Career and College Notes for March/April 2025

There are some awesome things on the horizon, including a College & Career Fair at LBHS on April 21 (organized by our AVID CLIMBS students!). Let me know if you have questions about any of the opportunities listed here.

Scholarships!

Seniors, keep checking the Scholarships 2025 Google Classroom page for new scholarship opportunities and updates to deadlines, etc. One opportunity to highlight – the Methow Valley Education Foundation now has four distinct programs (with one universal application): MVEF General Scholarships, Trade/Vocational School Scholarships, the Tom Zbyszewski Memorial Scholarship, and the new Arnold R. Campbell Memorial Scholarship(s). The MVEF scholarship committee especially encourages students who are interested in trade or technical education/training to apply.

SAT Prep for Juniors starting March 18

Ms. Anderson will be offering a test prep series in the library during Advisory on Tuesdays starting on March 18, leading up to the School Day SAT at Liberty Bell on Wednesday, April 23. 

Because of the digital format of the test, our test prep will be mostly online. But I encourage all juniors to attend the advisory prep sessions in person for two reasons: 1) having time set aside and a group of colleagues to practice with provides accountability and motivation, and 2) I'll guide you through the resources and show how to use them effectively. 

Many colleges and universities will continue their test-optional admissions policies next year. 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 weeks of June 23-27 and August 4-8, The Bush School will be offering writing retreats designed to support rising seniors as they tackle the writing components of college applications. MVSD juniors are invited to register as day students. The full cost is $290, but there are scholarships available to lower the cost to whatever amount your family can afford. Check out the attached flyer for more details, and see Beth Anderson with questions (especially about scholarships!). 

Summer Student Teaching Assistant at The Bush School

The Mazama campus of The Bush School is also looking for an intern for this summer! The intern will work with younger students during two week long day camps. See the attached flyer for more information about this paid internship opportunity – students ages 17 and over are invited to apply. 

DNR Wildland Firefighting Jobs

WA DNR is accepting applications through April 1 for seasonal firefighting positions. Applicants must be 18 by June 15 in order to apply. See posting for more information: 2025 NE SUMMER WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER 

Park Aide Positions at Pearrygin Lake State Park…and beyond

Washington State Parks is still  recruiting seasonal park aides for this summer! 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. 

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Tuesday, 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 & Erika with questions!

Monday, April 21 — College & Career Fair at LBHS

The AVID CLIMBS classes are planning a whole-school College & Career Fair that will be held during JH/HS Advisory and lunch on Monday, April 21. Representatives from colleges and local businesses/employers will be on hand to answer questions and give students information about opportunities in their industries/schools. 

Wednesday, 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 2025-26 FAFSA application in order to receive scholarships and financial aid at many post-secondary institutions for the fall of 2025. 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!

About the College and Career Counseling Program

The goal of our College and Career Counseling program is to provide students and their families with the information and resources necessary for them to make well-informed choices about their post-secondary education. Liberty Bell recognizes the diversity in our families and understands that what might be right for one student may not be a good fit for another.

Therefore, we work individually with students and their families to help them successfully develop and achieve their post-graduation goals – whether that is applying to a 4-year, 2-year or technical college, designing a productive Gap Year plan or entering the military or workforce. Some of the specific services that we offer include:

  • Educating students and parents about the post-secondary educational choices available to them.
  • Meeting individually with juniors, seniors and parents to help them with their college lists, the application process, college essays and financial aid needs, including the FAFSA, the Profile and College Bound Scholarship, as well as with SAT/ACT prep and registration.
  • Holding college information evenings for students and parents to make sure that they have all the resources and support they need to reach their goals.
  • Working with the guidance counselor to ensure that 9th and 10th graders take the necessary classes to be eligible for college admissions.

Applying to college should be a fun and exciting process; but at times it can be a bit overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling stuck, or if you have questions about any part of the application process, contact our office at (509) 996-2215.

We would like to thank the Public School Funding Alliance for their generous support of this program.