Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Post-Secondary Planning Night! For those who weren't able to attend, please click on the topics below to access each presentation.
Uncertain about your future plans: Our presenter will guide you through the process of exploring various career pathways, and assist you in navigating post-secondary options.
Facilitator: Jenna Laposki, Wauwatosa Virtual Academy School Counselor
Military: Interested in learning about service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force? If so, attend this session. Learn how you can be eligible for scholarships by serving our country and going to college at the same time.
Facilitator: Aaron Johnson, Wauwatosa East Dean of Students
Apprenticeships: A representative from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will share information regarding various apprenticeship opportunities and explain how to navigate the process.
Facilitator: Chris Strzok, Wauwatosa School District Career/Tech Ed Consultant
Post-secondary planning timeline (including rigor): Use your four years of High School to make you the most prepared, successful college student you can be. Explore your possible paths to hone in on your interests.
Facilitator: Nick Becker, Wauwatosa West High School Counselor
Funding College: This session focuses on options to pay the balance of tuition once an award/offer letter is presented. A representative will discuss tuition payment plans, scholarships, FAFSA, federal student loans, work study programs, Parent PLUS loans and private student loans.
Facilitator: Jinny Apuli, Marquette University
Wisconsin Technical Colleges [in-person presentation only]: Learn about the advantages of attending the Wisconsin Technical College System. Hear about various career choices and pathways that technical schools offer.
Facilitator: Alicia Avila, Waukesha County Technical College Enrollment Counselor
Wisconsin Private Colleges: Students interested in applying to any private college in Wisconsin will hear valuable information and get a better understanding of the advantages of attending private schools.
Facilitator: WI Assoc. of Independent Colleges and Universities
The Truth about the HBCU Experience: Beyond the brochures. This session covers everything families should know about Historically Black Colleges and Universities: what makes them unique, the variety, campus life, financial aid & scholarships, success after graduation, and more.
Facilitator: Ciara Evans, Morgan State University
Admission for Highly Selective Schools: Understand what highly selective institutions are looking for as they consider students for admission. Learn about the holistic review process of applications and how admission decisions are made.
Facilitator: Kristen McCarthy, Boston University
College courses during high school: Learn about the various ways WSD students can earn college credit while still in high school. Come learn about Dual Enrollment options like Start College Now, Early College Credit Program, & the various credited classes that are available at our schools.
Facilitator: Cyndi Carter, Wauwatosa School District Academic Career Planning Coordinator
College Fit: Trying to figure out what college is right for you? This session discusses what you should consider when trying to find a college that best fits you and the next chapter in your life. Come learn how to best identify 4-6 colleges that fit your goals and aspirations.
Facilitators: Tim Kujawa & Nicole Hosni, Wauwatosa East High School Counselors
College fairs and college campus visits: Attend this session if you need tips and tricks on how to make the most of virtual or in-person visits and fairs. You’ll get ideas on what questions to ask and things to look for in order to figure out which school is best for you.
Facilitator: Cheryl Bieck, Wauwatosa West High School Counselor
College Athletics: This session will give valuable insight into NCAA compliance rules and regulations, including initial eligibility standards for D1 and D2, course requirements, recruiting terms, scholarships, and financial aid.
Facilitators: Kadeem Short-Batts, Wauwatosa West High School Athletic Director
Direct Admit & Wisconsin Guarantee: The Direct Admit Wisconsin program provides a simple and seamless admission experience for students. Join us for this session, where we give a clear overview of the program and answer any questions you may have.
Facilitators: Cyndi Carter & Chelsea Gieseke
College Applications: Do you have general questions about the college application process? A representative from Marquette University will help outline the application process and give tips on how to have your college application stand out.
Facilitator: Bret Harttert, Wauwatosa East High School Counselor
College Essays: Learn strategies for writing impactful college essays by understanding personal statements and supplementals, exploring styles and approaches, and gaining tips for strong writing, including the “Why Us?” essay and using AI effectively.
Facilitator: Alicia Webb, Career Center Coordinator
Scholarships: Learn all about local scholarship opportunities, national scholarship sites, and how to best prepare for and present your scholarship application.
Facilitator: Megan Christensen, West High School Counselor
Accessing Accommodations: This session will review the typical eligibility process for accommodations, common reasonable accommodations, legal obligations, and how to prepare for post-secondary life.
Facilitator: Shannon Aylesworth, UW-Milwaukee