This page has helpful resources for:
College and Career planning resources
Opportunities: Preparing for College Guide and Workbook
A very useful guide for understanding college admissions and financial aid. Available in two versions, a National guide and a Virginia-specific guide.
Opportunities in CTE (Career and Technical Education)
A guide to selecting the right CTE program for you. Career and technical education (CTE) is a secondary or postsecondary educational pathway that provides students with hands-on training while preparing them for an occupation upon graduation. (En español: Oportunidades en educación profesional y técnica)
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
Information on preparing for college; financial aid programs for residents of Virginia, including the Academic Common Market program; and information on Virginia colleges and universities.
Virginia Education Wizard
Information on Virginia colleges and universities and state financial aid programs. Provides cost calculators and a search engine for scholarships at the state’s community colleges in addition to information about transferring from a community college to a four-year institution.
The College Board
Overview of financial aid, the scholarship search process, and college costs.
College Scorecard
From the U.S. Department of Education. Compare college programs, costs, admissions, results, and more.
I Want That Job!
A video series from WorkingNation highlighting interesting jobs that offer promising career paths for early-career workers of all education levels and describing the required education/training.
Build Your Future Virginia
View profiles of different careers in the construction industry, including information on education options, average salary, demand, and career paths. Also includes a video series on getting started in the construction industry.
College Guide for Low-Income Students
This guide from Study.com includes information on housing, nutrition, academic, and health resources for students from low-income households, along with financial aid and scholarship tips.
community college, workforce training, and apprenticeship resources
Community college
The Virginia Community College System
Guaranteed Transfer Information
Learn how to be guaranteed admission at a four-year college of your choice by transferring from community college.
Two-Year Transfer Grant
Receive a grant of up to $6,000 by attending community college and then transferring to a four-year school.
Workforce training
Community College Workforce Alliance
A workforce training program serving the Greater Richmond Region.
Workforce Credential Grant Program
A state grant that can reduce the cost of obtaining certain workforce credentials through the Virginia Community College System by two thirds.
apprenticeships
Virginia Registered Apprenticeship Program
An employment training model that produces highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy, through a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Watch a video about the program here.
Financial aid resources
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must file this form to receive financial aid!
What you'll need to complete the FAFSA
Create a New FSA ID
An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Required to complete the FAFSA.
In-State Tuition and Fees
From the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education
Information about the types of federal financial aid (including grants, loans, work-study and aid to military families) as well as eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Information about financial aid programs available in Virginia
Virginia 529 College Savings Plan
Tax-advantaged college savings programs.
FinAid
Summary of financial aid information. Also provides calculations for costs, loans and savings and answers to frequently asked questions.
Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application
For Virginians who are nonimmigrants, undocumented, have DACA status or are otherwise ineligible to file the FAFSA and want to be considered for state financial aid.
Disability Related Resources
College Guide for Students with Disabilities from Study.com
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Youth Leadership Academy
ThinkCollege.net
College options for people with intellectual disabilities.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Info for students with disabilities preparing for post-secondary education, from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
DO-IT - College Funding for Students with Disabilities
LD Online
College and college prep info for students with learning disabilities
UMFS Courage to Succeed College Program
VCU's Center for Disability Leadership
Includes a list of self-advocacy organizations by region.
I'm Determined
A self-determination initiative of the Virginia Department of Education.
