College & Career
At Woodgrove High School, the Career Center is an additional resource for students to use in preparing for their post-graduation paths. The Career Center is dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their futures and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for success after high school.
Career & Workplace Readiness *Post High School Planning * College Planning for underclassmen * Jobs/ Leadership/ Volunteer Opportunities * Military * Scholarships & Financial Aid * Work Permits
Career & Workplace Readiness
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) offers a variety of programs and resources to help students with career and workplace readiness. Here are some key initiatives:
1. SchooLinks Platform
LCPS uses SchooLinks, a modern college and career readiness platform. This tool helps students discover their interests and strengths, explore colleges and careers, and create individualized career and academic plans that align with their post-secondary goals.
2. Career and Technical Education (CTE)
LCPS provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that offer hands-on learning experiences in various fields such as health sciences, information technology, engineering, and more. These programs are designed to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for specific careers.
3. Counseling Services
School counselors play a crucial role in career readiness by providing guidance on college and career planning. They help students with self-exploration, career exploration, and skill development to achieve their personalized goals.
4. Career Fairs and Events
LCPS organizes various career fairs and events where students can interact with professionals from different industries, learn about various career paths, and network with potential employers.
5. Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Students have the opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment and AP courses, which can earn them college credits while still in high school. This helps them get a head start on their higher education and career goals.
6. Workshops and Seminars
LCPS offers workshops and seminars on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies to prepare students for the workforce.
7. Loudoun Workforce Resource Center
This program offers a variety of job readiness workshops both virtually and on-site. Topics include resume writing, interview skills, and LinkedIn profile optimization. It provides on-demand online training on various job readiness topics. Find more information at https://www.loudoun.gov/4004/Workshops-Career-Development
8. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
This program provides employment and training services, including career guidance, resume assistance, and paid work experience opportunities. They help individuals gain the skills needed for high-demand jobs. Find more information on their website at https://vcwnorthern.com/wioa/
These initiatives collectively ensure that students in Loudoun County Public Schools are well-prepared for their future careers and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace.
Post High School Planning
Choosing not to attend a 4-year college after high school can open up a variety of rewarding paths. Here are some benefits and options to consider:
Benefits:
Cost Savings:
Avoiding the high tuition fees and potential student debt associated with 4-year colleges.
Faster Entry into the Workforce:
Many alternative paths allow you to start earning money and gaining experience sooner.
Hands-On Learning:
Programs like apprenticeships and trade schools offer practical, hands-on training that can be more engaging for some students.
Flexibility:
Options like community college or online courses can offer more flexible schedules, allowing you to work or pursue other interests simultaneously.
Options:
Trade Schools:
Overview: Provide specialized training in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, and cosmetology.
Benefits: Shorter programs focused on practical skills, leading to quick entry into the workforce.
Apprenticeships:
Overview: Combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction in trades such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain industry-recognized credentials, and often secure employment upon completion.
Community College:
Overview: Offers associate degrees and certificates in various fields, often with lower tuition costs.
Benefits: Can be a stepping stone to a 4-year degree or direct entry into the workforce.
Northern Virginia Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. and the largest educational institution in Virginia. It offers a wide range of associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs in fields like Liberal Arts, Business, Information Technology, and Health Sciences. A representative from NOVA visits Woodgrove monthly throughout the year and students can register for those visits through Schoolinks.
Job Corps:
Overview: A free residential career training program for young adults aged 16-24, offering education and vocational training in fields like healthcare, construction, and IT.
Benefits: Provides room and board, basic healthcare, and career transition assistance.
Peace Corps:
Overview: The Peace Corps offers international service opportunities in sectors such as education, health, and agriculture.
Benefits: Volunteers receive living stipends, housing, student loan deferment, and post-service job placement support.
AmeriCorps:
Overview: Provides opportunities to serve communities in areas like education, disaster response, and environmental conservation.
Benefits: Participants receive a living allowance, education awards, and professional development opportunities.
EarthCorps:
Overview: EarthCorps focuses on environmental restoration projects in the U.S., offering hands-on experience in conservation.
Benefits: Participants receive stipends, education awards, and leadership training.
8. Military Service:
Overview: Offers training, education benefits, and a structured career path.
Benefits: Provides discipline, leadership skills, and educational benefits like the GI Bill for future studies.
Military representatives typically visit Woodgrove on a monthly basis and students can find the schedule under Events in Schoolinks.
9. Entrepreneurship:
Overview: Starting your own business or freelancing in a field you’re passionate about.
Benefits: Allows for creativity, independence, and the potential for significant financial rewards.
10. Gap Year:
Overview: Taking a year off to travel, volunteer, or work before deciding on further education or career paths.
Benefits: Provides time for personal growth, gaining real-world experience, and clarifying career goals.
For more information on taking a gap year, you can visit the GapYear Association Website. It’s a great resource to explore various gap year options, benefits, and planning tips!
Exploring these options can lead to fulfilling and successful careers without the need for a traditional 4-year college degree.
Jobs/Leadership/Volunteer Opportunities
As various opportunities arise throughout the year, they will be posted in Schoology. Make sure to check regularly for updates on jobs and volunteering.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
What to Know About Scholarships:
Free Money for Education: Scholarships are financial awards that you don’t have to repay, making them a great way to fund your education.
Types of Scholarships: They can be merit-based (academic, athletic, artistic) or need-based, and can come from universities, private organizations, or nonprofits.
Application Process: Each scholarship has its own application process, often requiring essays, recommendation letters, and proof of achievements.
Deadlines Matter: Pay attention to deadlines and apply early to increase your chances of receiving an award.
Combine Awards: You can apply for and receive multiple scholarships, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Research is Key: Use online resources, school counselors, and scholarship directories to find opportunities that match your profile.
LCPS posts current countywide scholarships and applications on SchooLinks. Students can also use the Scholarship Matching feature to find the potential scholarships based on interests and eligibility.
Woodgrove specific scholarships will also be found in Schoolinks when available.
Understanding Financial Aid
Financial aid is funding that helps students pay for college expenses like tuition, books, and housing. It comes in several forms:
Grants: Need-based aid that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based awards that also don’t require repayment.
Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study: Programs that allow students to work part-time while attending school.
To learn more and apply for financial aid, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/
Keep an eye out for announcements about a FAFSA workshop at Woodgrove and various other financial aid nights happening throughout the county. These events are great opportunities to get personalized help with your financial aid applications and learn more about funding your education.
College Planning for Underclassmen
It’s never too early to start planning for your college journey. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Explore Interests: Take different classes and join clubs to discover what you love.
Build Good Habits: Focus on time management and study skills now to make life easier later.
Get Involved: Participate in extracurricular activities to build your resume and find your passions.
Talk to Counselors: They can provide valuable advice and resources for your college planning.
Research Colleges: Start looking into different schools and what they offer to find your best fit.
Remember, planning ahead can make the college application process smoother and less stressful.
College Planning Checklists
Work Permits
Loudoun County Public Schools does not provide work permits. To apply for an employment certificate in Virginia, you must be 14 or 15 years old and have a job offer before registering. You can complete the application electronically through the Virginia Electronic Employment Certificate System. Once approved, the certificate will be mailed to the employer within seven to ten business days. Incomplete forms can delay the process.
Military
Choosing to join the military after high school can be a rewarding path with numerous benefits:
Career Training: The military offers extensive training in various fields such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and more, providing valuable skills that are transferable to civilian careers.
Education Benefits: Programs like the GI Bill can cover tuition costs for college or vocational training, making higher education more affordable.
Financial Stability: Earn a steady income, receive housing allowances, and access comprehensive healthcare benefits while serving.
Travel and Adventure: Experience new places and cultures, both within the U.S. and internationally.
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The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test used by the U.S. military to assess a candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success in both military and civilian careers. Various Loudoun highschools, including Woodgrove, offer the test and students can register for it in Schoolinks.
Here are some key points about the ASVAB:
Purpose: It helps determine qualification for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces and identifies which military jobs (or Military Occupational Specialties) best suit the candidate’s abilities.
Components: The ASVAB consists of ten subtests covering areas such as General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects.
Scoring: Scores are used to calculate the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, which determines eligibility for enlistment. Higher scores can open up more job opportunities and enlistment bonuses.
The ASVAB is given at several LCPS schools, including Woodgrove, throughout the year. Check Schoolinks to find testing dates.
Exploring military service can be a great way to build a strong foundation for your future. Military representatives visit Woodgrove regularly and students can find the schedule in Schoolinks.