, Social Studies, Technology
Medical Insurance Coder Biller
Medical billers and coders communicate between medical offices, patients and insurance companies. With the growing complexity of health care, employers are looking for individuals with a good background of knowledge in coding and billing. If you are interested in being a MedicalInsurance Coder Biller, you should prefer:
s Activities concerned with the
communication of data
s Activities of a routine, concrete,
organized nature
High school pathway courses to take: Business, Communications, Health & Health Careers, Math, • Winter Social Studies, Technology What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall2008 2009
13
Careers in this pathway are related to serving others, including careers in civil service, education, hospitality, police and the social services.
JCC programs in this pathway include: Law enforcement
Law Enforcement Officers and Detectives are government employees whose functions are protecting life and property, preserving the peace, detecting and preventing crime, and maintaining public order through the application of the law. If you are interested in becoming a Law Enforcement Officer, you should prefer:
s s s
14
What’s Fall 2009• Winter 2008 What’sNext Next • Magazine
Working to serve your community Communicating ideas Having business contact with people
High school pathway courses to take: Criminal Justice, Business, Communications, Computers, English, Foreign Language, Government, Health and Health Careers, Math, Physical Education, Public Speaking, Social Studies.
Corrections
Corrections Officers guard inmates in prisons according to established rules, policies and procedures to prevent disturbances and escapes. If you are interested in becoming a Corrections Officer, you should prefer:
s Activities concerned with communication of information/
ideas to people
s Activities involving business contact with people High school pathway courses to take: Math, Social Studies, Communications, Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Education
Child care professionals and preschool teachers provide care for young children, either in the home, day care center or preschool settings. They provide nurture and care for young children who have not yet entered formal schooling and may supervise older children before or after school. Administrative roles in early childhood development are also available. If you are interested in Early Childhood Education, you should prefer:
s Helping people and caring about the well-being
of children
s Working with children High school pathway courses to take: Art, Communications, Foods & Nutrition, Health & Health Careers, Life Management, Music, Social Studies.
What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall2008 2009 • Winter
15
Going to college can be as close as your home computer! Online education brings college coursework to you via the World Wide Web. Most colleges and universities today offer online learning – also called distance learning -- options.
16
At Jackson Community College, distance learning options teach the same concepts and require students to produce the same levels of coursework as those that are taught on campus, but simply eliminate time and place restrictions. Courses will transfer to two- and four-year colleges, making What’s Next Next Magazine • Winter 2008 What’s • Fall 2009
furthering your education or completing your college goals a reality. Online courses offer the equivalent learning experience to the traditional classroom setting. Some courses do have tests, while others rely on several writing assignments to gauge students’ achievements. Weekly online discussions in which students comment on a topic or subject have helped build community between students, a kind of cyber-classroom. Success in online courses does require you to have good time management skills and be self-motivated. Good reading ability, skill in navigating the Internet and sending and receiving e-mail, and a basic understanding of computers and file management are also important.
• You are a motivated, self-disciplined and responsible learner. While online courses offer great flexibility, there will be no one reminding you of deadlines or standing over you to make sure you understand the subject. • You have computer skills necessary to take a class. You will need a minimal knowledge of computers and word processing to get started. • You have consistent Internet access and a computer, preferably at home. • You have college level reading skills to comprehend course materials. Almost all of your information will come in the form of written text.
If online learning sounds good for you, it’s important as yourself some questions. Distance learning is ideal for you if:
• You have sufficient writing skills to communicate with your professor through e-mails, write class assignments, and attach documents to e-mail, or communicate through threaded discussions and chat rooms.
• You have time in your schedule to add a course commitment.
• You have appropriate study and time management skills.
• You are comfortable contacting your instructor and communicating any need for help or clarification. Your instructor can’t see your face if you’re confused, so you will be responsible for initial contact and being persistent when you have questions. Numerous online courses are offered by JCC and the Michigan Community College Virtual Learning Collaborative, a cooperative effort of member colleges across the state to offer courses and degrees to students via distance learning. If students can’t find the course they would like to take from JCC, they may go to the MCCVLC web site and scan the choices there. For more information about online courses, visit the JCC web site at www.jccmi.edu.
What’s NextWhat’s Next• •Winter Fall 2009 Magazine 2008
17
Interested in going to college but have a big question mark in your mind about how to pay for it? Financial assistance is available for those with a need! Help is available! Types of aid
18
• Winter 2008 What’s Next Magazine • Fall 2009
Financial aid, or money to help with college expenses, comes from many sources. The U.S. Department of Education should be the first source to assess financial aid. Aid also comes from scholarships and grants from state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups and professional organizations.
Financial assistance is available in three forms: grants, work-study and loans. Grants provide money that doesn't have to be paid back. Work-study provides money you earn for work while in school. Loans are money that you borrow and pay back with interest. Aid may be used to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and transportation, and the amount received is based on a person's need, as determined by federal guidelines. Both the College and the Jackson Community College Foundation provide scholarship funds to qualifying students. One application is available for all; contact JCC's Financial Aid Office at 517.796.8410, or any JCC location. Applications may be printed from JCC's web site at www.jccmi.edu/FinancialAid/ FinancialAidForms.
Legacy Scholarship
Students in Jackson County may also benefit from a new scholarship initiative, the Jackson Legacy Program. It is designed to assist students who choose to start their education at one of Jackson County’s three higher education institutions – JCC, Baker College and Spring Arbor University, providing $3,000 scholarships for the first two years. Visit http://www.jacksonlegacyprogram.org/ to learn more.
Get started
Check your report
After applying, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) either by Internet or mail, depending on how you applied. The report will highlight the information you provided on your FAFSA and give an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount the family should be expected to contribute toward a student's education. Check the SAR over carefully and ensure that everything is accurate. When you are ready to apply at JCC contact the Financial Aid Office to make sure they have all of your information. Based on this information, JCC will be able to put together a financial aid package that’s right for you!
To apply, complete the Free Application for Student Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. With limited financial aid available, the sooner one completes the form, the better. Completing the form online is the fastest, with the math completed for you and inaccuracies immediately detected.
What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall2008 2009 • Winter
19
Interested in college but want to learn more about it? There are some excellent online resources available that cover all areas. www.college.gov This site is created by the U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with students from across the country. With links to categories such as “Why Go,” “What to Do” and “How to Pay,” the web site combines easy-tounderstand information with real stories, comments and video from students. You can create your own “roadmap” for college and print it out, both small or wall-sized. You can even share with others why you want to go to college! www.knowhow2go.org This site goes through step-by-step guides for students from middle school through each year of high school. It gives suggestions for four steps to get to college, as well as guidance, video feeds and more or each grade level. There is an animated campus tour with important information about high school graduation requirements, getting into college, types of colleges, paying for college, grades, student housing (you can even pick out a dorm room and decorate it!) and more. This web site is sponsored by the American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation for Education and the Ad Council. www.collegeboard.com Makers of the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests, the College Board web site offers valuable information about how to plan for college. There are numerous articles for high school students about what to do in high school and to get ready for college. For those who have taken their PSAT/ NMSQT, they can set up a personalized college and career planning kit, My College QuickStart. www.nextstepmagazine.com Publishers of the Next Step College Planning magazine present a web site with a variety of college planning information available. There are step-by-step tips with video available, and even information for adult learners, in case Mom or Dad are interested in college. Information is available to help you narrow down your list of possible careers. www.educationplanner.com American Education Services (AES), provider of financial aid services, presents this comprehensive web site with steps for planning for college. It includes categories from “Thinking About College” to “Choosing a College” to “Paying for College.” Search out different colleges and even compare colleges based on your individual preferences.
20
What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008 What’s Next • Fall 2009
Note: These are just a few of the many sites on the World Wide Web with information about going to college. These sites contain free information, please be careful in working with any sites that request a fee or want you to pay for information.
Want a career you can truly love? A job that will fit you perfectly? Finding that right job takes research. Answering some simple career-related questions can help to put you on the road to success and satisfaction in your chosen career path. Jackson Community College can help students find the field that is right for them. JCC’s Center for Student Success offers the DISCOVER career program to assist students in their search. DISCOVER offers inventories that examine areas such as interests, abilities and work values to begin to learn more about one’s self. Results from the interest inventory suggest various career areas that best fit your interests. Results from the abilities inventory will suggest career areas that best fit what you estimate your abilities to be. Results from the values inventory will suggest career areas that are more likely to contribute to your work satisfaction. Career planning requires examining these areas and more. DISCOVER is a good start, offering information with multimedia features such as videos, graphics and photos. “It gives you a good understanding of what areas fit your talents and abilities,” said Marian Burlingham, director of the Center for Student Success. While Michigan’s Career Pathways and high school educational development plans help students begin preparing for the future, there are still many college students who are not certain what they want to do, and adults returning to college may need assistance finding their best career choice. With the inventories complete, DISCOVER offers guidance for possible careers and a “World of Work” map diagram that can help students in making a decision. It also offers information on a host of college majors, career opportunities available, colleges and universities, job search tips and more. Career screenings are available to any JCC student. For more information, call the Center at 517.796.8415. Screenings are also available in Hillsdale and Adrian. What’s Next Magazine What’s Next • Fall2008 2009 • Winter
21
22
What’s Next • Fall 2009 What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008
What’s NextWhat’s Next••Winter Fall 2009 Magazine 2008
23
Get a jump start on college by earning college credits while still in high school. If you are motivated and focused, several options are available.
Articulation
Students who attend the Jackson Area Career Center, LISD TECH or Hillsdale Workforce Development & Technology Center and successfully complete requirements in eligible programs may receive JCC credit toward a certificate or an associate degree. Many high school career programs offer the opportunity for students to earn free college credits: • Automotive • Business • Building Trades • Computers • Health Care • Law Enforcement For details, talk with your instructor or call JCC Student Services at 517.796.8425, or the JCC location nearest you.
24
What’s Next • Fall 2009 What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008
Dual Enrollment
Another way to earn college credit, save money and actually attend college while still in high school is through dual enrollment. Under Michigan’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act, high school juniors and seniors may be able to take college courses with the tuition and fees covered by the high school. Dual enrollment programs offer students many benefits: • Earn credit while in high school. • Explore subjects not available at your high school. • Save money on college tuition. Ask your counselor if you meet the eligibility requirements for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment can save you money!
High school guest students If you do not meet the dual enrollment requirements, you may still enroll as a
high school guest student with the permission of your parent or guardian and high school. High school guest students are responsible for the cost of college courses.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) gives high school students an opportunity to take college level courses while in high school. High school instructors find that AP courses enhance their students’ confidence and academic interest; and college faculty report that AP students are well prepared for higher education. Getting started Contact your high school counselor or instructor about earning college credit in high school. You may also call JCC at 1.888.522.7344 or visit the web site at www.jccmi.edu. Jackson Campus 517.796.8425 LeTarte Center, Hillsdale 517.437.3343 JCC @ LISD TECH 517.265.5515
Make JCC Your Home
@ Campus View Student Housing
Want to experience college life at the fullest? Check out Campus View @ JCC! • �� four-bedroom suites • high-speed Internet hookup, phone and cable connections • bicycle & outdoor gear storage • ��/� security For more information regarding on-campus housing at Jackson Community College, please call the Office of Residence Life at ���.���.���� or visit the website at www.jccmi.edu/studentservices/studentlife/ campusview.htm!
Office of Residence Life