Future Planning Resources / Junior SPEC Conference

SPEC Conference - Beginning in late fall, all juniors and their parents will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Bunyea for about 45-60 minutes to discuss current and future plans.  Typically these conferences are held during the student's study hall time, but arrangements can be made to meet before or after school.  The conferences are designed to discuss student strengths, graduation requirements, future plans, and options, and to present the family with information in preparing for life after graduation.  Mrs. Bunyea asks that all juniors or a parent sign up for a time that works for both the student and a parent to attend.  The schedule should be posted for families to sign up around the middle of October.  A letter is sent home requesting all juniors and a parent to sign up for a conference time.

Below are a variety of resources to help any student looking to explore their future plan options.

• UW Direct Admit and Wisconsin Guarantee Programs
• Transferology- an online credit transfer tool. See how courses transfer in the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, and Tribal College systems. Discover how these institutions may award transfer credit for courses, exams, and military experiences.
• Inspire Wisconsin - Job Shadow & Co-op Info (plus more!)
• Great Healthcare Programs - check them out!
• Youth Apprenticeship information
• Americorps
  • Americorps National Program
  • Americorps Serve Wisconsin
  • Americorps Programs in Wisconsin
• ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) - used for career exploration and is given in high schools, community colleges, and job corps centers to help individuals explore military and non-military careers.
• WIOA National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) - a program where eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families get education and training, improve job skills, and obtain good-paying jobs with benefits, and/or advance in agricultural careers.  Possible scholarship opportunities as well.NFIP en Espanõl
• Get Set for College
• Best Colleges in Wisconsin
  • 3 Guide Books for Colleges in Wisconsin:
    • UW System - Help - Information about the University of Wisconsin Colleges
    • Wisconsin's Private Colleges
    • Wisconsin Technical College System
• UW System - Find a Program
• UW System - Resources
• UW System - Campus Tours
• Wisconsin Private Colleges - Resources
• Wisconsin Private Colleges - Find Your Fit
• Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
• Campus Visit Checklist
• University of Wisconsin Practice Application
• Best Private Student Loans - guide to help families explore additional financing options for college
• Breaking Down Your Award Letter (ELGTODO share document)
• Estimating Cost of Attendance (COA) (ELGTODO share document)
• Comparing College Costs
• Comparing Financial Aid Offers (ELGTODO share document)
• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• The Ripon College FAFSA Filing Videos - A resource when the FAFSA becomes available. There are five videos for Understanding the Financial Aid Process:
  • Introduction
  • Part 1 "Financial Aid Basics and Creating an FSA ID"
  • Part 2: "Completing the FAFSA"
  • Part 3 "Next Steps The FAFSA is Complete"
  • "Conclusion"
• Additional Online Scholarship Resources
• Fully accredited online colleges and degree programs
• An instant online GPA calculator
• Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities