College and Career Center → General Info. → Special Events
Special Events and Programs: 2009-2010
MCPS College and Career Centers receive information regarding special programs for high school students and parents in the Washington Metropolitan area. While some of these events and materials may not be sponsored or endorsed by the Board of Education of Montgomery County, the superintendent, or your school, we encourage students and parents to explore the opportunities below and to take advantage of these worthwhile events and programs.
Note: Many of the events and programs listed below are up to date. There are several that continue to show 2008-2009 dates and contact information. This page will be updated as the new dates and contact information are identified by the sponsor or coordinator.
Historically Black Colleges and University "on-the-spot" admissions evenings
The most updated HBCU (plus Trinity) on-the-spot evening admission/scholarship calendar
"Colleges That Change Lives" College Fair
Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process which supports the goal of each student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college. They were founded as a result of a book of the same name—Colleges That Change Lives, researched and written by former New York Times education editor Loren Pope.
Note: The date and location for 2010 are TBD.
Preparing For Success Seminar, November 21, 2009
"The Preparing For Success Seminar" is aimed at high school girls who either plan to attend college or enter the workplace. The day's events include a fashion show, workshops on getting into college and paying for it, a survivor's guide to independence, resume writing & interview techniques workshops, street law and how to stay safe.
Note: The time and location information are TBD.
Youth Leadership Greater Washington
The application for the Youth Leadership Greater Washington Program is due in November 2008. The cost: to register and participate is $150 but no student will be turned away for financial reasons. This group connects promising young leaders and gives them the tools they need to make a difference in their community. Thirty-five high school sophomores and juniors from the DC metro area will obtain intensive hands-on leadership training once a month beginning in January 2009. For information, please contact Presley Jones, 202-777-4493, or pjones@lgwdc.org, or go to the website to print an application offline. Completed applications mailed to: 1725 I St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.
Omega Psi Phi Achievement Week Observance Program
The Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Montgomery County, MD annually sponsors an Achievement Week Observance program. The program this year will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2009 and will recognize African-American male senior high school students with grade point averages of 3.0 or above for their scholastic achievement as well as local citizens for their outstanding contributions to the community. During this program, senior honoree students will be provided with information regarding Mu Nu Chapter’s Annual College Scholarship programs. Further information can be obtained from Samuel Spann, III, Achievement Week Chairman, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., via email at samuel.x.spann@gsk.com.
Pan-Hellenic Council Suggs/Lyons 2009 HBCU Tour
The 33rd consecutive HBCU Tour sponsored by the Pan-Hellenic Council of Montgomery County invites students to experience life on a college campus. The tour, which will take place February 13-15, 2010, will visit Shaw University, NC Central University, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark/Atlanta, Johnson C. Smith, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Norfolk State and Virginia Union. The cost of the tour is $400 and includes transportation, hotel, breakfast and dinner daily. Applications will be accepted until the buses are filled. For information and reservations contact Mr. Darrell Marbury, Chairperson, at 301 390-8402 or your high school’s College and Career Center.
Historically Black College Tour
Students are invited to participate in the Historically Black College Tour which will take place April 5-9, 2010. Students will visit Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, North Carolina A&T, Bennett, Johnson C. Smith, Hampton, Virginia State, and Virginia Union. The cost of the trip is $425 by January 24, 2010; $465 after January 25, 2010. For additional information call 301-265-8326 or 301-248-8833. The trip is sponsored by the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2009 Montgomery County Hispanic College Fair
On November 10th, The National Hispanic College Fairs, Inc. and Montgomery County Public Schools will host the annual Montgomery County Hispanic College Fair at the Universities @ Shady Grove Conference Center in Rockville, MD . Over 50 colleges and universities will convene on the campus from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to share with high school students information on admission and financial aid. Students will register to attend through their high school counseling services department or College and Career Center. High school students will be transported by bus, provided free from their schools on a rotating schedule, ensuring that all schools in the county are able to have sufficient time to spend with the admission representatives. Students will not be permitted to drive there on their own. The Hispanic College Fund is also a sponsor of this event held annually in the Montgomery County area and nation wide assisting Hispanic students with post-secondary educational opportunities and awareness as well as funding for college.
2009 Hispanic College Fair Evening Informational Session for Parents and Students
On Monday evening, November 9th, there will be a free Hispanic College Fair Informational Session for Parents and Students focusing on college awareness and financial aid. The program will be presented in both Spanish and English and guest speakers will be from Montgomery College, The Universities at Shady Grove and the School Counseling Services Unit of Montgomery County Public Schools. Current college students will also be on hand to answer questions about what college life is like for Hispanic students in college today. Topics will include the importance of attending college, preparing for college in high school, the application process, applying for financial aid, scholarship searches, the value of 2- year and 4-year colleges, transitioning from 2-year colleges and more. The program will be from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. in Building 2, Room 1022 at the University of Shady Grove Campus. Registration is not required, but helpful.
Register for the October 14th PSAT
The PSAT is a two hour and ten minute exam that measures academic abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25-minute critical reading sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one writing skills section. This test is a practice for students preparing for their first SAT. Scores are used to help predict how well one may do on the SAT. Only students who take the PSAT in their JUNIOR year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program or the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program.
This year, the PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 14th, at all Montgomery County High Schools. While all ninth and tenth grade students take the PSAT at no cost through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College, juniors must pay a fee to register through their individual high schools. Note: Schools administering the PSAT on Saturday charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs. Contact your College and Career Information Center or Counseling Office for additional registration information.
Seniors, Need Financial Aid? Apply for Your PIN
The Personal Identification Number (PIN) serves as your electronic signature when you apply online for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and provides access to your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It's like the Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you get from your bank that enables you to access your account. Anyone—including parents of dependent students—who has a valid Social Security Number and is a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen may apply for a PIN.
Maryland Student Page Program
Seniors who are at least 16 years old and are legal residents of the State of Maryland are eligible to apply for the student page program at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, MD. Interest in state government and history, average or above average academic record, social security number, average or above average academic record, social security number, reliable and courteous are qualities considered. For further information call Karen Crawford at 301- 670-1419 or visit the website.
College Campus Visitation Programs
Connecticut College Overnight Multicultural Weekend - November 13-15, 2009. "Explore" is a multicultural program for underrepresented minority students and those interested in issues of diversity. Application required. Call 860-439-2200 for more information.
University of Maryland College Park Program for Prospective Students - UMCP is offering an overnight program for prospective students. Students may register online at or call 301 314-4255.
Fall 2009 College/Career Fairs
Washington DC Performing and Visual Arts College Fair - Sunday, October 25, 2009, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, 1:00 - 3:30 PM. Admission is free and students and parents are invited to attend.
College Expos Fair - Wednesday, October 20, 2009 (Location and Time TBD). Check with your College and Career Center to see if students can attend with their high school. Parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend the fair with their students during evening hours. Evening workshops will be offered on financial aid, athletic recruiting, and the importance of early college awareness.
Black College Expo - Saturday, November 7, 2009. Over 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are expected to participate with some on-the-spot acceptances and scholarship opportunities available. For additional information, visit this site.
Hispanic College Fair- Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center in Gaithersburg from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Many MCPS high schools will be attending. Check with your College and Career Center for permission slips and transportation information.
Greater Washington, DC National College Fair - Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington DC from 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 6:00 - 8 PM.
Baltimore National College Fair - at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD on Monday, November 21 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, September 22 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee Waivers Available for PSAT, SAT, & ACT For Students Meeting Eligibility Guidelines
If the payment of test fees for College Board or ACT tests presents a serious barrier for students considering college, these students should see their College and Career Coordinators for information and waivers. Eligibility is pre-determined by established guidelines published by the testing agencies that take into consideration family income, subsidized housing, public assistance, and other criteria.
Official College Board SAT Online Prep Course
MCPS is offering the College Board Official SAT Online Preparation Course to all county high school students free of charge. It is an excellent tool for students who want to prepare for the PSAT and SAT. Students will need to receive an access code and/or password from their high school College and Career Centers or Guidance Offices. Follow these easy steps to register.
Amtrak's "Ride Free" College Visits
A parent rides free when a student buys a ticket to visit a prospective college. Tickets must be booked 7-days in advance, and additional children, ages 2-15, travel for half-off. Some black-out dates apply. Fill out a short form online. Click on "submit" to obtain a special promotion code. Book your ticket online or over the phone using the promotion code. This buy one, get one free discount is available until December 13, 2009.
Take A Campus Tour Online
eCampus Tours offers interactive virtual visits to over 1000 college campuses. Tour a dorm room, the library, or classrooms - a picture is worth a thousand words.
Americorps
If you are 18 to 24 years old and considering taking a year off before continuing with your education after high school, Americorps offers an opportunity to provide valuable community service while earning money for college or other post secondary learning. For information call 1-800-942-2677 or visit this site.
Students Seeking Employment
Many students choose to balance their academics and community service with part-time, paid jobs. To become familiar with federal regulations dictating restrictions on working teenagers, visit the Department of Labor Website. For help with job readiness, job placement and retention skills, check out Montgomery Youth Works, Snag A Job, or Student Jobs with the Federal Government.
United Parcel Service Earn and Learn Program
UPS offers an educational assistance program for high school students age 17+ who are able to lift up to 70 lbs. Part-time warehouse shifts at their Laurel/Burtonsville facility are available Monday through Friday from 3 1/2 hours to 5 hours each day. Visit their website.
Montgomery College Associate of Arts in Teaching
MC is offering an Associate of Arts in Teaching transfer program for Elementary & Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and new this year – a Secondary Education program in the content areas of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Spanish. This curriculum is designed to provide the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification and classes are available at any of the three MC campuses: Rockville, Takoma Park & Germantown. Students will transfer as juniors to a four-year college in Maryland to complete the bachelor’s degree. Participation in fieldwork experiences will be required, as well. Students who receive the A.A.T. must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be able to pass the Praxis I. For information contact: Ms. Debra Poese, 240-567-7269; debra.poese@montgomerycollege.edu.