MAY 2026 Message for Juniors
Another resource (in addition to Beth!) for college advising support is a non-profit called Matriculate. If you qualify for their advising program based on your GPA and the family income requirements, Advising Fellows will provide the information, encouragement, and the tools that students need to matriculate to target colleges that have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate on time with low debt burdens.
Sign up here today, if you qualify!
Let me know if you have any questions!
~Beth/Ms. Anderson
What are the Matriculate eligibility requirements? • Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale/or equivalent on your school’s scale; • Have an annual family income of less than $90,000; • Attend high school in the US (DACA, undocumented, and permanent resident students are eligible for Matriculate); and • Are taking a rigorous course load.
Career and College Advisor Notes for March/April 2026
Hello Students and Families:
There are some awesome things on the horizon, including a College & Career Fair at LBHS on April 20, organized by our AVID students! Let me know if you have questions about any of the opportunities listed here.
Scholarships
Seniors, keep checking the Scholarships 2026 Google Classroom page for new scholarship opportunities. Remember – scholarships are available for ANY post-high school education or training you’re planning to do, including apprenticeships, 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, and technical programs (both college-based and industry-sponsored training). Senior parents, use this link for the guardian view of the Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/guar/ODMwMzEyMzI4NjIw.
One highlight – the Methow Valley Education Foundation scholarship program has four distinct scholarships that students apply for by using one universal application (due April 15): the Foundation Scholarship, Tom Zbyszewski Memorial Scholarship, Arnold B. Campbell Memorial Scholarship, and the Vocational Education Scholarship. The MVEF scholarship committee especially encourages students who are interested in trade or technical education/training to apply. Financial need is a major criteria in awarding these scholarships, so MVEF asks that applicants please answer all questions about their budget and finances as accurately and completely as possible.
SAT Prep for Juniors
Ms. Anderson is offering a test prep series in the library during Advisory on Tuesdays leading up to the School Day SAT at Liberty Bell on Thursday, April 23.
Because of the digital format of the test, our test prep will be mostly online using Khan Academy resources. Juniors can view all prep session resources in the SAT Prep 2026 Google Classroom.
*Many colleges and universities have test-optional admissions policies. You can check out a current list of test-optional schools at FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing.
Summer Essay Workshop at The Bush School, Mazama Campus
During the week of July 27-31, The Bush School in Mazama will be offering a writing retreat designed to support rising seniors as they tackle the writing components of college applications. Current MVSD juniors are invited to register as day students. The full cost is $290, and there are scholarships available–if you need financial support, please reach out to summerprograms@bush.edu for a discount code to use when you register.
*Important Note: All MVSD students will receive college/scholarship essay writing support during their Senior Seminar or ILC Advisory classes in the fall.
Park Aide Positions at Pearrygin Lake State Park…and beyond
Washington State Parks is recruiting seasonal park aides: a typical work day may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, mowing lawns, or explaining park rules. (You must be at least 17 years old by the start of work.) Park aides have the chance to grow with the agency, and many have gone on to success as rangers, customer service and human resources managers, environmental planners, and more. Former park aides also have found work in the outdoor industry, for nonprofits, or with other public lands agencies.
Classroom in Bloom Summer Farm Apprentices
Apprentices will gain proficiency in: Organic production practices, Garden preparation & maintenance, Seeding & transplanting, Irrigation repair & maintenance, Harvest & distribution, Food safety/handling, and Infrastructure maintenance. Students aged 16 or older are welcome to apply; 14-16 year old students will be considered. See attached flyer for more details!
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Wednesday, April 15 — Methow Valley Education Foundation Scholarship Applications DUE
All seniors are encouraged to apply for MVEF scholarships. Funds are available for all types of post-high school education and training. See Beth with questions!
Friday, April 17 & Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 1:45-4:00pm — HSBP Peek
An important part of the High School & Beyond Plan process is for students to regularly review their plans and to share them with trusted adults. Students/families will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute slot on one of the conference days; conferences will be hosted by the student’s advisory teacher. See Principal Darwood’s weekly newsletter for details.
Monday, April 20 — College & Career Fair at LBHS
The AVID 9/10 class is planning a whole-school College & Career Fair that will be held during JH/HS Advisory and lunch on Monday, April 20. Representatives from colleges and local business people and/or employers will be on hand to answer questions and give students information about opportunities in their schools and industries.
Thursday, April 23 — School Day SAT
Juniors are encouraged to sign up with Beth to take the SAT at Liberty Bell on April 23, starting at 8:20am. This opportunity is free and during the school day – please take advantage of it!
Ongoing — Finish the FAFSA
Seniors & families: there’s still time to complete your 2026-27 FAFSA application in order to receive scholarships and financial aid at many post-secondary institutions for the fall of 2026. Remember: even if you’re not planning to continue your education next year, I’d encourage you to fill out the FAFSA because it will give you the opportunity to access the funds you need if you change your mind!
FEBRUARY 2026 Newsletter
Hello Students and Families,
February may be a short month, but it’s also packed with opportunities! There are many scholarship deadlines and applications for summer programs and jobs coming up in March, and now is the time to put in the work.
Okanogan PUD Industry Bootcamp, April 23 - applications due March 20, 2026
Okanogan PUD is excited to announce their first-ever Industry Bootcamp! This hands-on experience gives students interested in energy careers the chance to spend a day in the field with Okanogan PUD employees. Students may choose one of the following fields: Lineman, Mechanic/Welder, or Engineer/Electrician.
The PUD’s goal is to engage students who are interested in these fields and considering further education or a career path in one of them. Participants will spend the day alongside industry professionals in the field they have selected, gaining in-depth, hands-on experience. Space is limited to approximately three students per school. Students will be selected through an application process, with placement adjusted as needed based on the number of applicants. Students must submit both the Application and Consent Form to be considered.
Where: Okanogan PUD, 1131 Second Ave. North, Okanogan
When: April 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (please arrive by 8:45)
Who: Juniors and Seniors pursuing careers in the listed fields
All students must wear proper attire and be prepared to participate. Students working with the Lineman and Mechanic/Welder must wear boots. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided, as will lunch.
Pre-College Summer Programs
Summer at UChicago - applications due March 12, 2026
Current 9th-11th graders are eligible to apply for the University of Chicago’s one-week enrichment programs (see link for full list of all twelve program options). If accepted, these programs are free for students with a household income of $120,000 or less, and students with a family income of $65,000 or less qualify for additional funds to cover all transportation expenses to and from campus!
Girls Who Code 2026 Summer Programs - early applications due February 25, 2026
Girls Who Code offers two free summer program options, and all girls in grades 9-12 are welcome to apply. You’ll learn to code through hands-on real-world projects in game design, cybersecurity, data science, web development, and artificial intelligence. See link for more information.
Summer Employment
Park Aide at Pearrygin Lake State Park and other area parks
Washington State Parks is recruiting seasonal park aides: a typical work day may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, mowing lawns, or explaining park rules. (You must be at least 17 years old by the start of work.) Park aides have the chance to grow with the agency, and many have gone on to success as rangers, customer service and human resources managers, environmental planners, and more. Former park aides also have found work in the outdoor industry, for nonprofits, or with other public lands agencies.
Post-High School Programs for Students with Disabilities
There are many post-high school educational options available for students with disabilities! If you are interested in pursuing one of the three programs linked below or researching other plans for after high school, talk with Beth Anderson, Jill Driver, Kim Brunelle, or Alicia Covell.
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College
Scholarships
Seniors, keep checking the Scholarships 2026 Google Classroom page for new scholarship opportunities. Remember – scholarships are available for ANY post-high school education or training you’re planning to do, including apprenticeships, 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, and technical programs (both college-based and industry-sponsored training). Senior parents, use this link for the guardian view of the Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/guar/ODMwMzEyMzI4NjIw.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Thursday, February 26 — Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Application Due
Another great funding opportunity for seniors who are planning to major in healthcare or STEM fields at a 2- or 4-year college or university in Washington. Income limits are quite high—a student from a family of 4 with an income of $174,500 or less would qualify for the award. See Ms. Anderson with questions about whether your chosen program qualifies for this funding.
Saturday, March 1 — Community Foundation of North Central Washington scholarship deadline
Nearly all of the 130+ scholarships available through CFNCW’s universal application have March 1 deadlines. This is one you don’t want to miss, seniors! Create a profile and CFNCW will match you with the awards you’re eligible to apply for, submit the general application, and then add any additional materials requested by individual scholarships.
Friday, March 6 — Scrubs Camp in Omak
A great opportunity to explore careers in healthcare! Scrubs Camp offers hands-on experience of a wide variety of healthcare options – students will rotate through stations where they’ll learn about ultrasound technology, medical assisting, pharmacy technology, emergency medicine and other high-demand healthcare fields. Talk with Beth to sign up!
Tuesday, March 24, 5:45am-5:30pm — College Planning Day at Eastern Washington University
College Planning Day is a chance for high school students to learn about many of the 4-year colleges & universities in WA (and a few 2-year schools) in a college fair-like atmosphere. We'll eat lunch in the main EWU dining hall and do a walking tour of the EWU campus. Interested juniors and seniors should talk to Beth to sign up.
Ongoing — Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA
Seniors & families: there’s still plenty of time to complete your 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA application in order to receive scholarships and financial aid at post-secondary institutions for the fall of 2026. See me for help in filling out either financial aid application: I’m available to meet with students and families individually to answer questions and provide real-time support. BTW, we’re doing a great job! The Methow Valley School District currently leads the state in FAFSA completion at 76%!
Be well,
Beth/Ms. Anderson
Beth Anderson
College and Career Advisor
Methow Valley School District
509.996.2215, x4175