Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody HansenDecember 1st, 2015
(763) 569-7665 or (763) 569-7627
The CCRC newsletter is provided on a monthly or semi-monthly basis to provide information on activities and events that are helpful to Park Center students and their parents. This publication is also on Park Center’s website ( (under Academics or under Quick Links at right of home page).
ACT TEST INFORMATION
Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required)February 6, 2016 / January 8, 2016 / January 9-15
April 9, 2016 / March 4, 2016 / March 5-18
June 11, 2016 / May 6, 2016 / May 7-20
TEST FEE PER TEST OPTION:
- ACT (No Writing)$39.50
- Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).
- ACT Plus Writing$56.50
- Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). The Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request.
Students need to register on-line at
Students receiving free/reduced lunch can have their test fees waived TWICE by bringing a copy of the letter they received from Food Service to the CCRC to receive a waiver. Fee waivers do not include late fees.
Students can register for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests at
Preparing for the ACT Test booklets that include a full length practice test, including the writing test, strategies to prepare for the test and what to expect on test day are available in the CCRC.
You can take a free ACT or SAT practice tests online at:
Seniors who plan to apply to one of the five University of Minnesota schools, remember that Tuesday, December 15th is the priority application deadline. Talk to Mrs. Ahlberg or Mrs. Hansen in the CCRC if you need help with your application.
The University of Minnesota will again be offering the Share My App Program for fall semester 2016. The Share My App Program works like this: All fall 2016 freshman applicants who have submitted a complete admission application to the Twin Cites campus may also be considered for admission at one or more of the U of M's other campuses (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester) with no additional application and no additional application fee. All students will be directed to z.umn.edu/sharemyapp for more information about the program and to submit their request to participate.
COLLEGE REPS COMING TO THE CCRC
St. Cloud Community & Technical CollegeDecember 1st10:00AM
Century CollegeDecember 9th1:00PM
Hennepin Technical CollegeDecember 16th1:00PM
NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: The CCRC publishes the Scholarship Bulletin and Newsletter approximately every two weeks. The Scholarship Bulletin lists all the scholarships that we have received information on, including scholarships that are offered by local organizations which are available to residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center or students who attend a District 279 school. Because these programs have restricted criteria, there is less competition and better “odds” for the student to be awarded scholarship monies. The CCRC Newsletter has information on events that are occurring in the area, testing information, and special programs that are being offered at Park Center PLUS helpful “Tidbits from the CCRC Staff”. These publications are distributed to the students’ advisory classes and are published on Park Center’s web site. If students and/or parents would like to have a copy of the Scholarship Bulletin (12th grade) and/or the Newsletter (all grade levels) sent directly to theire-mail, we are asking that you send a request to Jody Hansen at and we will add you to our distribution list.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Attention Juniors: Come to the CRC to learn aboutGenesys Workson Friday, December 11th at 1:00PM or Wednesday, December 16th at 10:00AM. Discover how you could have a paid internship during your senior year of high school.
IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN REAL WORLD SKILLS: The summer training demands four hours a day, but the rewards are huge. You gain business technology skills from experienced technical trainers and you develop essential professional skills like public speaking, business etiquette, resume-building, and more.
IT'S A PAID CORPORATE INTERNSHIP: Students who successfully complete summer training earn paid corporate internships at companies like 3M, Target, Medtronic, and Wells Fargo. You work 20 hours a week during the school year and get to take the skills you learned over the summer and use them in a real workplace. You also have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with coworkers and supervisors who want to see you succeed as much as we do!
IT'S A PLAN FOR COLLEGE: Genesys Works also supports students in their dream of earning a two- or four-year college degree. You receive free college counseling to help you find the colleges and scholarships that will allow you to achieve academic and career success after high school. Sign up in the CRC for a pass!!!
CCRC Minis: Tuesday, December 1st at 9:00AM - “Two Year vs Four Year Colleges – Which is Right for You?”and Tuesday, December 15th at 10:00AM – “The Wallin Scholarship”. Watch the schedule for future Mini’s on “Preparingfor the ACT”, “FAFSA”, “Apprenticeships” and more!
Do you have a plan for after high school? If not, perhaps this session is for you… A representative from RESOURCE Career Education will be in the CCRC on Thursday, December 17th at 10:00AM. “Discover what the best career or educational options are for you by discovering your skill potential, aptitudes, and career goals.” Resource Career Education in Minneapolis and St. Paul offer FREE training in the following areas: Entry level jobs in Healthcare paying $14/hr., Maintenance paying $13/hr., IT paying $18.50, Accounting paying $14/hr. Sign up to attend.
Southwest Minnesota State University offers many visit days. Upcoming events include Mustang Saturday on December 5th. For more information and to register for one of these events go to
St. Kate’s offers many Saturday visit opportunities. Upcoming dates include December 5th and 12th. To make a reservation call 800-656-5283 or reserve your spot online at stkate.edu/visit.
Bühler Inc. Apprenticeship Academy is offering an apprenticeship for the next generation of Customer Service Engineers. It is a formalized three year dualtraining program that combines structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Apprentices are paid as full time employees for the entire length of the program. For more information go to
Energy Explorers – Career Exploration 2015-16 Program continues onTuesday, December 15th at 6:30 – 8:00PM at the Great River Energy headquarters, 12300 Elm Creek Blvd in Maple Grove. This program continues with “Emergency Management – What happens when the lights go out?” What would life be without electricity, and who is making sure you don’t have to find out? Meet career professionals in emergency management, and learn how their work helps to keep your lights on. No preregistration is necessary to attend. In the following months the topics include: Human Resources Specialists – How to get a great energy job!, Electrical Engineering – Smart electrons making a difference!, Operations Management – Creating value from your garbage!, Executive Technical Services – Bridging the technology gap!, Electrician/Lineworker – The shocking truth about electricity!
Montana State University is hosting MSU Fridays on campus on January 29, March 11, and April 8. These all-day campus visit events offer prospective students and their families the opportunity to meet with faculty and students, explore academic facilities and tour the campus and residence halls. Online registration is available at
Augustana Universityis hosting a “Visit Day” on February 12th. To register or to schedule an individual visit go to augie.edu/admissions, augie.edu/myvisit, or call (605)274-5516.
Illinois Wesleyan University will be holding auditions on 2/6, 2/20 and 3/5. Go to iwu.edu/music/admissions for more information.
Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America is now accepting applications from current juniors in public or charter high schools for acceptance into theirAspects of LeadershipSummer Institute.Each year LEDAfinds and recruits approximately 100LEDAScholars. Scholars are high-achieving, low-income students from communities that are under-represented at our nation’s top colleges and universities and in the nation’s leadership sectors. The Institute is held annually on the Princeton University campus, and is an intensive seven-week program that includes leadership training, writing instruction, standardized test preparation, and college guidance. For more information and to apply go to The final application deadline is December 11th.
Build your career through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Earn while you learn and gain valuable skills with no student loans! Over 25 careers in the construction industry offer apprenticeship programs.
Example: A second year apprentice in the Joint Pipefitters Training Program can earn up to $94,000 a year ($56,300 in wages and $37,700 in benefits) Look for upcoming CCRC Minis with Union representatives or visit ConstructionCareers.org and start “building” your future today!
HOW TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT: For the second year, Osseo School Districts now is offering FREE electronic transcripts for current students. Students needing a transcript should go to and look for the “Request my Transcript” button. Students will then set up a personal profile and can request their transcript be sent electronically. Transcripts will be processed within two school days with the following exceptions – weekends, holidays, during processing of final transcript grades and two days before and three days after trimester end. Former students will be charged a $5.00 processing fee for this service. Note: When putting in your school, put in “Park Center” only and a drop down menu will come up and then choose “Park Center IB World”.
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST HOLIDAY DEADLINES: Keep in mind that it takes three days to process transcript requests. The CCRC will be closed for the Winter Break. Plan accordingly!
Are you interested in the Accounting field as a career? Check out the StartHereGoPlaces.com website. They have tons of resources, activities, exercises and ideas you can use to see that accounting can open big doors.
DID YOU KNOW???
TIDBITS FROM THE CCRC
Starting Salaries for Fast-Growing Careers in Accounting and Finance
Excerpt from CAM Report: Vol 38, Number 12
Public Accounting / Corporate AccountingTax Accountants / $46,500 to $69,750 / Internal Auditors / $49,000 to $64,250
up to 1 year of experience / up to 1 year of experience
Tax Accountants / $51,500 to $83,250 / General Accountants / $40,500 to $55,250
1 to 3 years on the job / up to 1 year of experience
Audit/Assurance Services / $45,750 to $68,000 / Tax Accountants / $46,000 to $60,000
up to 1 year of experience / up to 1 year of experience
Audit/Assurance Services / $52,000 to $82,000 / Financial Analysts / $43,250 to $61,250
1 to 3 years on the job / up to 1 year of experience
Financial Services
Mortgage Underwriters / $41,500 to $61,250
Financial Analysts / $54,500 to $80,250
Credit Analysts / $45,500 to $95,750
Mutual Fund Accountants / $45,500 to $71,500