Fall 2020 College & Careers by Omaha World-Herald

INSIDE VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR EducationQuest is hosting a virtual college fair Sept. 27-30. See which colleges are participating.

COLLEGE VISITS A little homework will be required to get the most from a college visit.

RECOMMENDATIONS Letters of recommendation are often needed for scholarships. Asking the right person can make all the difference.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

COLLEGE & CAREERS

• Sunday, September 20, 2020

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Attend the Virtual College Fair Sept. 27-30 By Nancy Price

EDUCATIONQUEST

ttend the EducationQuest Virtual College Fair Sept. 27-30 to visit with college representatives from across the state, region and nation and to hear from college-prep experts. Register for the free event at eqf.org/collegefair. College representatives will be available during these times, but you can visit college booths anytime: Sunday, Sept. 27 — 2-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 — 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 — 1-8 p.m. Live presentations will be held Sept. 27 and will be recorded for later viewing. Topics include college admission, selecting a major, campus visits, scholarship tips and paying for college. To learn more, visit EducationQuest.org.

COLLEGES IN ATTENDANCE COLORADO Colorado Mesa University

IOWA Briar Cliff University Buena Vista University Cornell College Drake University Iowa Wesleyan University Morningside College Northwestern College St. Luke’s College — UnityPoint Health University of Iowa University of Northern Iowa Western Iowa Tech Community College

KANSAS Baker University Benedictine College Colby Community College Fort Hays State University Kansas State University Northwest Kansas Techinical College University of Kansas University of St. Mary Wichita State University

LOUISIANA Loyola University New Orleans

MINNESOTA Southwest Minnesota State University St. Catherine University

St. Mary’s University University of Minnesota Rochester

North Dakota State University

Northeast Community College Peru State College Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology Southeast Community College Union College University of Nebraska at Kearney University of Nebraska Medical Center | College of Allied Health Professions University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy University of Nebraska at Omaha University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wayne State College Western Nebraska Community College Xenon Academy

NEBRASKA

OKLAHOMA

MISSOURI Columbia College Kansas City Art Institute Logan University Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri Western State University Northwest Missouri State University Rockhurst University St. Louis University University of Central Missouri University of Missouri-Kansas City Washington University

NORTH DAKOTA

Bellevue University Bryan College of Health Sciences Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics Central Community College Chadron State College CHI Health Immanuel School of Radiologic Technology Clarkson College College of St. Mary Concordia University Creighton University Doane University Hastings College Joseph’s College Cosmetology Metropolitan Community College Midland University Mid-Plains Community College Nebraska Army National Guard Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Nebraska Methodist College Nebraska Wesleyan University

Helping Equip All students with Resources and Tenacity to Succeed

Oklahoma Christian University

OREGON Verto Education

Black Hills State University Dakota State University Dakota Wesleyan University Lake Area Technical College Mitchell Technical College Mount Marty University Northern State University South Dakota Mines South Dakota State University Southeast Technical College University of Sioux Falls University of South Dakota Western Dakota Technical College

WISCONSIN Marquette University

WYOMING Casper College Central Wyoming College Eastern Wyoming College Laramie County Community College Sheridan College University of Wyoming

SOUTH DAKOTA Augustana University

VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR

SEPTEMBER 27-30 When your college student is away, send your love, support and encouragement with care package from H.E.A.R.T.S.

Back-to-School Kit Snack Pack Kit Exam Survival Kit Trick-or-Treat Kit (Available 9/30-10/31) All care packages include COVID Kit: 2 disposable masks, personal hand sanitizer, and Emergen-C

ORDER TODAY: www.heartscollegecarepackages.com Follow us on Instagram h.e.a.r.t.s._care_packages Facebook @heartscollegecarepackages

Visit college booths and watch college-prep presentations. Register to participate

eqf.org/collegefair

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

COLLEGE & CAREERS

Sunday, September 20, 2020 •

See more of Creighton’s rankings and recognitions at: creighton.edu/bigcity

One of the Top 10 big-city colleges in the Midwest

–Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2020

Creighton’s longstanding prominence in education and research across its undergraduate, graduate and professional programs has earned greater national attention. Named a top-ranked National University by U.S. News & World Report, Creighton is committed to academic excellence and preparing students of diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences for success in Omaha and around the world. #ChooseCreighton

COLLEGE & CAREERS

• Sunday, September 20, 2020

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

ADOBE STOCK

INVESTING IN YOUR SUCCESS We know that high school GPA is a strong predictor of student success at Peru State College. Students that qualify will be guaranteed a renewable tuition award in their official admissions letter by completing an application for admission, including submission of an official high school transcript.

INVEST IN SUCCESS AWARDS CHANCELLORS

PRESIDENTS

$10,000 ($2,500/yr)

$9,000 ($2,250/yr)

GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0

GPA of 3.50 out of 4.0

DEANS

T.J. MAJORS

$8,000 ($2,000/yr)

$7,000 ($1,750/yr)

GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0

GPA of 2.70 out of 4.0

Learn more about our scholarships at:

WWW.PERU.EDU/ADMISSIONS/ COST-AID Nebraska’s First College • Established in 1867 • Peru, Nebraska • 1-800-742-4412 Member Institution of the Nebraska State College System • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Letters of recommendation influence scholarships. Here’s how to get what you need. By Allison Ourad EDUCATIONQUEST

Most scholarships require at least one letter of recommendation, and some require two or three. It can seem difficult to give someone else control of such an important part of the scholarship process. But if you play your cards right, you can increase your chances of receiving a valuable endorsement.

How do I pick the right person? Some applications specify who should write your recommendation, but others let you pick anyone. You probably have many adults in your life, so how do you pick the best ones to recommend you? First, you need to rule out all of your relatives. You may think that’s unfair, because they probably know you best, right? But almost all applications do not accept letters from family members because they want an unbiased recommendation. Make a list of the other adults in your life. You can include faculty and staff at your school, supervisors where you work or volunteer, individuals from your place of worship, an adult friend or neighbor and more. The best recommenders will know you well, are interested in your future success, have at least a basic level of writing skill, can follow instructions and are able to meet deadlines.

How do I ask? Once you have selected a few potential recommenders (Yes, you will need a few people; don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.), it’s time to reach out and ask. First, approach your recommender at

least two weeks before the scholarship deadline and more if possible. Last-minute requests create rushed, unpolished letters of recommendation, so don’t procrastinate. You can use any form of communication to make this request, but asking in person is probably best. Here’s a basic script for what to say: Hi, (recommender’s name), I am applying for (scholarship name), which is an award for students who (basic eligibility criteria here). The scholarship requires a letter of recommendation. Would you be willing to write a letter for me? The deadline is (date). If they say no, politely thank them for their time and ask someone else. But if they say yes, great! Use the next step to help your recommender write a great letter.

How can I help my recommender? You’ve already given your recommender plenty of time to complete your recommendation, but there are other ways that you can help ensure their success. First, try to give them a copy of the scholarship application, or at the very least, get them the recommendation instructions and deadline in writing so that they can refer to it. Second, have a resume handy that details your accomplishments. An activities resume is a great way to do this. Last, follow up with your recommender once or twice before the deadline to make sure that they’re on track. Check-in a week before the deadline to see whether they need any more information from you and then a couple of days before the deadline if they’re not already finished by that point.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

COLLEGE & CAREERS

Borrow smart for college StatePoint Media It’s no secret that college can be expensive, and families are often faced with finding creative ways to cover the costs. Whether taking out student loans or parent loans has always been part of your family’s plan, or it is suddenly being considered due to new financial circumstances, there is good news: Several smart strategies can help you save money. • Automate payments: Automating payments not only gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your bills will be paid on time, every time, but some lenders even offer interest rate reductions alongside this option. • Choose a shorter repayment term: Some private lenders allow you to customize the length of your repayment term. If it’s in your monthly budget to do so, select a shorter term. While monthly payments will likely be higher, you’ll save in the long run. • Start early: Consider making monthly payments on the loan while the student is still in school. Payments may be deferred during this time, but the loan may still be accruing interest that will be added to your loan balance. Check with your lender. Use a student loan calculator, like the one from College Ave Student Loans to see how a small monthly amount can make a big difference. • Go above and beyond: When possible, make additional payments on your loan.

Whether you choose to do this monthly or in lump sums after special occasions (e.g. tax refunds and graduation gifts), this can be a good way to get ahead of your repayment schedule and reduce interest charges. Just be sure your lender doesn’t charge a fee for doing so. • Borrow federal first: Borrow federal student loans in the student’s name first. They offer low fixed interest rates to all borrowers, not just those with excellent credit scores. Plus, they offer special benefits like income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness options not typically offered on private loans • Shop around: If federal student loans don’t adequately cover college costs, private student loans can fill the gap. Be sure to comparison shop to learn which lender will offer you the best interest rate, as well as repayment options that fit your family’s budget. When shopping, look for a prequalification tool on the lender’s site that will share what rates you can expect without a hard check on your credit. More tips, resources, guides and financial advice to help you navigate the financial road to college can be found at collegeave.com. “The pandemic has created some uncertainty for many families,” says Joe DePaulo, co-founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans. “However, there are steps you can take now to create a solid plan to cover your upcoming college costs.”

Sunday, September 20, 2020 •

NEBRASKA CAREER SCHOLARSHIPS The State of Nebraska is calling all future Business, Education, Criminal Justice and Computer majors! The Nebraska Career Scholarships have limited availability, so don’t miss the first award deadline, December 1.

AWARD REQUIREMENTS:

◆ Majoring in Business, Education, Criminal Justice or Computer Management Information Systems. ◆ Score of 18 or above on the ACT. ◆ Completed free Peru State College admission application and personal statement.

EARNED A SUCCESS AWARD? ADD THIS AMOUNT TO YOUR AWARD WITH A NEBRASKA CAREER SCHOLARSHIP.

CHANCELLORS

ADD $13,000 ($3,250/yr)

DEANS

ADD $10,000 ($2,500/yr)

PRESIDENTS

ADD $12,000 ($3,000/yr)

T.J. MAJORS

ADD $7,000 ($1,750/yr)

Learn more at

WWW.PERU.EDU Nebraska’s First College • Established in 1867 • Peru, Nebraska • 1-800-742-4412 Member Institution of the Nebraska State College System • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

• Sunday, September 20, 2020

COLLEGE & CAREERS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

MAKE FRESHMAN YEAR A SUCCESS By Sophia Lee

What living in a dorm is actually like and tips for making the best of it. 1. Keep your key on a bracelet I lost my key within the first couple of weeks and ended up having to pay $100 to replace it. Keep your key on a bracelet that won’t fall off. 2. Talk to everyone Seriously, talk to everyone! The first couple of weeks of school, everyone is looking for new friends. I know it can be hard to talk to someone you don’t know, but it really does pay off. A girl I met in an elevator the first day asked me to come to her room later, and we’re still friends. Get a door stop and keep your dorm room door open as much as possible. People are more likely to stop by and say hello when they know you’re home and available. 3. Befriend your RA My roommate and I were the only ones to follow our RA on Instagram and she remembered us for it. Your resident assistant is not much older than you. Plus, making friends with your RA may keep you from getting in trouble. 4. Clean your dorm regularly School can be stressful and having a messy room will only make things worse. You’ll get busy and it’s easy to put off cleaning your room but, seriously, a clean room always makes you feel more productive. My roommate and I cleaned our room every Sunday, and it always gave us a nice fresh start to our week. 5. Communal bathrooms can be gross I could tell you the horrors I saw in our community bathroom but I’ll spare you. Just prepare yourself, and please bring shower shoes! 6. You’re going to get sick — a lot I have always been a pretty healthy person. But when you’re living in a dorm with that many people, you’re bound to get sick. Stock up on over-the-counter medications for your room.

How to stay organized and succeed in college 1. Keep an agenda It is absolutely necessary to keep some sort of calendar or agenda for all your schoolwork. I kept all my assignments on my Google calendar since I always had my computer with me. But if you are more of a hands-on person, a written agenda is perfect, too. 2. Go to class and talk to your professors Start off college strong and go to class

A planner — either electronic or written — is a necessity to keep track of all of your classes, tests, projects and activities in college. — whether it’s online or in person. Once you get in the habit of skipping, there’s no turning back. It’s really important to stay on top of things and not sleep through class. Also, your professors are there to help you. Pretty much every professor will have office hours so if you are having a hard time in a class, don’t be afraid to go and ask them questions. It’s never a bad idea to get to know your professors because you might need a letter of recommendation in the future. 3. Check your school email regularly You need to be checking your school email all the time. Make sure to have your email notifications on. This is how professors will communicate with you about assignments and class cancellations. Be sure to check your school email before the semester starts; some teachers expect you to have homework done for the first class. 4. Use under-the-bed storage The space under your bed is ideal for hiding extra clothes and keeping your room organized. Pick up a couple of storage containers designed to fit there.

General tips for freshman year 1. Go to the student organization fair Most schools will have some kind of fair where every club and organization on campus has a booth or table. I highly suggest going. It is a fun and easy way to learn more about groups that interest you. 2. Join clubs or Greek life Joining some sort of organization on campus is key to being involved in your school and feeling at home. A ton of my friends joined Greek life and loved it. But if Greek life isn’t your thing, that’s totally OK, too! There are hundreds of clubs for literally any hobby; you’ll be sure to find one you love. 3. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to hang out, even if you don’t know them yet Like I said before, pretty much everyone is looking for new friends so don’t be afraid to reach out to a person you have met once or twice and ask them to hang out. I had people do this to me, and it honestly made me feel so good. 4. Volunteer on campus There are many community service op-

portunities around campus. At the beginning of the year, I recommend getting to know how you can serve your community. Not only does this help others, it will also look good on your resume. 5. Schedule classes around when you’re most productive Something I forgot about when scheduling my classes was giving myself time to eat. My first semester I had three days a week where I couldn’t eat lunch until 2 p.m. and I was miserable. Allow time in your day for lunch. I also recommend scheduling your classes close together. I thought it was a good idea to schedule my classes far apart, and I ended up going back to my dorm, falling asleep, and not wanting to go to my next class. Sophia Lee is an expert planner, an obsessive decorator and a type-A perfectionist who’s hope is to help get your life a little more organized and a whole lot prettier, whether it’s moving into your dorm room, decorating your first apartment or planning a Pinterest-perfect date with your boyfriend. She blogs at bysophialee.com.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

COLLEGE & CAREERS

Sunday, September 20, 2020 •

SpOnSOred COntent

SCC helps shrink skilled worker gap in nebraska By Mike Watkin Special for Southeast Community College Two years ago, a Lincoln Area Skills Gap Report, prepared for the Nebraska Department of Labor, revealed a number of skilled occupational areas that were experiencing a deficit of workers in the state. These areas included truck driving, welding, maintenance and repair, software development and application, registered and practical nursing, construction/carpentry and machinists. But as far as Southeast Community College (SCC) is concerned, the progress toward shrinking the skilled worker gap in the state is far from a new challenge. “SCC has been working toward addressing the need for a skilled workforce since its creation in the early 1970s,” said Dr. Paul Illich, president of Paul Illich SCC. “In 2015, SCC launched a new strategic plan to enhance the College’s capability of meeting the needs of its employers and communities. “Addressing this need requires deliberate and strategic planning, implementation and investment. SCC is committed to making these investments to meet the needs of its employers and communities.” This plan Dr. Illich refers to has resulted in new facilities, new career and technical programs, six new learning center locations throughout SCC’s 15-county service area and significant enrollment growth in its career academy programs. SCC is positioning itself to meet both current and future skilled workforce needs. Addressing this significant challenge is vital to ensure Nebraskans have a qualified skilled workforce to provide the services that ensure a higher quality of life, Dr. Illich said. “Recently, SCC has observed growing interest in career and technical fields with several SCC programs experiencing full capacity for the current fall semester,” Dr. Illich said. “SCC’s mission is to provide a qualified skilled workforce and affordable access to higher education. “The ultimate goal of this mission is to empower and transform the diverse learners, employers and communities through accessible, responsive and high-quality career and technical educational opportunities.” One of the primary strategies for increasing the capacity to educate skilled workers involves the expansion of facilities – most notably the construction of the Crete Carrier Diesel Technology and Welding Center on SCC’s Milford campus and a new health science facility on the Lincoln campus. In addition to expanding its physical capacity, SCC continually promotes its career and technical programs through collaborative and innovative partnerships with school districts in

SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Southeast Community College is working hard to fill the needs of Nebraska’s skilled workforce with new programs and facilities.

SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

the 15-county service area. In its rural areas, the College partners with school districts through the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Partnership (SENCAP), which allows high school students to earn college credit in more than a dozen high-demand career/technical areas, including agriculture, construction, GIS, health sciences, informa-

tion technology and manufacturing. SENCAP has grown tremendously over the last several years with more than 1,200 students enrolled during the 2019-2020 academic year. In Lincoln, SCC has partnered with Lincoln Public Schools on The Career Academy. The College, in partnership with LPS, completed construction on this new facility in 2015 to house 16 career and technical pathways and has experienced significant growth, with more than 600 students enrolled in 2019-20. “I think it is critical that potential community college students understand that our career and technical programs lead to marketable skills via credentialing, licensing and certification,” Dr. Illich said. “SCC actively advises potential students by sharing critical graduate and employment data. “The College also works closely with its high school partners to ensure school counselors are aware of the many excellent educational opportunities that community colleges provide.” SCC also has many economic development

sector-based partnerships that help align program curriculum with industry needs. These partnerships also play a key role in providing awareness of opportunities in skilled trade positions. A recent statewide program specifically designed to address the workforce challenges created by COVID-19 is the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Workforce Retraining Initiative. This program provides scholarships for individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19. The program seeks to provide retraining in high-wage, high-demand and high-skill (H3) occupations via Nebraska community colleges. “It’s important that students realize that an associate’s degree in nursing, computer information technology and welding technology represent some of the more popular programs, with average starting salaries ranging from $47,000 to $52,000 for recent SCC graduates in these programs,” Dr. Illich said. For more information and to apply to SCC, visit www.southeast.edu/nwri.

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COLLEGE & CAREERS

• Sunday, September 20, 2020

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Dominic Paquet, right, leads a campus tour at the University of NebraskaLincoln for Mike Thompson and his son, Miguel, a senior at Omaha Skutt. UNL restarted in-person tours in August after transitioning to virtual tours in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The university is limiting the number of people for each in-person tour time to comply with coronavirus safety precautions. Virtual tours are also still available. KILEY CRUSE/ THE WORLD-HERALD

It’s tougher to do college tours, but it’s not impossible By Marjie Ducey WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Mike Thompson’s daughter Selena made it easy on him and wife Nicole Florez. After attending an event at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, she knew that was where she wanted to go to college. Despite some discussions about the price tag, she was certain that God would provide. She’s now a sophomore majoring in theology. Son Miguel is going the more traditional route. The senior at Skutt Catholic High School has been making college visits, trying to determine which one best fits his engineering interests. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, though, visits aren’t the same as they used to be. First up was a stop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a draw because several of Miguel’s former classmates have enrolled there. “Teenagers aren’t completely communicative about what their thoughts are, but I believe he had a good experience,’’ Mike Thomp-

son said. Roger Allen, the UNL campus host coordinator, said it’s hard to pack absolutely everything in a tour that usually lasts about 90 minutes, but guides do their best. Visits to the Nebraska Union, residence halls and classrooms and lecture halls are always included. If a guest has a specific interest in a major, like Miguel, that department is added. Tours are kept to one family at a time now instead of up to four, allowing guides to tailor a visit even more to a prospective student’s interests. “That’s been a change, but it’s a positive change,’’ Allen said. Miguel wasn’t able to see everything in the engineering department because of renovations and COVID-19 precautions, but he took advantage of a virtual presentation that filled in the gaps. Virtual tours are now an option for everyone. “But most students still want to come on campus,’’ said Kayla Tupper, associate director for on-campus experiences. UNL is averaging 100 to 120 requests per week.

Masks are required for guests and staff, and social distancing is maintained. Allen said most people have been happy about the emphasis on safety. The university always has an empty dorm room to give visitors an idea of their living space in a residence hall. That wasn’t the case for the duo’s visit that afternoon to York College. All the dorm rooms were occupied, making them off-limits because of coronavirus concerns. Mike Thompson said York had been recommended to the family by a colleague at Boys Town, where he works. Thompson liked that it was a small private school where his son would get a lot of one-on-one time. “It was a good tour, very friendly people,’’ Thompson said. “I was amazed at the number of international students who go to that college.’’ Another thing in its favor, Thompson said, was an engineering program that would allow Miguel to study three years at York and then two at Washington University in St. Louis. Adrianna Sotolongo, the campus

visit coordinator, said York also offers a virtual tour, but like UNL it has continued to have a steady stream of interested students. “We do a personalized visit for every student,’’ she said. Masks are required, dorm rooms and apartments are off-limits, and lots of sanitizing is done to keep everyone safe. Many Nebraska colleges have those same guidelines. At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, officials delayed the start of tours from August to mid-September to give people time to adjust to wearing masks and to make sure COVID-19 numbers were low. Each interested student can bring just two guests, and they’ll receive a one-on-one visit with a guide. Campus housing is off-limits, but everything else is available to tour. UNK encourages students who know their major to make an appointment in advance to visit with faculty in that department. Jael Johnson, assistant director for campus visits, said the virus has made her department rethink how staffers connect with prospective students. A newly developed

remote campus visit experience is likely to continue post-pandemic. “That really was a positive experience, and we got some great feedback,’’ she said. The coronavirus lockdown last spring gave families time to think about their priorities and what they were looking for when it came to college, Johnson said. Now, they’re eager to see colleges in person. “They are ready to hit the ground running,’’ she said. Thompson said his son also visited Benedictine College with his big sister. He had considered looking at colleges near Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his mother is from, but Thompson said that because of the virus they’d like to have him closer to home. He thinks he might know his son’s favorite, but nothing can be decided until he’s taken the ACT. That’s important with five kids. “Once he has the ACT done, we’ll have a better picture of financial support and scholarships that could be possible,’’ he said. marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

COLLEGE & CAREERS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Sunday, September 20, 2020 •

UNIVERSITY of NEBRASKA–LINCOLN

NEBRASKA IS OFFERING

help—not hype. In the face of big challenges, Huskers come together and support one another. As your university, we’re here for you in your college search. No matter what future you’re dreaming of, we want to work with you to make it real.

Test-Optional for Admissions & Scholarships We know it may be difficult to take the ACT and/or SAT because of public health concerns. To support you, you will not need to submit an ACT or SAT score to be admitted or to be considered for scholarships worth $1,000 to full tuition. You will automatically be considered for merit scholarships based on your GPA alone.

Tuition is Frozen through 2022-23

Nebraska Promise: Attend Tuition-Free

Connect with Us In-Person or Online

In addition to offering among the lowest tuition in the Big Ten, the University of Nebraska has frozen all tuition rates until the 2022-2023 academic year. In a world that keeps rapidly shifting, we’re proud to be able to offer some consistency as you look forward to planning and creating your future.

Nebraska Promise is a commitment to cover the full cost of tuition. If you live in Nebraska and your family makes less than $60,000 per year (AGI) or if you are Pell Granteligible, you may qualify for the Nebraska Promise program. You will automatically be considered for the Nebraska Promise once you are admitted to the university and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

We’re here to help you navigate the college search process. We are hosting visitors for limited capacity visits by appointment or reservation. If you would rather connect online, we also have a number of virtual experiences available. Join us for one of our recurring online info sessions, virtual campus tours or for a 1-to-1 phone or video conference appointment.

ADMISSIONS.UNL.EDU

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• Sunday, September 20, 2020

COLLEGE & CAREERS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Campus closures from the coronavirus pandemic are spurring some college students to work for startups. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Startups tap pandemic-weary college students Bloomberg News To many college students, the prospect of a year of school during a pandemic — with virtual classes, restricted movements and no parties — is a huge bummer. Some Silicon Valley startups, hungry for young talent, see it as an opportunity. Over the past few months, several companies have presented an alternative to school: a remote internship, aimed specifically at young people looking for alternatives to a dismal school year. Dozens of Silicon Valley startups are looking to hire fall interns, according to a list assembled by startup accelerator Y Combinator. Venture firm Neo recently organized a virtual career fair for 120 students and a range of startups, hoping to match pairs for internships during the academic year. And venture firm Contrary Capital is offering to invest $100,000 in five teams of entrepreneurs if they take a gap year from school to build a company. Such arrangements allow interns to get paid and learn on the job, while avoiding paying tens of thousands of dollars for Zoom University. It also means that companies willing to improvise on hiring and gamble on younger workers may get new access to fresh talent. Ali Partovi, Neo’s chief executive officer, said the firm surveyed 120 students who are part of its mentorship programs and found that 46% of them were interested in taking a gap semester and 21% were interested in taking a gap year. “There’s a potential for a big shift right now,” said Alexandr Wang, the co-founder and CEO of Scale AI Inc., a startup that helps people train computer vision. He said Scale would hire up to 10 gap-year workers if it found the right people.

For many students he talks to, school this year seems like a “sub-optimal” option, Wang said. Companies have varying approaches to what gap year hiring would look like. Food-delivery service Postmates Inc. said it’s considering extending the tenure of the summer interns in its robot-delivery team to allow for those who want to take time off school. And Lumos, a six-person web security startup, is offering around $80,000 to four full-time “fellows” to work on different projects during the academic year. Students, meanwhile, are trying to make sense of a dizzying array of choices, as on-campus options lose their appeal. “Everyone is uncertain,” said Evani Radiya-Dixit, a Stanford University student who is considering taking a gap year and who recently interned at X, Alphabet Inc.’s research and development lab. Stanford made it even more confusing when it abruptly announced that it was ending most on-campus housing for students for the fall quarter. “I’ve heard people say Stanford is going to be like a prison,” said Victor Cardenas, a Stanford sophomore and computer science major, now debating taking time off to build a company. “You’re only allowed to be in your dorm, and someone not (living) in your dorm can’t be there. You have to eat 6 feet away from everyone.” Startups are particularly well-positioned to capitalize on COVID-19 campus jitters. Bigger companies often don’t want to take on the legal hassles of bringing on students beyond regimented internship programs, said Scale’s Wang, who is 23 and has been working in tech since he dropped out of college. “A lot of students are thinking about it, and hopefully a lot

of companies are willing to take a risk on these students,” Wang said. “If you’d hire them a year from now, you should be willing to hire them now.” Nimbler startups willing to experiment could gain access to star students who might otherwise have wound up in summer jobs at giants like Facebook Inc., Alphabet or Apple Inc., managers say. “Usually you would fight to get on the radar with people, and here people are reaching out,” said Emmanuel Straschnov, the co-CEO of Bubble, an app design service. Compared with regular recruiting, he said, “It’s like night and day.” The ultimate payoff isn’t just the student labor. “With recruiting you always play the long game,” said Nick Schrock, CEO of Elementl, a developer tools startup that’s planning to hire three gap-year workers this fall. “A great intern who has a great network can often yield compounded returns later down the line.” Students are assessing the trade-offs critically and trying to decide whether what they’re getting from schools is worth the cost, especially if classes happen virtually. Levi Villarreal, who will be a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, pays his own tuition. Luckily, as a Texas native, it’s relatively inexpensive, but he’s still weighing his options. Villarreal has previously interned at Adobe Inc. and Google, and had been looking forward to living in New York City for his internship this summer. Instead, he worked remotely from an apartment in Austin and his parents’ house in Dallas. He’s open to the idea that his disrupted school year could lead to something new and interesting, but he also wishes things weren’t so upside-down. “I really want to have one normal year in college before I leave,” Villarreal said. “That’s my hope.”

COLLEGE & CAREERS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Sunday, September 20, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘

This is where my passion became my major.

With more than 80 areas of study, including online and hands-on courses, discovering your career is easy at Iowa Western.

13W

Picture Yourself Here

Zoe, Student

Affordable Rates

BeYouAtIW.com / 712.325.3277

$7,656

per semester*

Includes In-state Tuition, Fees, Room and Board csc.edu/cost

2,407

Average Class Size

Student Population

46%

First Generation

States Represented

FLEXIBILITY

Classes available in 8 and 16 week sessions *4 week sessions during the summer

15:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Undergraduate Programs

Countries Represented

Graduate Programs

Apply today at

csc.edu/apply bryanhealthcollege.edu

Numbers based on the 2020-2021 academic yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost of attendance. *In addition to these fixed costs, there are variable costs. Students will need to plan for expenses such as books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. The total amount of these variable costs will depend upon individual taste and lifestyles. All costs are subject to change without notice by the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.

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COLLEGE & CAREERS

• Sunday, September 20, 2020

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

You’re all home, so talk about college By RJ Vega EDUCATIONQUEST

Whether you’re a high school student taking classes at home, or a parent now working from home, utilize this time to talk about college. Here’s a set of topics to get the conversation started.

Program of study It’s the same question students have answered since first grade: “What do you want to be when you grow up”? First, take a deep breath and acknowledge that you do not have to have every single step mapped out. That will come with time and experience. If you’re unsure what you want to study, think about what type of career interests you. Something in the health world, or the business world, perhaps the education world? The arts? You can explore different career paths through a variety of online resources, at least to get the conversation started. Check out BigFuture from the College Board and Reality Check from EducationQuest. These tools will not answer the question for you, but they will help

you narrow down your list of prospective programs. Once you have a clear idea of what area you want to study, reach out to a professional in that field and see whether they would be willing to answer your questions about their career path. Contact your school counselor if you need help finding a professional in your community.

College options Once you have a rough idea of what you want to study, create a list of prospective schools to attend. Perhaps you’re interested in a trade program or specialized licensure program; you can start looking for the trade schools or community colleges that offer those types of programs. If you’re thinking you’d like a four-yeardegree pathway, begin visiting college websites. Many colleges have virtual tours, where you can see the campus and communicate with a representative of that program to learn more about what they offer. This is an important step in the college process. Once you’re able to, set up an official campus visit to that school. Use College Profiles to begin identifying

Path Forward

To THE SMART ROUTE TO COLLEGE.

schools that align with your interest.

Talk finances One of the first steps on the financial side of this process is to have a conversation as a family about paying for college. Discuss the amount of money, if any, that parents are willing/able to help you with for college expenses. Perhaps parents have a college savings plan, like a NEST 529. Or perhaps the financial situation is tough right now, and parents are not able to help with money for tuition, but they are able to help with books or housing. To aid in this conversation, you can begin researching the costs of the colleges you’re interested in attending. The College Funding Estimator from EducationQuest is helpful in planning for college expenses, as well as helping you plan for what your FAFSA results are going to be.

Seek scholarships It’s never too early to start researching what goes into a successful scholarship process. Scholarships are sources of money that you need to apply for, and if

you are selected, that is money to help you pay for school. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, involvement, volunteering and other criteria. The first step is to see what is out there that is relevant to you. One resource to get you started is ScholarshipQuest, where you create a profile based on your information as a student, and the program compiles a list of scholarship opportunities that match something from your profile. It does the searching for you. However, you still need to apply.

Discover more All of these steps are conversation starters, but they won’t answer all your questions. Reach out to a school counselor or to EducationQuest to learn more about this process, as well as hear different perspectives that may prove helpful to you as you start making decisions. Junior year of high school is when you should actively be wrapping up your planning and prepping, as senior year of high school is when you should be applying for admission, financial aid and scholarships.

Go Somewhere! Study abroad

At Hastings, you’ll spend part of one semester abroad at no additional cost!

Check out our booth at the EducationQuest Virtual College Fair. | Sept. 27-30 gotocollegefairs.swoogo.com/educationquest • Take a campus virtual tour • MCC reps can answer your questions via chat • Get the latest info on scholarships, programs and more VISIT MCCNEB.EDU OR CALL 531-MCC-2400 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.

$12,000+ for everyone Every Hastings College student receives at least $12,000 in scholarships — and most receive more!

geek out Every student receives an iPad and Apple Pencil — and we provide all required text books.

Want to learn more? Schedule your in-person or virtual visit today!

HASTINGS.EDU/VISIt

COLLEGE & CAREERS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Sunday, September 20, 2020 •

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