Career/College Exploration

What is CAMPUS?

CAMPUS (College Achievement Minority Program for Unique Students) is an academic and college preparation program designed to meet the specific needs of students from historically underrepresented groups in higher education and prospective first-generation college student in Loudoun County Public Schools. A LCPS guidance initiative, CAMPUS began in the spring of 2002. The program now serves close to 500 students in grades 9 -12. CAMPUS seeks to provide support and encouragement to students who demonstrate the ability to achieve academic success and college admission. Students must commit to attending mandatory CAMPUS meetings and/or classes during the school day and to attending CAMPUS activities throughout the year. Parents are also an integral part of CAMPUS and its success. Parents are asked to participate in CAMPUS initiatives and to support their children in the college search and application process. Admission to and graduation from college are among the goals of the CAMPUS program.

Goals of CAMPUS:

  1. Assist students in achieving academic success in high school

  2. Provide opportunities for leadership development of all students

  3. Assist students in gaining admission to the college of their choice

  4. Assist students in obtaining financial aid for college

  5. Ensure students are prepared to be successful in their college experiences

CAMPUS Supports Students Through:

  1. Academic enrichment and support

  2. Self-advocacy skills development

  3. Leadership development

  4. College and university visits

  5. College and scholarship preparation

  6. Careful course selection

  7. Community service projects and activities.

Application Process

Any student can apply to CAMPUS.  Students apply to the program either in the spring of their 8th grade year, or if space is available, during the first few weeks of 9th-11th grade.  Application information can be obtained by the 8th grade school counselors at each middle or by the CAMPUS school counselors at the high school.  Students must submit a complete application, including a writing sample and two teacher recommendations. Students are selected based on the following criteria:

  • Potential aptitude for post-secondary education

  • Leadership skills

  • Demonstrated interest in advanced topics

  • Current or previous standardized test measures


Strong consideration is given to students who:

  • Will be the first in their family to graduate from a college or university

  • Come from a historically underrepresented population

  • Come from a single-parent family

  • Come from a non- or limited English-speaking family

  • May be considered socio-economically disadvantaged

SchooLinks

schoolinks logo

SchooLinks is a modern, college and career readiness platform to prepare students for what comes after graduation. SchooLinks helps students discover their interests and strengths, explore colleges and careers, and create an individualized career and academic plan that best reflects their post-secondary goals. SchooLinks at Loudoun County Public Schools is accessible in Kindergarten through 12th grade by students and their parents. SchooLinks features are incredibly user-friendly and were designed to streamline the college and career readiness workflow for counselors and staff.

This platform is designed to meet the needs of our students as they make meaningful contributions to the world!

What Students and Families Can Do

  • Access to K-5 platform with college and career exploration lessons and activities

  • Portfolio building capabilities for K-12th grade students

  • Access career interest, strength and mindset surveys

  • Explore 2-year and 4-year colleges as well as take virtual reality college campus tours

  • Search for scholarships and learn about financial aid

  • Explore traditional, emerging and military career fields and internship/volunteer opportunities

  • Create digital portfolios and resumes

  • Build ACP and ACPP

  • Communicate with counselors

  • School business partnership portal

 LCPS School Counselors are currently undergoing training in SchooLinks, and while they learn more about the platform, weask that questions about SchooLinks be directed to: Email SchooLinks.