College Information

ASPIRE Program for juniors and seniors. Matches students with a one on one volunteer to support their post high school plans. See your WHS counselor or visit the College & Career Center for more information.

CIS (Career Information Systems) is a free student district account to use for career and college exploration and planning.

Beaverton School District's College & Career Readiness page

Early College High School where eligible juniors and seniors take their coursework at PCC and tuition is paid for by the district. Most students apply for Early College during the spring of their sophomore year.

Opportunity Knocks is a district program that allows juniors and seniors to take up to one class per term at PCC in addition to taking classes at their home high school.                                               

Career Encounters is a class for interested juniors and seniors to take at Portland Community College that offers hands-on career experience in high-demand, high-wage careers. Ask your School Counselor if this program is available.

Oregon Goes to College helps educators, students and families prepare for education after high school. 

Why Go to College? 

Types of Colleges & Types of Degrees

Earning College Credit in High School

It's a Plan: College Checklists for students 9th through 12th grade (and middle school too).

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Find lower tuition rates for participating 2-year (and 4-year) colleges. WUE is an agreement among 16 member states, including Oregon, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students.

The Educational Credit Management Corporation provides the Opportunities Guide, which helps high school students choose the right college, understand admissions requirements, identify types of financial aid, and more.  

CollegeBoard's Big Future and Cappex have search tools to help you find a college based on your preferences

Khan Academy helps you explore and compare your college options

College Resources for Diverse and Multicultural Students

Fly-In and Diversity Programs, including but not limited to low income, first generation, rural, African American, Hispanic/Latinx American, Native American, Indigenous or Asian American students.

College Scorecard from the U.S. Department of Education allows you to narrow down colleges based on your preferences, then compare those schools on factors such as size, diversity, average student debt, cost, graduation rates, and average salary after attending.

Colleges also host many preview days, tours, and other on-campus events to give students an opportunity to see their campuses in-person. For more information about these events or to schedule a college visit and tour, check with the admissions office of the college(s) you are considering.

The National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and The Pacific Northwest Association of College Admissions Counseling (PNACAC) host college fairs each year in the Fall and Spring. These are great opportunities to connect with admissions professionals from across the country and gather information about a variety of colleges.

College Planning Checklist – Grade 9

Academics 

➢ Strive to do your best in all of your classes. You are laying the groundwork for future high school course selection and academic readiness for college.

➢ Form a study group with friends or classmates or connect to your local public library for free tutoring opportunities.

➢ If you fall behind in a class, talk to your teacher and counselor. Attend Westview Works free virtual tutoring Wednesday’s from 2-4pm. Zoom Link can be found in Canvas.

➢ When forecasting, discuss with your parent/guardian, counselor and teachers which classes will be the best fit for you during sophomore year.

Standardized Testing

➢ Reading (both for school and pleasure) will help develop greater vocabulary and reading comprehension. This will prepare you for future standardized tests and advanced coursework.

➢Staying focused and engaged in your classes, and practicing following directions on quizzes/tests administered in class are a great preparation for the SAT and ACT.

Action Items

➢ Create and regularly update a college planning file that could include:  Your report cards, a list of awards and honors you receive, a description & reflection of school and community activities you take part in, Description & reflection of volunteer experiences or paid jobs

➢ Become involved in at least one extracurricular activity like clubs or sports and, if possible, get really involved. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Now is a great time to explore new interests and strengthen your gifts and talents.

➢ Consider: exploring academic subjects, activities, or careers, and Volunteering in your community

➢Consider getting a job, it could be as simple as babysitter or doing lawn care for a neighbor, this will help you gain work skills and demonstrate responsibility.

College Planning Checklist – Grade 10 

Academics 

➢ Strive to do your best in all of your classes and continue to form study groups with friends and classmates. 

➢ If you fall behind in a class, talk to your teacher and counselor. Attend Westview Works free virtual tutoring Wednesday’s from 2-4pm. Zoom Link can be found in Canvas.

➢ When forecasting, discuss with your parent/guardian, counselor and teachers which classes will be the best fit for you during junior year.

Standardized Testing

*Currently college entrance exams are considered optional for most colleges and universities

➢ Take the PSAT. 

➢ Keep reading! It will help you develop greater vocabulary and reading comprehension. 

➢ Stay focused and engaged in your classes, and continue to practice following directions on quizzes/tests administered in class or during finals week. Developing these skills will prepare you for the SAT and ACT. 

➢ Discuss with your counselor whether you should plan to take SAT Subject Tests. 

Action Items

➢ Update your college planning file.

➢ Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and try to take on a leadership role, or find other ways to make significant contributions. 

➢Begin to explore careers and colleges on CIS.

➢ Join colleges’ mailing lists to receive information and invitations to local events for prospective students. These events often target juniors and seniors, so signing up as a sophomore will ensure you’ll receive notifications as a junior and senior. 

➢ Consider: Exploring academic subjects, activities, or careers, Volunteering in your community, or getting a job. It could be as simple as babysitting or doing lawn care for a neighbor, this will help you gain work skills and demonstrate responsibility.

 

College Planning Checklist – Grade 11 

Academics 

➢ Strive to do your best in all of your classes. Colleges closely examine junior year classes & grades. 

➢ If you fall behind in a class, talk to your teacher and counselor. Attend Westview Works free virtual tutoring Wednesday’s from 2-4pm. Zoom Link can be found in Canvas. 

➢ When forecasting, discuss with your parent/guardian, counselor and teachers which classes will be the best fit for you during senior year.

Standardized Testing 

*Currently college entrance exams are considered optional for most colleges and universities

➢ Take the PSAT and practice ACT. 

➢ Plan to take SAT or the ACT at least once. Most students test in spring of junior year or fall of senior year. Review practice test results to determine if you had an affinity for one test, register online for your test(s) of choice, and meaningfully engage in test prep.

➢ Check in with your counselor if you have questions about SAT and ACT, to request a SAT or ACT registration fee waiver (which have eligibility criteria), and whether you should take SAT Subject Tests.

Action Items 

➢ Update your college planning file and continue your extracurricular activities. Work on improving your favorite skills or talents, and seek opportunities to take on further responsibilities & leadership in activities. 

➢ Athletes who anticipate potentially competing in college sports should register with the NCAA & NAIA Eligibility Centers. 

➢ Complete a college search using CIS or Big Future and continue to update your college list.

➢ Visit college websites and research colleges so you can begin to narrow down preferences and ideal characteristics. Compare, evaluate, and reflect on your observations and experiences. 

➢ Meet with your counselor as necessary to assist you with future planning.

 ➢Consider joining colleges’ mailing lists to receive information and invitations to local events for prospective students. These events often target juniors and seniors, so signing up as a sophomore will ensure you’ll receive notifications as a junior and senior. 

➢ Consider: exploring academic subjects, activities, or careers that you are interested in, Volunteering in your community, or Working a part-time job.

JUNIOR “JUMP START” ON COLLEGE TIMELINE 

Summer 2021

MAY – JUNE

·       Start your college planning by visiting the WHS website – Academics – Counseling and also College & Career pages for resources and general information on being ready for the college or career going process.

·       Next, investigate resources on Canvas – Your Class of Page– Counseling page and also College & Career page for current events and timely opportunities. In the fall, this will be chock full of revolving events. 

·       Feeling like you have more questions than answers for your post high school plan? An ASPIRE volunteer mentor can help. Sign up now to learn more about this free program and to be matched with a mentor. Contact our College & Career Center Staff (go to the Canvas Counseling Department Homepage for contact information). To learn more watch this video or see more about the program here.

COLLEGE APPLICATION

·       Begin an overview of college websites and review application requirements and platforms. Will I need recommendations?  Does the college require an essay?  Decide on a platform, such as the Common Application or the Coalition App, and create an account. Look for dates, usually August,  when they open for students applying for college entrance for the fall.

·       Most private universities require a letter of recommendation from at least one of your teachers. If applying to a private college is a possibility, ask for a letter of recommendation NOW from a teacher you feel would write a favorable report.

·       Career Information Systems (CIS), login through your student app on your Chromebook with easy single sign-on, is a great way to investigate post high school options such as trades, careers, and colleges. Find a vast array of career data such as current pay and future job markets. Or do a college search by major, or filter by cost or by size.

·       Curious about a Gap Year? Track down possibilities here: https://www.gapyearassociation.org/

·       Size up the benefits of serving your country, pursuing job skills, or receiving your college degree here.

JUNE - AUGUST

·       Perfect time to schedule a few hours each week to work on the college process!!! Get organized digitally or use a simple file folder system and calendar for important dates. Schedule periodic check-ins with your adults, parent or mentor, going through this process with you.

COLLEGE SEARCH

·       Schedule virtual college visits over the summer months. Many are offering excellent opportunities to interact with students and to learn more about campuses, clubs, classes, all from the comfort of your home. Explore majors and programs of studies.

·       PCC is offering virtual information sessions for some of their certificate programs. See the schedule HERE.

·       Further your college search. Use CIS, College Board Big Future, create a profile, or dig into the numbers & comparisons with College Navigator 

·       Finalize college list

AFFORDING COLLEGE

·       Use Net Price calculators, found on each college’s website, to refine your idea of how much an individual college may cost for you.

·       Financial Aid Estimator – families can complete a form to estimate their “expected family contribution” for college.  Estimators are found on the College Board and ACT websites and on “FAFSA4caster”.

·       Get on board w/scholarships. Sign up on GoingMerry, check WHS Scholarship list in Canvas on College & Career page, or Fastweb and review scholarships that match your profile. 

·       Update resume and create a list of volunteer or paid activities & awards

·       Create an email account just for tracking scholarships

·       The military offers benefits which can pay for college. Explore ways to pay for college through the military here

·       Decide if you will apply early. In some cases, it may increase your chances of admission. Read all terms of Early Decision or Early Action very carefully on colleges’ websites.

·       If you will need an essay as part of your applications, start it now.  You can email your ASPIRE mentor and she/he will review your draft and help you w/revisions.

·       Do you need an ASPIRE mentor for help? Contact our College & Career staff (go to the Canvas Counseling Department Homepage for contact information) while school is in session.

 ·       Reflect on how you have responded to the challenges and difficulties COVID-19 has presented you. Colleges will want to know:

a) How were you impacted by COVID-19? Were you able to stay engaged with learning? If so, did you go above and beyond what was expected by teachers in your school? Did you do additional reading?

b) Did you develop a new skill or further develop a skill you already had?

c) Did you find a way of being of service to others? This includes your family.

d) Did you show leadership in some way?

·       Watch the ACT.org website and College Board website for updates on ACT/SAT test information. Our current information indicates NO college or university will require an ACT/SAT score as part of their application this year. Check with individual schools to verify.

·       Create/update an Activities Chart for your high school years.

Other Activities

·       Use CIS to further explore careers. Skype or Zoom an informational interview with someone, see suggested questions below.

·       Love to read? Washington County teen reading program.

·       Be of service to others by volunteering through virtual or in-person options. Rely on what interests you and search here: volunteermatch.org or dosomething.org/us

SEPTEMBER:

·       “HIT THE GROUND RUNNING” YOU ARE WAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE!!!

·       Look for after school events to be scheduled the 3^rd and 4^th week of school covering timely and relevant college search and application topics

·       Hundreds of college reps will be scheduling short presentations with students in our district, a calendar will appear in Canvas

 *** Families qualified for Free/Reduced Lunch should make sure their applications are current. There are fee waivers for both SAT/ACT and college applications available to your students.

 

Good Questions to Ask People About Their Career

Do not be afraid to ask people about their career. Most people enjoy talking about their careers. It makes most adults feel good that young people are eager and interested in learning about what they do. If possible, get input from more than one person for each career of interest. Ask parents, relatives, friends, neighbors for ideas of names of whom you may contact.

• How and why did you choose this career?
• What is a typical “Day in Your Work Life” like?
• What are the most and least rewarding aspects of your job?
• What are the working conditions like (Stress, Pace, Physical Comfort, Travel, Environment, Relocation, Hours, Routine vs. Crisis, etc.)?
• What education requirements, college degrees, licenses are needed for your career? What Colleges do you recommend for pursuing an education leading to this occupation?
• What are the most important skills and abilities required (Creativity, Emotional Distancing, Emotional Involvement, Language/Communication, Manual Dexterity, Leadership, Physical Ability, Persistence, Social Skills, Time Management, Logic/Reasoning, Negotiation, etc.)?
• What High School and College courses have you found to be most applicable/important for your occupation?
• Would you choose this career if you could make the decision again? What (if anything) would you do differently?
• What do you wish you knew (but didn’t) when you first contemplated this career?
• What are the best opportunities for someone entering into your career?
• Are there any trends (e.g. demographic, social, legal) that concern you? Any trends that will make this career choice more or less attractive in the future?
• What is the Outlook for this career? Is there a shortage or oversupply of people in this career today?
• Does this career involve living in one community all of your life or moving to different cities/states/countries every couple of years?
• Does this career provide the opportunity to balance time between work and family?
• How much money does this career provide at the entry level? After you work for 10 yrs.? Maximum potential for most talented/experience people? How much of the $$ is usually base pay, bonus (performance driven), profit sharing, stock/partnership ownership, etc.?
• What are some related careers that I should consider?
• Any “words of advice”?
• Where can I find more information about this career (i.e., Associations, on-line)?

College Planning Checklist – Grade 12 

Academics 

➢ Strive to do your best in all of your classes. Colleges will receive a mid-year report, which includes semester 1 grades. A final report, which includes semester 2 grades, will be sent to the one college you commit to.

Standardized Testing 

➢ If necessary, continue to study and take the SAT or the ACT. Free tutoring for the SAT can be found at collegeboard.org  and free ACT prep can be found at actstudent.org

➢ Check in with your counselor if you have questions about SAT and ACT, to request a SAT or ACT registration fee waiver (which have eligibility criteria), and whether you should take SAT Subject Tests. 

➢ You are responsible for self-reporting and submitting official test scores to colleges. Westview does not report test scores on transcripts.

Action Items 

➢ Update your college planning file on a regular basis! 

➢ Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and try to take on a leadership role, or find other ways to make significant contributions. Especially stay involved with the activities that you enjoy and find meaningful. 

➢ Visit colleges either on their website or in person so you can begin to identify your preferences and ideal characteristics. Compare, evaluate, and reflect on your observations and experiences.

➢Begin applying to colleges. Pay close attention to specific requirements & deadlines for each college. Thoroughly review each application before submitting. 

➢ Attend a college visit hosted by a college representative. Westview hosts many college vistis. You can see the list of colleges and the calendar of visits by going to our college and career website under the academics tab on the main page of the Westview High School Website. 

➢ Complete the Common Application FERPA Waiver and add your counselor so they can complete the school report and counselor recommendation.

➢ Apply for Financial Aid: 

• FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid, accepted by most colleges 

• ORSAA: Oregon Student Aid Application, only for DACA, TPS, and undocumented students in Oregon 

• Oregon Promise: statewide grant that covers community college tuition in Oregon

• College Planning Checklist – Grade 12 

   

  Academics 

   

  ➢ Strive to do your best in all of your classes. Colleges will receive a mid-year report, which includes semester 1 grades. A final report, which includes semester 2 grades, will be sent to the one college you commit to.

   

  Standardized Testing 

   

  ➢ If necessary, continue to study and take the SAT or the ACT. Free tutoring for the SAT can be found at collegeboard.org  and free ACT prep can be found at actstudent.org

  ➢ Check in with your counselor if you have questions about SAT and ACT, to request a SAT or ACT registration fee waiver (which have eligibility criteria), and whether you should take SAT Subject Tests. 

  ➢ You are responsible for self-reporting and submitting official test scores to colleges. Westview does not report test scores on transcripts.

   

  Action Items 

   

  ➢ Update your college planning file on a regular basis! 

  ➢ Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and try to take on a leadership role, or find other ways to make significant contributions. Especially stay involved with the activities that you enjoy and find meaningful. 

  ➢ Visit colleges either on their website or in person so you can begin to identify your preferences and ideal characteristics. Compare, evaluate, and reflect on your observations and experiences.

  ➢Begin applying to colleges. Pay close attention to specific requirements & deadlines for each college. Thoroughly review each application before submitting. 

  ➢ Attend a college visit hosted by a college representative. Westview hosts many college vistis. You can see the list of colleges and the calendar of visits by going to our college and career website under the academics tab on the main page of the Westview High School Website. 

  ➢ Complete the Common Application FERPA Waiver and add your counselor so they can complete the school report and counselor recommendation.

  ➢ Apply for Financial Aid: 

• FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid, accepted by most colleges 

• ORSAA: Oregon Student Aid Application, only for DACA, TPS, and undocumented students in Oregon 

• Oregon Promise: statewide grant that covers community college tuition in Oregon

• Get Scholarships and help filling out the FAFSA, ORSAA or Oregon Promise Application by going to oregonstudentaid.gov

• oregonstudentaid.gov

CollegeBoard: SAT & PSAT

ACT

from Oregon Goes to College 

When a college or university is “test optional” for admissions, it means that they don’t require an SAT or ACT score from all applicants to be considered for admissions. Many colleges, including all of Oregon’s public colleges and universities and many of our private, not-for-profit colleges, do not require students in the class of 2021 and beyond to submit test scores with the application. Due to coronavirus, most students planning to start college at any Oregon college in the fall of 2021 will not need to take the SAT or ACT.

Students choose whether they want to submit their test scores with their application. In most cases, if you do send scores, the admissions committee will use them when making admissions and scholarship decisions. If you do not submit test scores, you will not be penalized for admissions. While the majority of applicants have a choice, some students may still be required to submit scores (Note: Because of testing interruptions as a result of the coronavirus, applicants for Fall 2021 & Fall 2022 may not be required to submit test scores). At some colleges, you may be required to submit additional information if they choose not to send test scores. It’s important to know the requirements for each college where you plan to apply.

from Oregon Goes to College

Check the admissions requirements to find out if the colleges and universities you may apply to are test-optional, meaning they do not require you to submit SAT and/or ACT scores.

If you plan to take one or both tests for admission purposes, scholarships and other programs, you should verify which test is accepted (SAT only, ACT only or both). If the organization accepts both tests, it is up to you whether you wan to take the SAT only, the ACT only or take both. Read this article to help you determine which option is right for you: SAT vs ACT: 11 Key Differences to Help You Pick the Right Test article

If possible, take the test in the spring of your junior year. If you like, you can take the test again in the summer or fall of your senior year.

If you take a test more than once, most colleges and universities will “super score” your tests. They will use the highest score you earned on each section when evaluating your application.

Both tests are offered on some Saturdays at testing sites around the state. Westview hosts the ACT test for all juniors in February.

Whether you take it on a Saturday or during an all-school testing day, take it seriously. Get plenty of rest the night before, eat a good breakfast, and do your best on the exam.

If students are on free or reduced lunch, they qualify for 2 fee waivers for the SAT and 2 fee waivers for the ACT. See your school counselor for more details. You must be a current junior or senior to request the fee waivers.

CollegeBoard has additional benefits for students that are eligible for the fee waiver. Check out this link for more information.

Per act.org, fee waivers cover only the basic registration fee and late fee for your test option on a national test date, including up to four college choices. After registration, the student can request any number of additional score reports for free.

When you register for the SAT and/or ACT, you can request up to 4 score reports for free to colleges, universities or other programs of your choices such as the NCAA.

Students can log in to their SAT and/or ACT account to send official scores, for a fee, to the colleges, universities, and other programs that may require them.

CollegeBoard + Khan Academy full length SAT practice tests, interactive practice and instant feedback.

ACT Academy 

Free ACT ebook

Use SAT and ACT practice books in the Counseling Office.

Go to your local library and check out book(s) on preparing for the SAT or ACT.

Find a tutor: your current or former English, Math, or Science teacher, a neighbor, friend, parent, etc.

Senior Scholarship/Financial Aid Information: Here are steps you are recommended to take to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Freshmen, Sophomore, and Juniors can also use resources to look for scholarships, focus on #5-#12.

1. Fill out the FAFSA or ORSAA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Oregon Student Aid Application) on/after October 1 every year you are in college.

2. If you plan to attend an Oregon college or university: Apply for OSAC scholarship through oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships. Application is available from Nov 1-March 1. They give $18 million to Oregon students.

3. Wherever you apply for college, also apply for scholarships that they offer. Find out their scholarship application process and deadlines. 

4. Any student eligible for Oregon Promise, apply. If you are eligible, it will help pay for up to 2 years at an Oregon community college. 

5. Review scholarship information on Oregon Goes to College and in your Oregon CIS account (through your student apps). Go to the “Explore Resources”, “Education & Training”, “Tools for Scholarships”: Scholarship Sort and/or Scholarship List.

6. Visit our College & Career Canvas page for our scholarship list. The list is updated throughout the year with local, state and national scholarships.

7. Ask your parent/guardian if their workplace has a scholarship(s) you can apply for.

8. Visit scholarship search websites like GoingMerry.com, fastweb.com, scholarships.com, finaid.org, cappex.com, chegg.com and collegeboard.org

9. Be sure to use free, reputable sites that will assist you now and in the future with finding scholarships. 

10. Contact the Financial Aid Office of the college you may attend for help or more information about financial aid and scholarships.

11. Attend BSD District Nights such as Senior Night and Financial Aid Night.

12. WHS College & Career Center hosts scholarship workshops (FAFSA/ORSAA, OSAC, PCC Future Connect) for seniors and announces dates on WHS College and Career Center page (on calendar at bottom of page) and through Canvas.

Scholarship Tips: 

• Set up a weekly scholarship night (or weekend day) such as Sunday morning at 11am-11:45am to search and apply for financial aid and scholarships. 

• Create a priority list/calendar of timelines to apply.

• Create a Google Doc or Excel file to keep track of scholarships and aid you are applying for.

• Ask parents/guardians to help you with this process.

• Attend any WHS workshops to help you with this process.

• Use FinAid calculators to help with figuring out how much college will cost. 

• View Top 10 Financial Aid Tips from scholarships.com

• In the spring, compare school financial aid offers.

• Use FinAid’s Award Letter Comparison Tool.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities

graduate 17% of our nation's total African American college students

award 24% of all bachelor's degrees in STEM fields by African American students

tuition averages 26% less than comparable institutions.

What is an HBCU and Why are They Important?

HBCU Listings

Find Your HBCU Match

HBCU Facts

Scholarships for HBCUs

Educational Resources for Pacific Islanders in the US from South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO)

List of colleges and universities that meet the US Department of Education's criteria for minority- serving institutions, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution

Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholars: APIA Scholarship Program & Programs and Services, including Jump Start College Tour, Young Professionals Conference & Smart Mentoring

UNCF founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college. UNCF Student Programs & Scholarships

UNCF Empower Me Tour is a free, traveling college- and career-readiness road show—is a national series of events established to inspire and motivate high school, college students and recent college graduates toward academic excellence, career success and personal responsibility. 

Black Student Organizations and Associations

Top Diversity, Minority, and African American Internship Programs

Black Scholarships is the online guide to scholarships, financial aid and more for African American students.

4BlackYouth Scholarships

Fly-In and Diversity Programs

Many colleges and universities offer information and resources for first generation students. Search for this information on their websites or ask their admission counselor for more information.

Fact: Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and former First Lady Michelle Obama were first-generation college students. 

 I’m First offers an online space for current and incoming First Generation College Students to share their experiences with each other and offer support.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): Westview offers AVID elective classes, a program designed to close the achievement gap by supporting students who identify as first generation, students who are underrepresented on college campuses, students who qualify as low income or students who have special circumstances. Students apply and interview for the program. Please see your School Counselor for more information.

At Westview, our College and Career staff and School Counselors can support first generation students goal to go to college. We can provide individual support, help students access resources within the school and district, connect to an ASPIRE mentor junior and/or senior year and more. Students visit our counseling office or contact the counseling staff for assistance.

ASPIRE Program for juniors and seniors. Matches students with a one on one volunteer to support their post high school plans. See your WHS counselor or visit the College & Career Center for more information.

Portland Community College's Future Connect Program is a scholarship and support program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income. They focus on eliminating barriers to college, and provide students with on-going support throughout their time at PCC. Through scholarship money, career guidance, and personalized advising, Future Connect helps students build pathways to their futures.

Hispanic Organization of Colleges & Universities (HACU) 

List of 2019-20 Hispanic Serving Colleges & Universities by state

HACU Student Resources: Scholarships, Grants, Conferences & Summits, Internships

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Scholarship awards are based on merit; amounts range from $500 to $5,000, based on relative need.

HSF University learn how to make yourself a competitive college candidate, choose the best college for your education, apply for scholarship opportunities, the best way to finance your education, how to remain fiscally responsible and how to prepare yourself for your future career.

HSF Program College 101 is a free, bilingual, two-hour workshop for high school students and their families, which identifies and addresses the various steps necessary to plan for a college education. Each session provides valuable information about how to prepare, plan, and pay for college, apply for scholarships, and research financial aid opportunities. English presentation & Spanish presentation

HSF College Camp features free, bilingual, half-day, college preparation workshops held in various cities around the country.  The programs are designed to help middle and high school students – and their parents – prepare, plan, and pay for college. Breakout session topics include preparing for and applying to college, choosing a college that’s the right fit, writing a personal statement, researching financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and understanding the real cost of a college education.  Students are grouped by grade level, and parents can choose to receive information in either English or Spanish. 

HSF Youth Leadership Institute is a four-day, overnight, college empowerment conference for Latino high school juniors, selected through a competitive application process.  It is designed to give these young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success.  

Many colleges/universities have scholarships for international students like U of O, PSU, OSU and U of Portland. Check website for details as well as contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance. Generally, international students pay out of state tuition.

Make sure to apply through the International Student application process as directed by each college and university.

The International Student Guide for Studying in the USA 

Scholarship and Financial Aid

CollegeBoard Scholarship search includes scholarships for international students.

International Education Financial Aid Scholarship search for international students.

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for OSAC Scholarship application, ORSAA or Oregon Promise.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): If you’re neither a citizen nor an eligible noncitizen, you are not eligible for federal student aid. If you have a Social Security number but are not a citizen or an eligible noncitizen, including if you have been granted DACA, you should still complete the FAFSA form because you might be eligible for state or college aid. You should check with your school’s financial aid office to see what kind of financial aid you might be eligible to receive. 

Campus Pride represents the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LBGTQ students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders.

Campus Pride Index is a National Listing of LGBT-Friendly Colleges and Universities

Top 30 from 2018  includes PSU and University of Oregon

Campus Pride National LGBTQ-Friendly College Fair Program

Campus Pride National Scholarship Database

BestColleges College Guide for LGBTQ Students

Resources and Advice for LGBTQ College Students

EducationUSA Resources for LGTBI Students

Trans Student Educational Resources

Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Point promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training.

Oregon Tribal Student Grant is officially launched. This grant awards eligible students up to the average cost of attendance at Oregon colleges and universities. The award supports students pursuing Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree. Students must be enrolled members on one of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and must complete an application as well as a FAFSA/ORSAA. The deadline to apply is August 1st.  Our website includes additional information about the program (including social media images, sample emails to students, posters, and more: https://oregonstudentaid.gov/oregon-tribal-student.aspx

American Indian College Fund

Native Pathways Guidebook-Preparing for College

College Fund Choosing a College

College Fund Scholarships

National Indian Education Association College Resources

Fly-In and Diversity Programs

Tribal Colleges and Universities serves 35 TCUs spanning 13 states. These institutions offer 264 certificate programs, 442 associate degree programs, 115 bachelor’s degree programs, and eight master’s degree programs.

TCU students receive a higher education in a learning environment where Native cultures, traditions, and experiences are woven into the DNA of these remarkable institutions—providing a space for students to thrive intellectually and socially.

Our closest TCU is Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, Washington, which has 6 full extended campuses (5 in Washington and 1 in Idaho).

Colleges and universities offer information and resources for students with disabilities. Search for this information on their websites or ask the admission counselor for more information.

Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Overview of College Resources for Students with Disabilities

Going to College is designed for high school students with disabilities and provides video clips, activities and additional resources that can help you get a head start in planning for college.

College: Continuing and Higher Education from Wrightslaw.com is designed to assist students and their families in all stages of the college planning process.

College and College Prep information for students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD to assist in the planning and selection process, plus lots of advice on creating a successful post-secondary education experience.