Resources for Counselors

Welcome

Middle school counseling programs are critical to ensuring that students complete course work that will allow them to participate in a college-preparatory curriculum upon entering high school. Middle school is not too early to start implementing some, if not all, aspects of college counseling.

A major function of the college counseling program in high schools is to expose students to various colleges, universities and other postsecondary opportunities that may fit their career and personal goals.

One comprehensive, systemic approach for providing college and career counseling to various populations is outlined in the National Office for School Counselor Advocacy's Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling, released in April 2010 at the annual conference of the National Office for Student Counselor Advocacy. For more information, see the Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling.

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Essential Skills and Salary Information

• Automotive Technology
• Cabinetmaking
• Carpentry
• Engineering CAD
• Computer Software Engineering Techology
• Electrical
• Electro Mechanical Technology
• Electronic Engineering
• Graphic Arts, Communication & Printing
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Computer Integrated Machining
• Masonry Construction
• Metals Fabrication & Welding
• Plumbing Technology
• Water & Environmental Technology
• Metal Casting

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Helpful Links

• CNN Money: Nine months in trade school. Job guaranteed.
• Forbes: America's Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most-In-Demand Group Of Workers Ages

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Scholarships

Any student seeking financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available via the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This form should be completed by April 1st of the potential academic year.

TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching.

As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach:

• in a high-need field
• at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
• for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.

IMPORTANT: If you do not complete your service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to a direct unsubsidized loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education, with interest charged from the date the TEACH Grant was disbursed (paid to you or on your behalf).

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if

• you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution, but
• meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
• your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
• you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent's or guardian's death.

PA-TIP

PA-TIP provides need-based awards up to the equivalent of the maximum State Grant award (currently $4,348), or 75% of the student's total direct educational costs after gift aid and employers aid whichever is less. Awards can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, supplies and specific living expenses.

FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students in need of financial aid. It is a type of federal grant that is awarded college undergraduate program students and does not need to be repaid. A student awarded with the FSEOG is given between $100 and $4,000 per year depending on the person's financial aid need.

Application is done online. Several FSEOG requirements must be met:

1. A person is eligible for the FSEOG if he or she is a U.S. citizen.
2. The full-time student must have a filled out FAFSA form – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
3. The person is in significant financial need of funding for college.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are determined by the Department of Education based upon demonstrated financial need and full or part-time enrollment at Thaddeus Stevens College. To apply for the grant, students must complete the FAFSA.

Pennsylvania State Grant

Grants are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to residents of the state. To be eligible for a PHEAA State Grant, students submit the FAFSA by May 1st of each year.

Thaddeus Stevens College Grant

The Thaddeus Stevens Grant assists those students who are financially disadvantaged. To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA. Our priority deadline is April 1st of each year. Those who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant will be awarded the Thaddeus Stevens Grant.

Thaddeus Stevens Foundation Scholarships

The Thaddeus Stevens Foundation provides students with scholarships from outside donors each year. Students may complete a scholarship application to apply for all of the available scholarships for which they meet the criteria. The application must be submitted prior to July 1st of each year.

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