Go College

Dear Callie,

The release last week of "The Great College Hoax" at Forbes was just the latest to discuss the unmanageable debt load that students have been taking on as they pursue their dream of a college degree. Based on the alarming trend and the ongoing lending practices that could only be described as predatory, at GoCollege.com we recently created a basic, free in-depth primer written for college students: The Student's Guide to Personal Finance. We also followed that up with an interview with Kai Davis of the University of Oregon, a fifth-year senior who will graduate this spring with zero debt.

Please read the following:

Students Guide Personal Finance

Given your ongoing commitment to providing college preparatory advice to your readers, we wanted to call your attention to the guide and zero debt post.

Thanks and have a great week.

TJ Hanson
Associate Editor
GoCollege.com

It is Time to Get Serious About the ACT/SAT

I also wanted to make sure that the “Class of 2014” or those students needing to prepare for the upcoming ACT and SAT that they have information that allows them to perform or do the best that he or she can. It is my hope that you will share the information with others so that they can prepare for the exam(s) as well. The opportunity should always be shared with the individuals wanting to take the ACT/SAT; be it “Class of 2013”, GED or non-Traditional students because college is open to all regardless of age, career or profession.

I am often reminded of the students that I and others have assisted or guided in workshops or through advice. Some of the students that stand out are those students that didn’t have a mentor, had low self-esteem or didn’t think that they could pass the exam or could even attend college. I am especially pleased with Julian’s story. A student that wanted to attend college, but didn’t believe he could. At the time, Julian had just graduated with the “Class of 2008”, but during August of 2008, he had never applied for college or taken the ACT. But in my meeting with him, I felt he had a fire and desire to want to achieve and had the ability to do so. I advise him how to prepare for the ACT and to utilize the links on my blog, Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) located at http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com . He took the advice and took the ACT exam and scored a 21 on his first try which allowed him to be eligible for the TN Lottery and get assistance's to attend college.

The reason the workshops were successful is because it taught students’ methods and techniques and to utilize practice exams to build up their test skills and speed. In the end, knowledge is powerful, if used properly.

Below is a link that provides two technique documents (Math and Science) that I summarize from our workshops that I offer as tips along with suggested websites to practice the ACT/SAT with.

How to Prepare for the ACT/SAT

I encourage students to take 3 to 4 days a week with 2-3 hours per day and to complete your online test. Performing these practices will allow you to understand the exams better and to build up your timing and able to complete the full exam. If a student doesn't understand how to solve the problems or get the answer then they should seek additional help through their teachers at school, an expert in the subject area, etc. The key is to learn the method/techniques to solve the problems or questions.

Math & Science Videos: Virtual Nerd, Eknowledge and Education.com

Virtual Nerd: Real Help 

 

Math & science video tutorials from the Virtual Nerd library. Many more tutorials in a unique interactive player available on our site at www.virtualnerd.com, and if these videos help you, please become a fan at www.facebook.com/virtualnerd

 

Math Videos (click link to retrieve)

 

 

Other Math Tutorials:

 

 

Eknowledge (click link to retrieve list below)

Has over 12 hours of online instructors videos 

 

Reading Charts, Graphs, and Understanding Directions Practice

The ability to completely understand directions, graphs, charts, and tables is vital in today's information age, but as you may know, it is not always easy. With a little practice, these types of questions can be the easiest. This section gives you ample opportunity to hone your skills. 

Education.com

Teen Chat Decoder for Acronyms Defined

Ever wonder what your child is really saying online?


As parents, when our kids started to use the Internet more and more, we did what any good parent would do – we monitored their online activity.

Teen Acronym Only” database on the net. Teen Chat Decoder was designed to help parents understand what their kids were “really” saying online and to help keep them safe.


We reviewed their browser history, or some parental control software product like PC Tattletale. But it was really frustrating when we found that our kids used abbreviations and acronyms in when chatting online or via their cell phones.

Now some acronyms are pretty easy to figure out, like “LOL” (Laugh Out Loud), but many made no sense at all – unless you were 15!

Click here to use the Teen Chat Decoder.

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis -- Deadline: Varous (3/3/2014 & 4/1/2014)

A community foundation is a collection of charitable funds established by individuals, families and organizations. Through a community foundation, donors are able to maximize charitable gifts during their lifetimes and to provide perpetual gifts through endowments. The funds established by donors provide grants for hundreds of diverse charitable organizations.

Information about scholarship funds and requirements

Scholarship Fund Opportunities 2014 deadline are April 1, 2014 except for the Don Poier Memorial Scholarship Fund  which is on March  3 2014.

Scholarships FAQ

Additional Information

2013 Science Internship Opportunities at Other Institutions -- Deadline Dates: Various

The Science Internship Opportunities web page which lists science internships available outside of Barnard College. Although the list is not exhaustive, it is updated regularly as new information arrives.  You can search for summer or academic year internships by clicking on the link below:

Science Internships

The next page will bring you to a list of eight fields of study to choose from. Within a given field, you will see a list of specific internship programs. When you click on the title of the program, you will be directed to a page summarizing its key components (name of institution, location, start date, length of program, eligibility requirements, contact information, application procedures and so on). This summary page will also provide a link to the home web site of the internship program.

Other internship search engines can be found at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute web site or at the National Science Foundation's web site for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF/REU). Emory College and AGEP also provide useful internship search engines at their web sites.






http://www.hhmi.org/grants/search/scienceopp/index.php?view=s4squery&opportunity=h_elig_opp_ugrad&location=&search_text=&Submit=Search

Math Application Support (FACTORING & KHAH Academy)

Below are two excellent math applications that can be used for working on problems or exams such as the ACT.

Factor by Grouping : A Formula (click link to retrieve the information)

Foil Method to Multiply Binomials - with Video Tutorial on How to Multiply Binomials

How To Factor by Grouping using the AC Formula

To factor a polynomial you must reduce the polynomial expression to its factors.   We are going to use a method known as the 'ac' method to factor by grouping. Many people do not realize that there is actually a systematic way to factor by grouping. This is the closes thing to a 'formula' that you will find for factoring by grouping. It is always much easier to look at some example problems before reading generalized steps, but the steps go as follows:

Formula for Factoring By Grouping

Step 1) Determine the product of AC (the coefficients in a quadratic equation)
Step 2) Determine what factors of AC sum to B.
Step 3) "ungroup" the middle term to become the sum of the factors found in step 2
Step 4) group the pairs.
 
 
KHAN ACADEMY (click link to retrieve the information)

With a library of over 2,400 videos covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and 125 practice exercises, we're on a mission to help you learn whatever you want, whenever you want, at your own pace.  Bill Gates was also amazed with the the KHAN Academy, view the video below for details:

It is Never Too Late

I wanted to send out a note to the "Class of 2013" and past classes or anyone that need to know that it is never too late to go for your goal(s) in life. Many times we have our eyes toward getting the students graduated, but not looking beyond at those who felt that they can't go to college or get a decent job, or those who didn't make the requirements to graduate, but just dropped out.

I am told that life doesn't end after high school graduation, but it is the beginning of you starting your future to adulthood. Question: If we are given 3 scores and 10 years, what happens to the other 52 years after high school graduation? High schools students only use up less than one third of the years at graduation, but we acted as if it is completely over for that student or child that didn't graduate or who didn't decide to go to college until after graduation.

[Read More]

Call -- 211 -- If You Need Answer?

If you are looking for help, or want to provide someone with help, just dial 2-1-1 to reach the community information and referral resources of LINC, the Library Information Center at the Memphis Public Library. LINC, in conjunction with United Way of the Mid-South, is the local source for community resources. LINC maintains a large, comprehensive database of human services organizations, government agencies and volunteer groups, which can now be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 or or 415-2790 .

You can also reach LINC with this free 800 number: 866-735-7211.

The URL is located at:

http://www.memphislibrary.org/linc/211.htm

Also visit the Tennessee State Wide 2-1-1 (click link to retrieve)

LINC 211 at the Memphis Public Library & Information Center


Find Help in the COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE

2-1-1 HOURS:

Mon-Thu 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Hearing-impaired individuals may call TTY 415-2701.

Dream Girls Academy -

(Click the Image to Enlarge for details)

Dream Girl’s Academy will be held every 3^rd Saturday of each month.

All sessions are free and lunch will be provided.

For girls 9 - 16

10 am - 1 pm

How to Get College Athletic Scholarships?

WHAT COLLEGE COACHES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU

The Athletic Scholarships Page lists colleges and universities, by state, in alphabetical order. After the name of each college or university, you will find two links; one to the intercollegiate athletics page of the college or university, another to either an online questionnaire to submit to coaches or a website with coaches' email addresses. In some instances, you will find both an online student-athlete questionnaire and a list of coaches' email addresses.

Most online student-athlete questionnaires are very straightforward. All you'll need to do is provide the information called for as completely and accurately as possible.

If you use a coach's email address to send him or her an email, we recommend that you:

• 
  
  do not contact coaches before the beginning of your junior year.
• 
  
  address the coach by name
• 
  
  use the name of the college or university when expressing your interest
• 
  
  include, in resume form, your complete name, postal address, area code and telephone number, email address, high school name with complete address, year of high school graduation, prospective college major field of study, your position(s) or event(s), your years of junior varsity and varsity experience, your relevant statistics, academic/athletic/community service awards and honors won, and your current coach's name and full contact information.
• 
  
  provide information about your GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and any honors, gifted, or AP courses you have taken or plan to take.
• 
  
  include a statement about the level at which your current coach believes you have the ability to compete (Division I, Division II, etc.). Even better, if your coach believes you can compete at the college or university in question, say so (but avoid sounding "cocky").
• 
  
  offer to provide complete statistics and film (if available).
• 
  
  offer to provide a schedule of your games or meets.
• 
  
  thank the coach for his or her consideration.
• 
  
  check your grammar and spelling carefully.
• 
  
  offer to provide recommendations and academic credentials.
• 
  
  save and send the email again if you have no response within a month.

If you receive no response to your second email or online questionnaire submission, you might want to try postal mail. Not everyone is comfortable with email, and technical difficulties sometimes prevent online questionnaires and emails from reaching their intended recipients.

Many coaches hear from hundreds or even thousands of students each year who are looking for athletic scholarships and/or an opportunity to compete in intercollegiate athletics. As a result, it is important that you communicate effectively with coaches, and understand that it may take some time before you receive a response from them.

ES

COLLEGES LISTED BY STATES

California	Colorado	Connecticut	Delaware
District of Columbia	Florida	Georgia	Hawaii
Idaho	Illinois	Indiana	Iowa
Kansas	Kentucky	Louisiana	Maine
Maryland	Massachusetts	Michigan	Minnesota
Mississippi	Missouri	Montana	Nebraska
Nevada	New Hampshire	New Jersey	New Mexico
New York	North Carolina	North Dakota	Ohio
Oklahoma	Oregon	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island
South Carolina	South Dakota	Tennessee	Texas
Utah	Vermont	Virginia	Washington
West Virginia	Wisconsin	Wyoming

NAIA - National Association Intercollegiate Athletic

National Junior College Athletic Association

Additional Information

DHS Undergraduate Scholarship -- Deadline: Various

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Scholarship Program – Supporting students interested in pursuing the basic science and technology innovations that can be applied to the security mission of DHS.  

Undergraduate Internships-Scholarship-Fellowships Details -- Eligibility (click link to retreive information)

Graduate Internships-Scholarships-Fellowships (click link to retrieve information)

Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) - Scholarships

Receive Full Tuition, Book Stipend, Extra Cash and More...



N R O T C S C H O L A R S H I P S






The NROTC Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the unrestricted line for the Navy or Marine Corps. Selected applicants for the NROTC Scholarship Program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. Full information concerning the NROTC Scholarship Program is available from any of the colleges and universities with NROTC units or from Navy and Marine Corps recruiters. 1-800-NAV-ROTC.

Selected applicants for the NROTC Scholarship Program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

Requirements (click link to view online)

To Start An Application:

Apply

Full information concerning the NROTC Scholarship Program is available from any of the colleges and universities with NROTC units or from Navy and Marine Corps recruiters, visit:

NROTC.

Student that applies for the 4 year National NROTC Scholarship can attendany college that has a NROTC Unit or a cross town school.

101 Things To Do Before You Graduate

This Book is a Must Have!

 I just came across this amazing book called 101 Things To Do Before You Graduate (http://www.101grads.com/). #37 is start a website or blog. Check! I’m surprised by how many of them I’ve done naturally by chance, but there are ton more that I still want to do. These are all unconventional things that you normally wouldn’t think about, but in hindsight, they all have a purpose.


How many of you have...

been published (#12)?
led a campus organization (#16)?
contacted 3 successful alumni (#25)?
given a public speech (#33)?
bought your own domain name (#36)?
got paid to do what you love (#68)?
organized a huge event (#85)?
taken a personal development course (#90)? or
done something you knew you would likely get rejected from (#100)?

I’m proud to say that I’ve done almost all of the above. Each one has helped me grow in different ways and I encourage you to challenge yourself and go for the ones that scare you the most. What do you have to lose? College is a safety net. If I never took a risk, you wouldn’t be reading this blog right now. I’m sure you have a message that someone out there needs to hear. If not, then check out this book at http://www.101grads.com and use college to create an amazing life that is worth sharing.

Comment below and add to the list. I would love to hear some of the things you’ve done during college (or after) that helped you and you think others should do as well.

2014 ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

ERCA is a non-profit corporation that awards student scholarships and conducts voluntary surveys of high school and middle school students throughout the United States. ERCA provides a minimum of 25 scholarships per year to deserving high school students. The scholarship awards recognize and reward high school students who have made an extraordinary contribution to their community and/or high school and are not based upon financial need.

The ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship Competition (the “Competition”) is open to all high school students who are legal residents of the United States. Applicants must have recognized a need or problem in their community, have determined a way to address this need or solve this problem, have developed an action plan, and have worked to put the action plan in place so as to address the need or solve the problem. The action plan must be a unique project developed by the student, not a project developed by an established group of which the student is a member.

All applicants under the age of eighteen (18) or minors at the time of application must have the permission of at least one (1) of their parents and/or legal guardians to apply. By applying, applicants
and/or their parents or legal guardians (if such applicants are minors) agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations ("Official Rules"). Employees (and their immediate families and household members, whether or not related) of Educational Research Center of America, (ERCA), their parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities, advertising or promotion agencies, are not eligible to apply or win. Void where prohibited. Competition is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Application process is from July 29, 2013 through July 11, 2014 (application period). The application must be postmarked by the application period and received by July 31 2012. There is a $3.50 processing fee, but it is waived  for AZ, CO, CT, IL, MD, ND, TN & VT.  Also fees will be waived for financial hardships (see rules for details on fee waive(s).  Applications must be postmarked during the Application Period and received by July 22, 2014; applications received after July 22,2014, will be held and submitted for judging in any subsequent competition for 2014/2015

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship Application To download and print an Adobe Acrobat version

Scholarship Application click here.

UnitedHealthcare Children Foundation - Free Financial Assistance Grants -- Apply Now!

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan.

Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to facilitating access to medical-related services that have the potential to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life of the child and that are not fully covered by the available commercial health benefit plan. This “support” is in the form of a medical grant to be used for medical services not covered or not completely covered by commercial health benefit plans. Some frequently asked questions are located here.

To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at http://www.uhccf.org/, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website.

What are the grants?

The grants provide financial relief for families who have children with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. The Foundation aims to fill the gap between what medical services/items your child needs and what your commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

To Apply - Applicant! (click link to retrieve the information)

Additional Information

The website has a Spanish option.  Habla usted español?

Special thanks to Momma Katz for caring about everyone and always sharing to ensure that no one gets left behind....

National High School Poetry Contest -- Deadline: Various

In an effort to encourage the youth of America in the pursuit of literary exploration and excellence, and to help provide a venue in which American High School students may share their poetic works; The Live Poets Society of New Jersey presents our 15th annual, National High School Poetry Contest.High School Poetry Contest open to all U S high school students. This year's individual scholarship prizes range from $100 up to $500.


 They also publish an anthology at the end of each contest featuring only the very best poetry available from the contest.

more information (click here)

To Enter (click here)

DEADLINES:

Submissions are accepted 24/7. Only one submission per poet per quarter.


Estimated deadlines for each quarterly publication are:

June 30 for the Fall issue
September 30 for the Winter issue
December 31 for the Spring issue
March 31 for the Summer issue

The Easterday Poetry Award Winner will be announced in August and appear in
the Fall issue.

Year Up Free IT Training Information Technology - Apply Now

Free IT Training (Information Technology) for 18-24 year olds who live in the DC, MD, VA, ATL, Boston, etc. If you know any one with a high school diploma or a GED who are between the ages of 18-24 yrs old and have an interest in IT. Refer them to this site: http://www.yearup.org/index.htm. org to learn more about this free program. This program asks for a 1 year commitment between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

They provide the student with a stipend and after six months, internships at companies such as Freddie Mac and AOL to name a few. Check out the website.

Applications

About Year Up

Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate apprenticeship.

Classes begin in March and September. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the class is filled.


Accepting applications now for September 2012 class.

Wake Forest University Master of Arts in Management Program -- Deadline: March 1, 2012

In order to be admitted to the Wake Forest University Master of Arts in Management program and be considered for a Corporate Fellowship, applicants, prior to applying, we encourage you to verify your eligibility for the MA in Management program and/or schedule an admissions consultation.

Candidates interested in being considered for the Corporate Fellowship award for Summer 2012 enrollment are required to complete the online admissions application for the MA in Management program and submit all supplemental application components by the scholarship deadline of March 1, 2012. No separate scholarship application is required.

Wake Forest University Schools of Business Online Application --  Apply Now

To hear a message on the Corporate Fellowship award, call 336.758.4584.


View brochure below for details:

Corporate Fellowship Brochure

WFU MA Brochure

The 2012 application is available for all graduate business programs. Please use this application to apply for Summer/Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 enrollment.

Accreditation of Colleges and Universities

Most people don't take into account the accreditation of a school when applying, but it can play a big role in terms of employment beyond college, in terms of financial aid, transferability of credits, etc. The link provides information about institutions that are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the US Dept. of Educ:

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

Other useful sites include:

http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/edpicks.jhtml?src=ln, http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/list.jhtml, http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html?src=qc, http://www.chea.org/

Accreditation can be quite important in terms of applied sciences and fields such as architecture, medicine, law, and others. There are all types of occupational schools popping up, for-profit institutions, etc. that may be appealing but are not accredited and can negatively affect one's abilities to be licensed to legally practice in areas.

If one is considering transferring or obtaining advanced degrees, insufficient (or otherwise) accreditation can also negatively affect transferability of credits or whether one degree is recognized as valid by a graduate or post graduate institution.
I know less about the financial aid aspects of accreditation, but information is available at the sites above.

One can also use the accreditation information by contacting the accrediting agency to find out if complaints have been filed against a given institution recently, how many complaints, why, etc.

Submitted by: Devon L. Hill

SMW Local 4 Apprenticeship Training -- Apply (In-Person) on July 10, 2012

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 4 apprenticeship program consists of 4 years of on-the-job training and a minimum number of hours per year of classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive instructions in both sheet metal fabrication and installation. On the job, apprentices learn the basics of pattern layout and how to cut, bend, fabricate, and install sheet metal products. In the classroom, apprentices learn drafting (CAD), plan and specification reading, trigonometry and geometry applicable to layout work, welding, and the principles of heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating systems. Location is in Memphis, TN. Check other training locations throughout the United States to see if they have the apprenticeship program.

Applications will be taken on the following dates:

01/10/12
04/10/12
07/10/12
10/9/12

Applications will be taken from 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm on the above dates at 663 S. Cooper St. ~ Suite 5A, Memphis, TN. 38104 or you can call (901)278-7288 or e-mail John Williams smwlu4jw@bellsouth.net for more information.


Additional Information about the Program.

Video on Apprenticeship (click link)

Also, if you are interested in becoming a Classified Worker, they are accepting applications from 8 am - 4:30 pm daily.

StraightForward Media's Minority Scholarships

Description:

They offer four scholarships a year exclusively to college students (and soon-to-be college students) who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups. StraightForward Media is committed to creating educational opportunities for those to whom traditional opportunities have been closed in the past. Eligibility requirements for the Minority Scholarships is wide open. Our scholarships are open to current and prospective students at community colleges, universities, technical/vocational schools, and continuing education programs.

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Website/Contact Info: Scholarship Application Form

College Preparation Document for Parents and Students

To students and parents especially the Class of 2012 or any senior class. I am providing you with my college preparation document that I use as a guide or tool for preparing for college. Special thanks to Anniece Robinson for revising my layout so that it will be more presentable.

College Preparation Document

The document is a quick reference to allow you to be prepared in getting your child admitted for any college or university, be it private or public.

As always, share with others.

Blog Featured on Black Excel and Named in the Top 50 College Admission & Administration Blogs by DIY Learning

I am very honored and wanted to share my great news with you all regarding my blog, Planning and Preparing for College located at http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com/. Today, I was notified by the founder, Issac Black of Black Excel that my site is being featured on the Black Excel website. The link is located at http://www.blackexcel.org/calli-head-college.html.


Black Excel is one of the top or major college help resources that provide information to assist students, parents and visitors. Issac Black is so dedicated to college success for African American students that he wrote a book entitled: "African American Student's College Guide". The book provides insider tips on admissions, profiles 100 of the top colleges and provides hundreds of scholarship sources along with much more.

Faith is awesome, I claimed a few years ago that I would be recognized by this great individual along with eventually having the opportunity to meet and work with him on this great endeavors to have access and college preparation for all that want it. Mr. Black I thank you for this great honor and look forward to working with you in the near future.

In addition to this recognition, the blog was named in Top 50 College Admission & Administration Blogs by DIY Learning . The recognition is located at http://onlineuniversityrankings2010.com/2010/top-50-college-admission-administration-blogs/.

Free Kaplin ACT Practice Tests and Strategies --- Dates: Various

We'll help you raise your ACT score and help you navigate the admissions process. Our free practice tests, admissions seminars, sample classes, and other events are designed to give you a competitive edge in the college admissions process.

Free ACT Practice Tests provided by Kaplan (Check your city/state for a location within your zip code.)

Free ACT Online Practice Test + Score Report


Search Events to retrieve locations

 

The exams are being offered throughout the United States.  Click the link below and enter your zip code to check for your location:

ACT Programs, Services and Events

Free Events for Memphis or the 38106 area:

Events in Memphis (click link to retreive information)

Contact Kaplan at 1-800-KAP-TEST, if you have additional questions.

Additional information on preparing for the ACT (click link to retrieve information)

Phillips Exeter Academy Is Free to Those With Need

A Phillips Exeter Academy education will now be free to any admitted student whose family income is $75,000 or less, the trustees of the independent secondary school announced today.

The Academy’s trustees unanimously voted to offer an Exeter education free to any accepted student whose family income is $75,000 or less. This change will take effect for the next school year (2008–2009) for both current and newly admitted students. With this change, students from nearly two-thirds of the families in the United States could enjoy a free Exeter education.
This financial aid package will include not only free tuition and room and board, but also a range of other expenses. Books, academic supplies, linen, health and technology fees, and a computer will be covered.
Additional Information on Exeter Free Admission

Minority Nurse Scholarships Listing

MinorityNurse.com is the only online resource for today's diversified nursing community.

They provide resources and information pertaining to education, career development and minority health for the growing population of minority nurses in America.

African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Filipinos comprise roughly 10% of the overall nursing population. In the nineties, the number increased at a faster rate (19.1%) than the number of all registered nurses (14.2%).* Also, thanks to an aging population and an increase in healthcare technology, there will be an estimated 3.1 million new healthcare jobs by 2006, allowing even more room for growth.

In response to this advancing audience MinorityNurse.com was created as an extension of Minority Nurse magazine. The Web site features several unique resources that focus on career advancement and higher education. Nursing Employers provides contact information for every hospital in the country. Academic Programs allows users to search for undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education programs. If you're looking for a career change, try the Faculty Employment foir all things academia, or Job Postings, for all general nursing opportunities.For a change oif pace in the summer, visit our Camp Nurse section.

They have a Financial Aid section that provides information on obtaining funding for school and allows users to explore a collection of minority-only nursing scholarships.

Please the link below to learn more about Minority.Nurse.com:

http://www.minoritynurse.com/index.html

CSX Hiring Transportation Positions (AMTRAK, etc) - Share Information!!!

CSX is the hiring company.  At CSX, is committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and
benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.  CSX is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer that supports diversity in the workplace.

The jobs are located throughout the country, but the training will be done in Atlanta.  The training will be paid, transportation, lodging and meals provided.

The jobs are located throughout the country, but the training will be done in Atlanta.  The training will be paid, transportation, lodging and meals provided.


Transportation Positions:

Mechanical Shop Positions

Engineering
Transportation
Intermodal
Clerical  (support business processes and problem resolution)
Professional and Salaried
Military Experience
Management Trainees

Pay rate are various  for each position.  See each job section for an overview of pay rate.
Search Jobs and Apply to this and other positions:

Teach an Adult to Read! Memphis Literacy Council

You can literally change a life. More than 120,000 Mid-Southerners struggle with reading. They are unable to complete a job application, cannot read their prescription bottles, and cannot read to their children. YOU can help. Become an individual tutor to someone who wants to learn to read.


Apply to be a volunteer tutor here!


In addtition, Help Tutor an Inner City Youth and build a legacy for a lifetime by volunteering an hour a week!

GraphCalc -- An Excellent Software with Calculators

When in the course of computing events it becomes apparent that not all calculators are created equal, one must turn no further than to GraphCalc. When the requirements of your computations exceed the capabilities of your four-function figurer, turn to GraphCalc. When you need to see what multiple compound exponential sinusoidal waves look like, turn to GraphCalc. Haven't we all at some point wanted to see what "sin(x)^2-3*ln(tan(x*pi))" looked like, and the Windows calculator just wasn't up to the task?

GraphCalc is an all-in-one solution to everything from everyday arithmetic to statistical analysis, from betas to Booleans, from cubes to calculus, from decimals to derivatives. GraphCalc combines all the features of a professional mathematics package with the simplicity of an easy to learn windows interface. It provides user-friendly help and tutorials to guide you through the easy and fun process of mastering GraphCalc. 
Click here to retrieve additional information on GraphCalc.

Black Students

BlackStudents.com is a FREE online resource and weekly email newsletter for African American students. Our site features profiles of Black colleges and the latest scholarships, internships and jobs. The service is 100% FREE.

Please take the time to register with Black Students http://www.blackstudents.com/.

Featured in December Issue of "Issues in Black America" Magazine

Just an fyi "Issues in Black America" has an article on me in their December 2010 issue entitled:

HarrietTubman of Education

by Ronald Herd II

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

~Harriet Tubman

Click link to retrieve Article


My son, Ronald Herd II is the author of the article.


Brian Woods, along with Publisher, Bernard Garrett (CEO), founded Inside Black America Publications and created Issues In Black America (IBA) Magazine, with the purpose of providing quality information for the Black African-American population in the United States.

To get additional information regarding the magazine click the link below:

About Issues in Black America Magazine

Tennessee Lottery Scholarship - Deadline: September 1st, of Fall Term

All Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program Recipients Must:

Have been a Tennessee resident for one year by September 1st of the application year. For students beginning spring and summer terms, residency determined by February 1st as of the application date. Dependent children of U.S. military, Tennessee National Guard on active duty, or Department of Defense employees, who maintain Tennessee residency while stationed out-of-state are eligible.

Apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To receive a paper FAFSA, check with your high school counselor or call the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) 1-800-342-1663 or (615) 741-1346. Applications must be received by September 1st for fall semester, February 1st for spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended.

HOPE Scholars Must:

Enroll in one of the Tennessee public colleges, universities, or private colleges listed on the back of this form.
Enroll within 16 months of high school graduation or completion of a home school or GED program.
Home school students must have been enrolled in an accredited home school program for a minimum of two years prior to graduating.
Tennessee residents graduating from some out of state high schools may be eligible. For more information please call 1-800-342-1663 or (615)741-1346.

TENNESSEE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

Award amount - $4,000 for 4-year institutions; $2,000 for 2-year institutions (no more than cost of attendance)

Entering freshmen  must have a minimum of a 21 ACT (980 SAT) OR

Overall unweighted minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA)

Home School graduates – minimum 21 ACT (980 SAT)

GED Applicants – minimum 525 and 21 ACT (980 SAT)

.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship—Non-traditional Component

The non-traditional student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be an entering freshman at the minimum age of 25 years as of the date of enrollment. An “entering freshman” is defined as a student who is for the first time attempting any semester hours at any postsecondary school after graduating from high school, home school or obtaining a GED. The adjusted gross income attributable to the student must be no more than $36,000 per year. [Read More]

Please view the Tennessee Lottery Fact sheets for other information:

FACT SHEET

RULES for TENNESSEE LOTTERY

Students eligible for Fall term must have made apply for FAFAS by September of Freshman year and if enrolled in the Spring term by February 1st.

University of Tennessee -- UT Promise Scholarship

UT Promise Scholarship - Although no scholarship application is required for this guaranteed award, the following must be satisfied to qualify:

The UT  Promise Scholarship program is the only one of its kind in the state. Any new student who is admitted and enrolls at the University of Tennessee from one of the eligible high schools listed below will receive a scholarship valued at up to $6,850 per year plus a $1,200 book allowance. The Promise Scholarship, when combined with the HOPE and other university scholarships, will provide funds to assist with tuition and fees for up to four years (eight semesters) on the Knoxville campus.

Apply for admissions as a first-time, first-year entering freshman by December 1
Be a Tennessee resident
Graduate from a Tennessee Promise high school (click here to view list of schools)
Submit FAFSA prior to February 15, 2016
Enroll as a full-time student

Click Here to read additional information on the Tennessee Promise Scholarship.

Please also view the information on the Pledge Scholarship and Tennessee Lottery.

March 2 Success Online Test Preparation - for Various Exams

March 2 Success is an on-line test preparation course that will provide help with taking standardized tests, and improve math, language arts and science skills.

March 2 Success will help students prepare for:

SAT/ACT college entrance test
State assessment or exit tests
Trade School entrance tests
Military entrance test
College placement tests
Applying for a job

Click link to view a demo of the March 2 Success.

March 2 Success (Click link to retrieve online test preparation course.)


The March 2 Success is developed by the U.S. Army.

EDFUND (Fund Your Future Workbook"

EDFUND has created "Fund Your Future Workbook" that is a good tool for high school seniors/parents to use as a guide to get information related to preparing for college. Please click the link below to retrieve the workbook:

EdFund Workbook

Students and Families

Please note that there are other guides, but you can use this as a resource.


Who is EDFUND?

EDFUND is one of the nation's leading providers of student loan services under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. We process $7.8 billion a year in federal student loans and administer an outstanding loan portfolio worth more than $26 billion.

Free Rice -- SAT Word Builder Site

For each answer you get right, we donate 20 grains of rice through UN World Food Program to help end hunger. Please visit Free Rice at:
www.freerice.comWhile not an SAT prep site, it can be excellent preparation for the verbal part of the SAT. It was started by a father whose son was studying for the SAT. It allows one to build his (or her) vocabulary while donating rice to help end world hunger. And if students take the time to look up words they don't know at a site like www.dictionary.com, they can study word origins and roots and further build their vocabulary skills.


FreeRice is a sister site of Poverty.com. Our partners are the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and the United Nations World Food Program.
FreeRice has two goals:

1. Provide education to everyone for free.
2. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide. Thank you.

Lisa Libraries Foundation Donates Books to NonProfit Org

The Lisa Libraries Foundation donates books to nonprofit organizations that serve teens, such as after-school programs, mentoring programs, youth detention centers, foster homes, and transitional housing services. To request books; write to the Foundation explaining how your organization would use the books to help children.

Student Intern Program

Attention College Students!!!

It’s time to apply for Internship Opportunities.

BDPA Student Internship Program (SIP)
Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) has several internships available for college students majoring in Computer science, Computer engineering, Management Information Systems or related curriculum.
BDPA, its corporate sponsors, and industry experts all agree that preparation is best accomplished when classroom instruction is combined with hands-on experience in a real work environment.

Please have them join the “Project Z” email list at the link below.

http://blacksgonegeek.org/DearITIntern.aspx

This is a time sensitive request. On December 15th we will connect subscribers on the “Project Z” email list with HR recruiters and hiring managers, looking for technology students to fill internships and entry level positions.

Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, church members, etc so that they can help us pass the word. The key is that we must share what we know with others so we can all grow and prosper.

Information Technology Student Intern Program