Future Planning Resources / Junior SPEC Conferences
Parents of juniors (class of 2026), please click here to access the junior SPEC (Student & Parent Education & Career) conference schedule and sign up for a time.
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.
Information regarding the UW Direct Admit and Wisconsin Guarantee Programs will be discussed with families at the junior SPEC conference. Info can be found online at www.wisconsin.edu/direct-admissions
Use Transferology, an online credit transfer tool, to 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!)
Lakeshore Health Career Alliance - Healthcare Career Opportunities Great healthcare programs - check them out!
Youth Apprenticeship information
Explore the option of joining the Americorps (national program), or Americorps - Serve Wisconsin: particular Americorps programs in Wisconsin
Explore your career options through the ASVAB (The student testing program, also known as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), is 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.)
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. (Info in Spanish)
College Planning - Everything from exploring colleges and majors, college scholarships, comparing award letters, to estimating how much you may need to borrow
Best Colleges in Wisconsin for particular degrees/programs - University Headquarters
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
Be sure to utilize the 3 guide books published about the colleges in Wisconsin, or view the information online at uwhelp.wisconsin.edu, wisconsinprivatecolleges.org, or wtcsystem.edu.
Wisconsin Private Colleges - Resources
Wisconsin Private Colleges - Find Your Fit
UW Wisconsin System - Resources
UW HELP - Information about the University of Wisconsin Colleges
University of Wisconsin - Practice application
Best Private Student Loans guide to help families explore additional financing options for college
Breaking Down Your Award Letter
Estimating Cost of Attendance (COA)
Comparing College Costs
Comparing Financial Aid Offers
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The Ripon College FAFSA filing YouTube videos as a resource when the FAFSA becomes available. There are five videos in their "Understanding the Financial Aid Process" series: |
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Introduction | |||
Part 1: Financial Aid Basics and Creating an FSA ID | |||
Part 2: Completing the FAFSA | |||
Part 3: Next Steps: The FAFSA is complete | |||
Fully accredited online colleges and degree programs
An instant online GPA calculator
Colleges with programs for students with learning disabilities/differences