Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody Hansenjanuary 31St, 2017

Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody HansenJanuary 31st, 2017

(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).

IMPORTANT!!! Attention seniors: When you are asked to indicate your school counselor on college applications note Diane Ahlberg, , as your counselor. She is the counselor for senior students who need a recommendation letter, Secondary School Report or any other college reference.

Juniors, there is an opportunity for you to take a simulated ACT practice test on Monday, January 30th. A results reveal on February 6th will help you understand the areas you need to work on prior to the April 19th ACT test. The cost is only $15. Space is limited. Information is available in the CCRC.

Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required)
April 8, 2017
June 10, 2017 / March 3, 2017
May 5, 2017 / March 4-17, 2017
May 6-19, 2017

TEST FEE PER TEST OPTION:

• ACT (No Writing)$42.50
• Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).
• ACT Plus Writing$58.50
• 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.
• 5th & 6th college choice fee is $12 for each school.
• Late registration fee is $27.50.
• Standby testing is $51 in addition to the basic fee, if you missed registration.
• Test date change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
• Test center change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
• Test information release service is $20.
• International testing is $33.

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 free ACT or SAT practice tests online at: and at

Check out theLearning Express Library.There is atest prep resourcethat is a free resource for Park Center students available through ELM (Electronic Libraries for Minnesota). Here, you can access practice ACT, SAT, AP, TOEFLtests, as well as others.

Chegg offers ACT lessons, quizzes and practice tests.

Union Test Prep Free Practice Tests for the ACT: If passing the ACT is standing in the way of getting into the college of your dreams, there is help! Afree ACT practice testto help you identify in which areas you are strong and which areas could use a little more work is available at Study only the subjects you are weak in, or dive in and test your skills in all four subject areas - it’s up to you!

BROOKLYNK: Get Work Ready Training! Paid Summer Internships!

Wednesday, February 15th 1:00PM

Work Ready Training: Learn real skills for a real summer job! The trainings will be fun, led by local professionals, and focus on topics such as: Networking, Resume Building and Professionalism. Youth between the ages of 14-21 are eligible to apply. The mission of BrookLynk is to prepare youth with essential job skills, experiential employment opportunities, and professional social networks to develop personal pathways to college and career.

Summer Internships: Youth aged 16-19 who have completed BrookLynk Get Work Ready Training can apply for paid summer internships. Internships are coordinated with local employers and provide opportunities for young people to explore career fields, regardless of previous work experience. During their internship, interns will be coached and mentored by staff on-site while receiving further support from BrookLynk Staff.

Get more information or apply online at

North Hennepin Community CollegeFebruary 8th1:00PM

St. Thomas – Two Year ProgramFebruary 9th9:00AM

Dunwoody College of TechnologyFebruary 21st8:50AM

Rainy River Community College March 28th1:00PM

Have you heard of Genesys Works? This is a program for juniors to gain real world experience and get paid! Through GenesysWorks you get professional training, strengthen your communication skills, and learn responsibility and accountability. From there you get to work at a major corporation, gain real world experience and earn a real wage. You will get ahead because you are building a strong resume, pursuing a professional career along with applying to college. Theywill begin accepting applications forthe next class of Genesys Works young professionals from the current high school juniors (Class of 2018) starting Wednesday, January 4th, 2017. Go to to apply.

Application Process:

1. Verify you meet eligibility requirements.
2. Complete online application.
3. Interview in our office in March or April.

If you are accepted, training generally begins mid-June and runs through early August. Once you’ve completed training, internships begin late August or early September, and typically run for one year.

Eligibility Requirements - To be eligible for the Genesys Works program, you must be:

• A high school junior who is on track to graduate.
• Legally able to work in the U.S. and have valid documentation allowing you to do so.
• At least 16 years of age by August 1 of your training year.
• Able to work in the afternoons during your senior year in high school. Since this can conflict with other activities, you will have to make the choice before signing up with Genesys Works.
• Recommended by your school counselor, principal or specialty teacher.
• Willing to invest your entire summer, completing their intensive training program.
• Willing to commit to regular attendance. Your participation in Genesys Works has to be top priority.
• Able to provide your own transportation to and from Genesys Works and your worksite. Many students use public transportation.
• Able to meet the Genesys Works dress code and the dress requirements for corporate clients.
• Aware that Genesys Works is something you do in addition to your schoolwork. You must maintain good standing in school and at Genesys Works.

You will gain real world experience at major corporations like:3M, Bremer Financial, Medtronic, Travelers Insurance, Best Buy, Ecolab, Thrivent Financial, Xcel Energy, Target, and Optum.

Check out Anoka Ramsey Community College. Cost: $166.07 per credit. Location: Two riverside campuses, Cambridge and Anoka. Transferability: Anoka Ramsey has transfer agreements and programs with public and private colleges and universities. Quality: Average class size is 27. Selection: more than 80 in-demand degree and certificate programs. Support: Tutoring and career counseling. Visit one of the Anoka Ramsey sites for a tour and more information about their programs.

Through a program called Raise.me, students can guarantee micro scholarships from 200+ colleges as early as 9th grade, making it easier to plan financially for school. As an example:

- Get an A in a course ($100 - $1,000)

- Get a B in a course ($50 - $600) - Participate in a school club or sport ($25 - $250) - And much more!

This program was launched with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and U.S. colleges. Several of your classmates have already begun collecting scholarship money for grades that they’ve received while in high school. Raise.me has proven to be a great tool to motivate students in high schools throughout the U.S., as the site immediately rewards students with scholarships for their hard work in and outside of high school.The following tools will help you:

1) Create an account at

2)Regularly add good grades, community service, extracurricular activities, and other achievements to your raise.me “Portfolio” to earn “Micro-Scholarships” from colleges. 3)PARENTS: Visit for more information.

Community colleges require freshman students to take the ACCUPLACERif they scored lower than a 21 on the readingpart ofthe ACT, scored lower than an 18 on the English part of the ACT,scored lower than a 22 on the Math part of the ACT, or did not take the ACT at all.

It is important to score high enough to be placed in college English and college math and not a developmental class to get you to college level in each of these. If you are assigned a developmental English or math class in college you have to pay the same as any other credit, but this credit does not go toward your diploma or degree.

There is a free web based practice app for the Accuplacer with sample questions in each subject. Students can use this tool to explore the format and content of the tests, and get immediate explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Go to download the app.

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.

Century College will hold an Open House on February 21st from 5:00PM - 7:30PM at their West Campus Gymnasium. While at the open house you will be able to:talk with the faculty and staff, receive information on over 60 areas of study and 40 programs, learn about college admission, financial aid and scholarship availability, take a tour of their campus, enjoy refreshments and a chance to win a variety of prizes, apply at the Open House and the $20 application fee will be waived. Some of their programs include: 3D Animation (VCT), Auto Body Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Cosmetology, Facilities Maintenance Engineer, Filmmaking & Video Production (VCT), Graphic Design (VCT), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Horticulture, Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, Professional Photography (VCT), Solar and Renewable Energy, Visual Communications Technologies (VCT), Web Design (VCT), Welding, Additive and Digital Manufacturing, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Virtualization and Forensics, Engineering, Engineering CAD Technology, Enterprise Computing Technology.RSVP at .

The University of North Dakota is hosting several student events: January 27th, February 10th and April 28th – Honors Student Day, January 28th – Business Day, February 11th – Medical, Nursing and Law Day, February 25th – Aerospace Day, March 4th – Engineering and Geology Day, March 25th – Undeclared Student Day, April 1st – Education, Art and Science Day. For details for these events and to register go to

Interested in St. Kate's University? Spring Spotlight- February 20th or April 22nd:Half day program for students in any grades. Students will get a campus tour, admission presentation, and hear from student and faculty members about St. Kate's. Junior Overnight Preview - April 2nd – 3rd:An overnight program for juniors. Spend the night in one of the dorms and attend classes the next day.St. Kate's Bound – February 19th -20th, or April 2nd-3rd: This is an overnight program for acceptedseniors only. This is an exciting weekend for seniors who are using this event to make their decision about choosing St. Kate's. Schedule your visit at

Attention juniors interested in South Dakota State University! Junior Day is just around the corner and they would like to extend an invitation to you and your parents to join them on Saturday, January 21st. The Junior Day program is designed for high school juniors to get a start on their college search by exploring academic and career opportunities at SDSU. More information can be found on line at Eager sophomores are always welcome, too.

Anoka Ramsey Community College will be hosting Latino Information Nights on Wednesdays, January 25th, February 22nd, March 8th and April 19th from 5:00PM – 6:00PM. RSVP to Fabiola Diaz at 763-433-1303.

Energy Explorers

Great River Energy participates in the Northern Star Council’s “Exploring and Learning for Life” career program. The purpose of Great River Energy’s program is to provide high school students with information and experience in a variety of career fields possible in the energy industry.

Students will explore technical careers related to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of utility power systems. These include generation, transmission, telecommunications network, and information technology systems.

On Tuesday, February 21st: “Robotics Engineering – Design a real CHAPPiE” Are you the Deon Wilson of tomorrow? Will you help make CHAPPiE a reality? Learn what it takes to have a career in Robotics. The presentation runs from 6:30PM – 8:00PM at the Great River Energy headquarters, 12300 Elm Creek Blvd in Maple Grove. The first 45 minutes consist of a professional, qualified man or woman talking about their career. The second 45 minutes will include a hands-on activity for students to experience that type of career.

For more information and to register go to

Augustana University is hosting Junior Visit Day on April 7th and 28th. To register for a visit event or to schedule an individual visit go to

Dakota County Technical 2017 Spring Open House is on April 5thfrom 3:00PM– 7:00PM. DCTC, the Blue Knights, are NJCAA Division II and offer athletic opportunities in men’s soccer, basketball and baseball and women's soccer, basketball and softball. Very popular programs at Dakota County Technical are:Auto Body Collision, Auto Technician, Biomedical Equipment, Brewery and Beer Steward (age 21+), Dental Assistant, Electrical Construction, Electrical Line Worker, HVAC & Refrigeration, Heavy Construction Equipment, Heavy Duty Truck, Medical Assistant, Welding. To review DCTC scholarships go to .

The University of Wisconsin - River Falls offers College Visit Days as follows:February 10th, March 24th, April 7th and 28th. Schedule your visit at

Minnesota State University - Moorheadinvites you to their Preview Days on January 27th28th, February 16th, 17th & 18th, March 17th & 18th, and April 4th& 22nd. Campus Preview Days include a campus tour, student panel, visit with faculty, and a complimentary lunch.Register to attend at

The Carlson School of Management at the U of M - Twin Citiesinvites students to apply for GOPHER BUSINESS, a week long residential business program (July 22 – 29). Gopher Business participants will:engage with Carlson School faculty and learn business fundamentals, solve a real organizational challenge for a local non-profit organization, visit Fortune 500 companies and meet business leaders, live on the bustling University of Minnesota campus, gain access to a special scholarship opportunity. The program is absolutely free. Gopher Business applicants must:be high school sophomores or juniors in the 2016-17 school year, identify with a racial or ethnic group that is underrepresented in higher education, be the first in their family to attend college, be low income or have encountered other barriers to educational opportunities, have an interest in or aptitude for business, and submit an application by April 1st, 2017. Strong candidates have a minimum 3.5 GPA, have taken rigorous or advanced coursework with an emphasis in math and science, and have demonstrated leadership and involvement. Apply at .

MN Business Venture - Do you have the next great business idea? Do you want to meet people who will help you learn about careers? Are you in high school? Attend Minnesota Business Venture 2016! Learn how to create your own business at BestPrep’s Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) program! MBV is a week-long, residential summer program that brings 9-12th grade students together to learn about leadership, business, financial literacy, and career options. Students spend a week on campus at St. Cloud State University – July 9 – 14, or St. John’s University – July 23 – 28, to experience college life firsthand. Resident business leaders, speakers, mock interviewers and other volunteers mentor and guide students through the week’s activities, including creating a business plan in a group, or “company.” Students pay $150 for the week which includes room and board ($200 after April 21, 2017). Applications are accepted on a "first come/first serve" basis. Financial aid is available. For more information on this program and to apply go to

The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers an Engineering Summer Program. ESP is a fully funded, six-week residential program for students who are currently sophomores and juniors in high school. ESP course curriculum includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering design, and technical communications. ESP alumni leave with a lifetime of memories, new friends, and academic skillsets needed to be successful in a first year engineering curriculum. Students also develop lifelong skills such as networking, team building, and public speaking. The ESP 2017 application is now open! The application deadline is Monday, April 3, 2017. Go to for more information and to apply.