Post High School Planning

At North Kitsap High School, we understand that financing a post-secondary education can seem like an overwhelming task. With myriad options for financial aid available, we aim to make the process of affording college less daunting. Financial aid plays an instrumental role in your college application journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Below, you'll find a compilation of resources and information designed to help kick-start your financial aid exploration.

Deciding Between FAFSA and WASFA

As a prospective college student, one of the primary questions you might have is whether to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). Both applications are designed to assess your eligibility for financial aid, but there are some notable distinctions to be aware of.

The FAFSA is a federal form that assesses your eligibility for federal student aid, including loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. The WASFA, on the other hand, is a state-level application specifically for students who are not eligible for federal aid due to their immigration status but who meet certain eligibility criteria as stipulated by the state of Washington.

We recommend this free, confidential online questionnaire to guide you towards the application that's right for you.

Remember, our dedicated counseling team at North Kitsap High School is here to help you navigate these complex processes. Whether you're determining the best financial aid application for your situation, trying to understand different types of aid, or decoding the terminology, we're here to support you.

Post-secondary education is an investment in your future, and financial aid can make that investment more manageable. Let us help you unlock the resources you need to reach your educational goals.

As your journey towards higher education approaches, one of the key aspects you may be contemplating is how to finance your college education. Here at the NKHS Counseling Center, we've curated this comprehensive guide to shed light on the scholarship opportunities available for you.

Unpacking Scholarships

A scholarship is a monetary award granted to students to finance their undergraduate studies. The best part? Scholarships are gifts that do not need to be repaid. They are granted based on various factors, including academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, artistic talents, and other special interests.

Local Scholarships: NKHS Opportunities

We're fortunate at North Kitsap High School to be supported by a community that values education. Our local benefactors have established numerous scholarships specifically for NKHS students. Criteria for these scholarships vary, ranging from academic excellence, financial need, intended major, to involvement in particular school activities. Information about these scholarships can be found here.

Statewide Scholarships: College Bound Scholarship and TheWashBoard.org

As students in Washington State, you have several state-wide scholarship options:

• The College Bound Scholarship is a commitment from the state to provide financial aid to eligible students. It combines with other state aid to cover the average tuition costs (at comparable public colleges), certain fees, and a small book allowance.

• TheWashBoard.org is a free online scholarship platform exclusively for Washington residents, linking students with scholarship providers across the state.

Nationwide Scholarships

National scholarships are available to all students across the country. Although these scholarships are highly competitive due to a larger applicant pool, they often provide substantial financial assistance. Notable examples include the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. A comprehensive search engine like Scholarships.com can be an invaluable resource to discover these opportunities.

Embarking on Scholarship Applications

Scholarship applications generally require a personal essay, recommendation letters, and evidence of your qualifications (like academic transcripts or a resume). When recommendation letters are needed, the NKHS Counseling Center provides a Letter of Recommendation Request Form for your convenience.

A key to success in scholarship applications is to start early. This allows you to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Keep a close eye on deadlines, create a checklist for each application, and double-check your applications for accuracy and completeness before submitting.

Final Words

Although the scholarship application process may seem overwhelming, remember that every scholarship, no matter its size, contributes to reducing your overall education costs. The NKHS Counseling Center is committed to assisting you through this process, and we welcome any questions you might have.

Are you ready to take a significant stride towards your academic future? The Running Start program at Olympic College offers a unique opportunity for you to excel academically, push boundaries, and leap into the future.

About the Running Start Program

Running Start is a distinctive program designed for academically advanced students. This program enables eligible juniors and seniors to enroll in college-level courses at Olympic College while completing their high school requirements.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 1,100 students participated in Running Start at Olympic College. An overwhelming majority, approximately 95%, opted for academic prep or transfer classes. Remarkably, at least 15% earned an associate degree and high school diploma concurrently. Many students thrive in the college environment, often exceeding their own academic expectations.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Running Start program, you must:

1. Be under the age of 21 at the beginning of the school year.
2. Be classified as a junior or senior in Washington.
3. Not have received a high school diploma or earned the credits for a diploma (excluding a GED) at the start of the school year.
4. Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or above.

GPA Appeal Process

Students who do not meet the cumulative 2.5 GPA requirement may submit a letter of appeal requesting an exception due to extenuating circumstances. The appeal should be emailed to RSAdmissions@olympic.edu.

What Does the Program Cover?

The Running Start program covers up to 15 credits tuition-free, based on a student's combined high school and Olympic College schedule. Courses numbered 100 level or above are included.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to pay for:

1. Tuition and fees for credits exceeding the approved classes between high school and Olympic College.
2. Mandatory college fees.
3. Additional class fees, such as online classes.
4. Books and transportation.
5. Courses numbered below 100.
6. Summer quarter classes, if enrolling.

Why Choose Running Start?

Running Start offers a fantastic opportunity for motivated students to get a head start on their college education while saving on tuition costs. Not only does it provide the experience of a college environment, but it also enables students to challenge themselves academically.

Interested in learning more? You can visit the official Olympic College Running Start program webpage here for more detailed information. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor to guide you through the process and help answer any questions you may have.

Running Start at Olympic College is not just a program - it's a leap towards your bright future. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity, NKHS students. Be bold, take the leap, and start running!

Navigating the maze of options available after high school can be daunting. While many consider traditional routes such as university education, there's a powerful, yet often overlooked pathway: apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are formalized, structured training programs that blend on-the-job training (OJT) and related technical instruction to provide both practical and technical training.

Structure of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships generally require between 2,000 to 8,000 work hours to complete, depending on the complexity and nature of the trade. For each year of apprenticeship (approximately 2,000 hours), about 144 hours are dedicated to apprenticeship-related training. This structure ensures a balanced, comprehensive understanding of the chosen field.

Earning and Learning Simultaneously

One of the most appealing aspects of apprenticeships is the "earn while you learn" model. Apprentices receive a living wage throughout the training process, with periodic raises reflecting their increased experience and commitment. This model allows apprentices to build a secure financial foundation while developing industry-specific skills.

Mentorship and Guidance

Apprentices have the unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals in their field of interest. These mentors provide guidance, share practical insights, and help apprentices build a robust professional network - a priceless asset for career growth.

Pathway to Internationally Recognized Careers

Upon completion of an apprenticeship, individuals earn a trade certification that is recognized internationally. This certification attests to their proficiency and can open doors to rewarding careers both domestically and globally.

Lower Educational Debt

Unlike traditional education pathways, apprenticeships can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the burden of educational debt. The combination of paid work and often included tuition assistance for related coursework allows apprentices to gain qualifications without substantial financial strain.

More Information

For more information about apprenticeships in Washington, visit WA Career Paths - Apprenticeships. To learn about the PSNS Naval Shipyard and their Career Programs, check out PSNS Career Programs.

If you have further questions about apprenticeships, don't hesitate to reach out to your local resources. At North Kitsap High School, you can Heather Maas, in Future Readiness Center near the library..

In conclusion, apprenticeships offer a robust and valuable pathway for post-high school career planning. They provide theoretical learning, practical experience, a steady income, mentorship, and lead to internationally recognized trade certifications. For many, apprenticeships can indeed be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and successful career.