MHS Counseling Services

The McNeil Counseling Services Department serves to support the social-emotional health and well-being of every student, and our counseling staff champion college and career readiness of every Maverick. Vision into reality!

Counseling Services Announcements

(Updated Weekly)

May 14, 2021

Austin Community College Scholarships for Graduating Seniors

Although the priority deadline has passed, the ACC scholarship application remains open and students can still apply. Some students decide at the last minute to attend ACC, and we want you all to know that there is still a possibility that you could receive a scholarship.

Students can find the application link at www.austincc.edu/scholarships

Job Training for Graduating Seniors

Learn about a great opportunity for exiting seniors to enter into a rapid training program that is supported by Samsung, NXP, and Infineon.

Click HERE for the Certified Production Technician Training Flyer

Click HERE for the Manufacturing Technician Training Flyer

Click HERE for the video introducing Skillpoint Alliance and their manufacturing training program.

Click HERE for a video on your future in manufacturing.

Scholarship from the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing PLLC:

Aaron Wersing Employment Discrimination Scholarship Contest

Award: $1,000 scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2021
Eligibility: Applicants must be either out-going high school seniors (graduating summer 2021) or students currently enrolled in a college, trade school, university, or law school as of the start of the fall 2021 semester.
More Info: https://www.fedemploymentattorneys.com/employment-discrimination-scholarship/

Universal Technical Institute (for JUNIORS only)

With graduation quickly approaching, it’s not too soon for rising seniors (current juniors) to start exploring career opportunities.

Through Universal Technical Institute’s 3-week, no-cost summer program, students can test drive a post-secondary education from UTI while learning real-world skills that are in demand in the transportation industries.

Upon successful completion of the program, students can receive credit toward their education if they choose to attend UTI, giving them a head start toward training for a career¹!

Program Topics For Ignite Students May Include:

Vehicle design and manufacturing
How gasoline and diesel engines work
Diagnostic, maintenance and repair skills
Computer management and control systems
Hydraulic brake servicing
Career opportunities for qualified technicians

Click HERE to learn more.

Learn About the Sister College: Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Wellesley!

Curious about what sets the Sister Colleges apart? Wondering how to start the conversation with students you think might be a fit for a women's college? Then join us for a panel and learn what defines the Sisters. A legacy of empowerment. An abiding commitment to access and equity. A rigorous, interdisciplinary academic experience in a community of inspired learners. And rich campus opportunities — internships, research, leadership growth, career prep and social life — that prepare our students to launch. The deans and directors of admission invite students and families to one of our joint, virtual sessions:

Saturday, June 5, 9:00-10:15 am

Tuesday, June 8, 7:00-8:15 pm

The Sister Colleges: Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Wellesley

Job Opportunities

Applebees

Applebee’s is holding a National Hiring Day event this coming Monday, May 17^th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Click HERE to see the flyer.

Whataburger on Parmer Lane (near McNeil Road)

Flexible hours, leadership training, scholarship opportunities, and food discounts!

Click HERE to see the flyer.

Earn Service Hours Advocating for Climate Change

The Texas Calls for Climate Campaign is offering service hours for interested middle and high school students. This project, designed in collaboration with high school climate activists, Sierra Club, and Citizens' Climate Lobby, is designed for students to raise their voices to influence legislators to stop climate change. To stop climate change, we must pass federal legislation and increase people’s awareness that climate change is a problem and we can solve it. You can help us do this effectively and earn service hours by:

Making phone calls to members of Congress
Getting others to make phone calls
Talking about climate change with others

You can participate over the summer and earn service hours for the next school year, all while contributing safely via Zoom. Project details and criteria for earning hours are outlined here.

For more information, contact Call4Climate@gmail.com.

This program is totally nonpartisan as we explain here. Many experts argue that advocating to Congress for climate legislation and talking to others about the climate are the most powerful things we can do to stop climate change.

Hope Austin Summer Meal Kit Information

Hope Austin will be hosting Meal Kit assistance at the Round Rock Serving Center on the following dates:

Wednesday, June 9th: 2-4:40 pm

Thursday, July 15th: 10 am- 1 pm

Thursday, August 12th: 10 am-1 pm

Summer meal kits will include fresh food items such as fruit, veggies and cheese.

May 7, 2021

Earn Community Service Hours: Volunteers Needed for the HYROX World Series of Fitness Competition

This event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, a "home away from home" for families with hospitalized children.

All volunteers will receive a HYROX t-shirt, snacks and community service hours. If their shift lands during lunch time, lunch will be provided. Parking will be provided for those who need it. There are several shifts available to choose from. As the event gets closer, I will provide shift & event details to all registered volunteers.

HYROX is a fun event to help with. It is a high energy fitness competition that tests one’s strength & endurance. Some of the country’s top CrossFit and Obstacle Course Racing competitors will be vying for the title of champion. HYROX is an athletic event that is for "Every Body," not just elite athletes. The competition starts with a 1 km run, followed by functional workout stations, which are repeated 8 times. By the time they have completed all 8 stations, they will have also run a 5K. Timing chips are used so each participant receives an individual finish time with comparable results through global rankings across all events. Divisions include Women/Men, Pro Women/Pro Men and by Age Group. You can check out the event at https://hyrox.com

Individuals need to register to volunteer by using the link below. If there is interest in helping out as a group, please let me know. I will create your group in our registration system. Then you can ask them to register to volunteer under your group name.

To volunteer, use the registration link below: Austin - May 22

https://hyrox.emos1.com/volunteer/RegisterVolunteer.aspx?eid=11

Job Opportunities

Golden Corral

Golden Corral off of I-35 and Parmer Lane has many part-time opportunities available such as server, cashier, cook, and baker. They provide excellent training, a great team environment, and they are able to work with the student’s virtual or on-line school schedule.

In light of Covid 19, they have taken many steps to ensure a safe environment for their guests and co-workers. They are members of Ecolab Science Certified Program, which helps stop the spread of pathogens and infections in this Covid-19 environment.

Interested applicants may apply in person at Golden Corral, 12509 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753, or on-line at www.goldencorral.com.

Equipt Aquatics

We are Equipt Aquatics, a local swimming pool staffing company that provides High School kids with Lifeguarding & Pool Monitor job opportunities over the summer. We were wondering if there was someone at your school who helps find students employment for the summer I could speak with, or even somewhere we can post a job ad! This summer we are offering FREE Lifeguard Certification! If you have any questions, please feel free to call me, my contact information is below.

Elizabeth Chaney, Office Manager Equipt Aquatics

512-938-8812

elizabeth@equiptaquatics.com

https://www.equiptaquatics.com/

601 Chaparral Rd., Georgetown, TX 78628

Senior To-Do List- Complete These Three Tasks NOW.

Please complete these three tasks as soon as you are able:

RRISD Senior Survey Each spring RRISD requests that ALL seniors complete the district Senior Survey. Senior feedback can directly impact the experience for lowerclassmen. Although we hope that students have found fulfillment in their academic journey and enjoyed their school experience, we know there is always room for improvement. Please help RRISD and McNeil High School serve our students best by completing the RRISD Senior Survey today! Click HERE for the Senior Survey.

Upon completion of your Senior Survey, our campus registrar will send your final official high school transcript to your designated college/university for FREE.

Senior Slideshow Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account.)

McNeil wants to celebrate YOU!!!! Please complete this Google Form to let us know where you plan on going after high school and which honors, awards, and scholarships you've earned during your SENIOR year.

Please complete this Google Form by MAY 15th to be included in the senior presentation slideshow. The slideshow will be posted on our website and shared in MavMail. See the DRAFT version of this slideshow HERE.

Senior Scholarship Awards Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account.)

Ms. Johnson would like to reference the total dollar amount our senior class received in scholarship money in her graduation speech. Please complete this form with all scholarships (NOT grants nor loans) that you have received. Please complete this form by May 15th.

Community Resources for Housing Assistance, College, Tax Preparation, Financial Coaching

Foundation Communities is a nonprofit that I work with through their tax program but they have other resources to support the community, including housing assistance, college, tax preparation, and financial coaching. https://foundcom.org/

The Succeed program provides a clear pathway into and through college for students who may face barriers to completing a college degree. Those who join the year-long program work one-on-one with a college coach, receive matched savings for tuition and access a range of support services while working toward a degree or certificate.

Folks can apply online until June 11.

Tapestry Singers Scholarship

Our scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who best demonstrates her love of and ability in vocal music, whether she plans to pursue an education or career in music or not. The winners should have a passion for song and exemplify the principles and joyful spirit upheld by Tapestry Singers.

The application deadline is June 27th. Click HERE for more information and for the application.

“Summer Melt” Counselors Guide Grads with Higher Education and Jobs

Don’t let the “summer melt” happen to a senior you know.

“Summer Melt” is surprisingly common. It occurs when recent high-school graduates have put together plans for what they will do in their next phase of life but obstacles come in between them and those plans.

The RRISD Summer Melt Counselors can help!

Turning the Social Media Tables: Students Use Facebook, Instagram to Choose Colleges

Back when social media first appeared on the Internet scene, students everywhere were advised to carefully examine and “clean up” their accounts, because college admissions officers now had unprecedented access to their personal—yet very public—lives.

Now, however, students have begun to turn the tables. Read the full article HERE.

Clear as Mud: A Guide to Understanding and Comparing Financial Assistance and Awards

Looking for ways to make a college education more affordable? In this session we will discuss the different types of financial aid, uncover ways to find tuition discounts, explain how to increase your chances of being awarded merit aid, identify resources where families can search for scholarships, and explore some affordable hidden college gems. Learn how to identify unique programs and aid you may qualify for and discover some insider tips on making college more cost-effective. Click HERE for the on-demand webinar.

Preparing Your College-Bound Student for a Sound Financial Future

Here’s a list of more trusted resources to guide your students toward a financially sound, debt-free future:

Starting the Conversation: Financial Aid Award Letters. This blog includes key terms that students should understand. It also suggests valuable questions they can ask when analyzing financial aid award letters.

Offer Letter Decoder. This online tool from the Hechinger Report allows students to upload a PDF of their offer letter so it can decode confusing terms.

The Pros and Cons of For-Profit Colleges. This article explains the financial differences between for-profit, public, and private nonprofit colleges.

Avoiding Student Aid Scams. This article includes need-to-knows for student financial safety, from scam alerts and debt relief to identity protection.

The Official Guide to all the Money Stuff. One of the most important things to know after graduation is how to handle your money. Planning early pays off! Read this roadmap to see what other students are saying about how money issues will influence their post-graduation choices and learn about the key things to focus on.

College Board Opportunity Scholarships for JUNIORS

Here are some timely reminders about the College Board Opportunity Scholarships, the program that guides students through the college planning process and offers chances to earn $500 for each action they complete. When you complete all six steps, they'll earn a chance at a $40,000 scholarship.

Action Steps for Juniors

Students must sign up and complete the Build Your College List step by the end of June in order to stay on track for the $40,000 Complete Your Journey Scholarship, which requires students to complete all six steps.

To be eligible, students should:

Create a College Board account, if they don't already have one.
Sign up for the College Board Opportunity Scholarships to access a step-by-step guide to planning for college.
Link their College Board and Khan Academy® accounts to start free, personalized practice for the SAT®. View instructions.

Build Your College List Closes End of June

This scholarship step must be completed by the end of June to stay on track for a chance at the $40,000 Complete Your Journey Scholarship. To ensure your students qualify, make sure they have at least six schools on their college list on BigFuture™.

Practice for the SAT Open Through October

Students should complete at least one Timed Mini Section (if they have a PSAT/NMSQT® or SAT score) or one Diagnostic Quiz (if they don't yet have a score) on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy to earn a chance at a $500 scholarship.

Learn About Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a world leader in aviation and aerospace education, but we’re more than what meets the eye. The number of industries we serve is growing, and so is demand for highly skilled professionals. We take pride in our culture of innovation and discovery, and that’s why we offer diverse degree programs that empower students to launch the career of their dreams in any industry – aviation and beyond. Learn more HERE.

April 30, 2021

Senior To-Do List- Complete These Three Tasks NOW.

Please complete these three tasks as soon as you are able:

RRISD Senior Survey

Each spring RRISD requests that ALL seniors complete the district Senior Survey. Senior feedback can directly impact the experience for lowerclassmen. Although we hope that students have found fulfillment in their academic journey and enjoyed their school experience, we know there is always room for improvement. Please help RRISD and McNeil High School serve our students best by completing the RRISD Senior Survey today! Click HERE for the Senior Survey.

Upon completion of your Senior Survey, our campus registrar will send your final official high school transcript to your designated college/university for FREE.

Senior Slideshow Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account.)

Senior Scholarship Awards Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account.)

RRISD Action Expo for Seniors

Round Rock ISD’s Counseling Services will host the 2021 Virtual College & Career Action Expo for graduating seniors on Monday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Expo will assist students who have not yet settled on post graduation plans. Assistance will also be available for students who have not yet completed their FAFSA® or TASFA applications.

Click for a list of representatives and links to their websites.

2021 College and Career Action Expo Zoom Link

For Seniors: Transitioning to Life After High School

If you were unable to attend the Conversation with a School Counselor webinar, we have it recorded for you! Click HERE to access the video, facilitated by RRISD high school counselors, to get support for your transition to life after you graduate.

This is an opportunity for students and parents to learn about the next steps and to make sure that everything is in place for college (2-year, 4-year, or trade/tech) attendance or going into a career.

Slumber Yard $1500 Scholarship Opportunity

We realize that receiving an email from a mattress and sleep website regarding academic scholarships may be unexpected. That said, My Slumber Yard created this scholarship to help students worry less about college finances, and as a result, get a better night’s sleep.

Click HERE for more information and to apply. The deadline is August 13, 2021.

How Students can Engage with Wellesley College

📺 The Wellesley Webinars. Admission representatives and current Wellesley students, faculty, and staff tackle hot college search topics and give students a peek inside the Wellesley experience. Upcoming topics include: planning a virtual college search, student life, financial aid, and sample faculty lectures. If you or your students would like on-demand access to recordings of The Wellesley Webinars, please see our Recorded Webinar Portal.

📚 Information Sessions. An admission rep and current student run down the Wellesley College fast facts.

👯 Student-to-Student Chats. Current Wellesley students lead an informal chat with prospective students—no admission reps allowed!

🎓 Group Virtual Events. Wellesley admission representatives present alongside a variety of institutional partners, including the Sister Colleges, Harvard, Brown, Princeton, Pomona, Stanford, University of Virginia, and Yale. More dates forthcoming!

New Stephen F. Austin University Aviation Sciences Initiative

Beginning this fall, Stephen F. Austin State University is offering students the opportunity to earn a professional pilot’s license along with a Bachelor of Science degree through the School of Human Sciences.

The aviation sciences initiative provides a well-rounded education as well as flight training at an economical cost. This investment includes faculty members who will give students the individual attention they need in classes limited to 30 students. Plus, students will fly new technically advanced aircraft and train in new full-motion simulators during their first semester of flight courses.

Pre-COVID-19, the U.S. airline industry needed 800,000 airline transport pilots over the next 20 years. However, the effects of the pandemic have led many pilots to retire early during 2020 and 2021. As a result, the demand for pilots in 2023 is expected to reach pre-COVID-19 levels again and continue to grow at a 5% rate, which is faster than average for all occupations.

FREE Test Prep for AP, TSI, PSAT, SAT, and ACT

Click on this link and watch this short video on YouTube about how to access FREE test preparation materials from Ebsco Express. This is a service provided by RRISD and the LIbrary Services Department.

The AP Digital Testing App is Now Available

Over the next month, students should take two key steps to get ready for their digital AP Exams:

Download and install the 2021 AP digital testing application and log in.
Practice with example questions in the app.

You can learn more about digital testing by accessing the AP Digital Testing Guide.

College Board Student Search Service

Did you know that students who connect with colleges through Search are more likely to enroll and graduate? For nearly 50 years, Student Search Service® has helped students discover college and scholarship opportunities. A recent research study reveals just how powerful the connections forged through Student Search Service really are:

Students who connect with colleges through Search are 25% more likely to enroll in four-year colleges than similar students who aren’t identified through Search.

Students who connect with colleges through Search are 31% more likely to graduate in four years than similar students who weren’t identified through Search.

These gains in college enrollment and on-time degree completion for Search students are as large or larger for Black, Hispanic, and first-generation students.

Join Student Search Service today!

College Prep for JUNIORS

Avoid summer brain drain by completing these college planning steps in May!

Build Your College List—100 students will win a $500 scholarship in May for building a college list of six or more colleges on BigFuture.
Practice for the SAT—100 students will win a $500 scholarship in May for completing a Diagnostic Quiz or Timed Mini Section on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®.

9 Tips for Motivating Students to Learn at Home

Whether you are motivating students through the final month of virtual school or looking for strategies to support summer learning, here are 9 Tips for Motivating Children to Learn at Home is an easy-to-navigate 2-page resource from the American Psychological Associations that provides simple tips and examples of each strategy.

Texas Youth Helpline

The Texas Youth Helpline provides free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other family members of youth in crisis who need help finding a counselor, safe shelter, legal information, other local referral information, or just someone to talk to. You can visit the Texas Youth Helpline here.

Trauma-Informed Care Resources for Students, Parents, and Educators

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences from abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Toxic Stress is extreme, frequent, or extended activation of the body's stress response without supportive relationships. This impacts our neurology, our biology and can alter the course of childhood development. Did you know that toxic stress can also have damaging effects on learning, behavior, and health far into adulthood? We can do more to support our community during adverse situations by learning more about NEAR (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACEs and Resilience) sciences and how to mitigate the impact of ACEs while building resiliency across our own lifespans and those of the next generation.

Resilient Wilco Resource List

Resilient Wilco Website

Cyber Safety and Digital Responsibility: A Parent’s Guide

This video is a collaboration between the Texas School Safety Center and Safer Schools Together. This 90-minute training video explores the positive and negative ways that youth are using technology and social media. The information in this training will empower both school-based staff and caregivers to facilitate a proactive conversation with youth on how to safely use today’s technology. You can find this guide here.

Town Hall: Adolescent Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19

May 6 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

The parallel pandemic: higher rates of mental distress caused by COVID-19, especially among younger people. For adolescents, the fallout from remote learning, social isolation, racial strife, and economic insecurity have taken a disparate and unwavering toll on their well-being, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. Even as the world senses a possible end in sight, the rising threat of variants continues to cause angst, fatigue, and confusion. Join us for a town hall program that will directly speak to the mental health experiences and needs of our nation’s youth. Moderated by ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang.

WAYS TO WATCH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvardpublichealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HarvardPublicHealth

WELCOME

Michelle A. Williams, Dean of the Faculty, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Angelopoulos Professor in Public Health and International Development, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Kennedy School (@HarvardChanDean)

WITH

Archana Basu, Research Scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Diana Chao, Founder and Executive Director, Letters to Strangers (@L2SMentalHealth)

Christine Crawford, Adult and Child Psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director, NAMI (@DrChrissyCrawf)

Corinne Foxx, Actress, Producer, Writer and Influencer, NAMI Ambassador (@corinnefoxx)

Aija Mayrock, Poet, Author and Influencer, NAMI Ambassador

Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer, Google Health (@KBDeSalvo)

Garth Graham, Director and Global Head of Healthcare, YouTube

Girls Empowerment Network and Spark Change Day on May 15th

We are thrilled to share that Girls Empowerment Network is gearing up for Spark Change Day on Saturday, May 15. Spark Change Day inspires youth in grades 6-12 to be civically engaged and helps them develop their unique voice to advocate for themselves and their community. Girls Empowerment Network ignites the power in girls by teaching them the skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable.

We’d love to invite 6th-12th grade youth from McNeil High School to attend Spark Change Day! This event will take place virtually on May 15 from 1PM-5PM CST and will provide youth with a space to connect and learn about the power and impact of advocacy. Please be sure to share this engaging and free program opportunity with youth and community partners!

What is Spark Change Day?

As mentioned, Spark Change Day inspires youth in grades 6-12 to be civically engaged and helps them develop their unique voice to advocate for themselves and their community. This virtual free event will include a training on the power of advocacy, a review of the legislative process, interactive exploration of issues which impact girls in our nation, and the opportunity to hear from local and national policy makers.

To REGISTER to attend Spark Change Day, visit bit.ly/sparkchangeday.

Get excited! Those who register for Spark Change Day will be automatically entered into a raffle with three chances to win Apple AirPod Pro’s! You must be present at Spark Change Day to claim your prize!

Spark Change Day Logistics:

Date: Saturday, May 15

Time: 1PM-5PM CST

Where: Hop-In virtual platform

Who: Youth in grades 6-12

Cost: There is no cost associated with attending Spark Change Day! A donation is appreciated but not required.

Registration: bit.ly/sparkchangeday

Be sure to visit https://www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org/spark-change-day or email kayleigh@girlsempowermentnetwork.org for more information! We would love to see the youth in your life at Spark Change Day!

Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Program Scholarships

The Young Filmmakers Program at Austin Film Festival is excited to be collaborating with Six Square to host two weeks of our Summer Film Program!

As an extension of our Annual Summer Film Camp, this program will provide scholarships and a unique arts education opportunity to young creatives who provide an interest and budding talent for screenwriting and filmmaking. Students can apply via self-nomination. Scholarships are available for students interested in attending the Six Square Summer Film Camp, and recipients will be awarded free enrollment in one (1) Summer Film Camp class or workshop.

Below is our Six Square Scholarship page with class information as well as links to the application. Applications are due May 30, 2021.

https://austinfilmfestival.com/yfp/sixsquare/

April 23, 2021

Senior To-Do List- Complete These Three Tasks NOW.

Please complete these three tasks as soon as you are able:

RRISD Senior Survey

Senior Slideshow Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account to complete this form.)

Senior Scholarship Awards Information (You MUST be logged in to your RRISD account to complete this form.)

Computer Science Camps at UT Austin for Rising 9th-12th Graders

Online camps for students interested in computer science are being hosted by the UT Austin Computer Science Department. They are week-long camps, and they are targeting underrepresented students in computer science (those who are Black, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Native American, and all women) and the deadline is April 27^th. Click HERE for more information.

Latin American Studies Summer Academy (FREE)

This summer, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS) at UT Austin will hold a FREE one-week Latin American Studies Summer Academy for high school students. This online program will feature interactive workshops and events to introduce students to Latin American Studies (LAS) at UT Austin. See attached flyer for more information.

Learn more here! Apply to attend by May 5.

Questions? Contact LLILASadmissions@utexas.edu.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Updates

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley invites you and your family to Discover UTRGV; a virtual experience that offers insight into what makes UTRGV The Future of Texas. Come DISCOVER UTRGV’s 85+ undergraduate degree programs, our Student Success Services, our Financial Aid and Scholarship opportunities, and so much more!

Preventing Alcohol Use Among Youth and Young People

Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts

This fact sheet is written specifically for preteens and teens. It compares the myths with the facts about alcohol use among youth and the effects of alcohol use. This fact sheet can help parents and prevention professionals start conversations about underage drinking and alcohol misuse.

Facts on College Student Drinking

This fact sheet offers cited facts about alcohol use among college students. The fact sheet covers age ranges, gender trends, and alcohol use consequences.

Facts on Underage Drinking

This fact sheet offers cited facts about alcohol use among underage youth. The fact sheet covers age ranges, gender and racial trends, and alcohol use consequences.

Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol

This fact sheet for teens provides facts about alcohol. It describes short- and long-term effects and helps dispel common myths. It also can be used by prevention professionals, educators, health care providers, and others who come in contact with teens on a regular basis.

Stress and Anxiety in Asian Youth Webinar

Due to the rising number of AAPI hate crimes and increasing pressure facing the AAPI community, we’re hosting a new webinar called “Stress and Anxiety in Asian Youth” at 5PM on April 24th. The webinar will feature Dr. Szu-Hui L. Lee, a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School, and two panelists. They’ll be providing an overview of stress and anxiety and examining how cultural factors affect family dynamics. Beyond that, they’ll also be covering how to make your child feel valued and supported. Click HERE for more information.

April 16, 2021

Job Opportunities

Whataburger on Parmer Lane (around the corner from McNeil HS)

Weekly pay
Will work around your schedule
Dining discounts for you and a guest
Opportunity to apply for educational scholarships
Earn up to $14 per hour
Apply HERE

Americorps (for seniors ONLY)

Gain federal experience while exploring career options
Gain a competitive edge over other job applicants in private or government sectors
Gain leadership and management experience
Opportunities to earn 6-9 college credit hours
Gain new contacts by networking with government and community organizations
Begin the application process at age 17
Minimum 10 month commitment
Travel, lodging, healthcare provided (plus childcare allowance if applicable)
Earn bi-weekly stipend plus $6345 to pay off education debt or pay for future educational and job training expenses
Program website: vipnccc.com
Request information: info@vipnccc.com
Virtual information sessions: https://ncccfema.videoshowcase.net/

YMCA of Austin

Hiring event flyer (Hiring Event is April 24th)

Part-Time hiring flyer

Plato’s Closet in Round Rock

Apply HERE

Stemforce: UT Austin Virtual Summer Camp for Rising Juniors and Seniors

11^th and 12^th graders who are interested in STEM should check out this free online camp with the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. The link to the flyer includes information on how to register.

ACC Application Assistance for Graduating Seniors

On April 23rd, an ACC recruiter will be able to assist graduating seniors with applications to Austin Community College. Click HERE for more information and to learn how to register for one of the three available sessions on this day.

Texas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship

The Travis Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) is offering 2 scholarships. Details The application deadline is May 2nd.

Scholarship Opportunity for African-American Females

The Alpha Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. awards committee will award a scholarship to an African American woman who resides in Williamson County, TX. She may attend a public, private, charter, or home school. The scholarship recipient will be awarded $1,908 to support her post-secondary education upon acceptance and enrollment at any Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Qualifications

Reside in Williamson County
Be an African American female
Be a graduating high school senior, with an earned GPA of 2.5 or higher
Plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
NOT be related to a member of Alpha Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

For more information:

https://www.alphaalphanuomega.org/scholarship

Deadline is Friday, April 23rd!

Undecided About Post Graduation Plans? Attend the RRISD Action Expo!

Opportunities will be available for you to speak with representatives from colleges still accepting applications for the fall, businesses with job openings, and military recruiters. Assistance will also be available for students who have not yet completed their FAFSA or TASFA applications.

Monday, May 3 from2 to 4p.m. Informational Flyer

Hugg Trust Scholarship

All seniors in the top 25% of their class are encouraged to apply! The application is available on the Hugg Trust Fund website at www.huggtrust.org.

RRISD Senior Survey (required by all Seniors)

Senior Slideshow Information

Please complete this Google Form by MAY 15th to be included in the senior presentation slideshow. The slideshow will be posted on our website and shared in MavMail.

Senior Scholarship Awards Information

Preparing for AP Exams with FREE AP Daily Videos

This new series of review sessions goes live on April 19—and will be hosted by AP teachers from across the country. Recordings of each session will be available on YouTube and AP Classroom for students to watch on-demand if they can't join live.

Students can also continue to access AP Daily videos to help them learn and review course content and skills across all the units in their AP course. Sign in to AP Classroom to watch these videos anytime, anywhere.

Subscribe to Review Sessions

Download Review Syllabus

UTA is Offering Free Language Credits This Summer: Russian & Arabic

UTA's STARTALK program is a free, four-week, online language intensive for upper-level high school students and undergraduates with no prior knowledge of Russian or Arabic, depending on the program they wish to enter.

This year's program is titled STARTALK 2021: Let's go to Russia/the Middle East. Through an engaging series of role-plays, this student-centered program will incorporate various topics relating to traveling to Russia or the Middle East and will prepare students for a variety of cultural and language situations, allowing for master of basic literacy and communicative skills in Russian or Arabic.

View the application

Texas A&M Kingsville College For a Day Event April 20-21st

Students and parents are welcome to experience a college course for a day for free! Classes in engineering, computer science, biology, animal science, art, geography, plant science, behavioral science, geology, and more.

Informational Flyer

April 9, 2021

Midwestern State University Junior Day

On Monday, April 26th from 6:30-7:30 pm, Midwestern State University will be hosting a Junior Day for high school Juniors to experience what it would be like to be a student at Midwestern State University! This event will be conducted over Zoom and will include information over admissions, a student panel, and a guided virtual campus tour.

Juniors who would like to sign up for this event can do so at this link: https://msutexas.edu/admissions/junior-day.php.

This event will give students the opportunity to see more of an inside look of MSU before they begin their Senior year and start applying to colleges!

FREE College Advising Program from the College Board

We're thrilled to let you know about CollegePoint, a free program that offers high-achieving students from lower-income households an extra layer of support that will help them on their journey to college.

Students enrolled in CollegePoint have access to a personal college advisor during the spring of their junior year and through their senior year of high school. They can contact their advisor to discuss and get support with anything college-related, from the application process to essay writing support and financial aid.

This spring, select students in the class of 2022 will receive invitations from the College Board's Access to Opportunity program on behalf of CollegePoint to connect them with additional supports. Students invited to participate are high achieving—their scores are in the top 10th percentiles nationally on the PSAT/NMSQT® or SAT®—and may come from a low- or moderate-income household.

If you are not invited directly from the College Board, but you are interested in this opportunity, click on this link to see if you are eligible to sign up.

FREE AP, SAT, and ACT Preparation Hosted by The Princeton Review

For AP students or students who are considering taking AP courses in the future, we will be hosting a series of free online events related to Advanced Placement Exams – The Princeton Review’s 2021 AP Week (April 12–16)!

Students are also invited to participate in our Texas Test Fest! From April 29-May 6, we will be hosting a week-long series of free practice tests and free webinars that will help students learn more about the ACT and SAT, be confident on test day, and improve their test scores!

Click HERE for the AP Week Flyer.

Click HERE for the Texas Test Fest flyer.

Save the Date 2021 Action Expo May 3rd from 2-4pm

On Monday, May 3, from 2-4 PM, we will present our 2021 Virtual Action Expo for graduating seniors. The intent is to help students who have not settled on plans after graduation to visit with representatives from colleges still taking applications, businesses with job openings, and military opportunities. We will also have a person available to help with FAFSA or TASFA applications. Save the date now… more information will come out in the next few weeks!

RRISD Annual Senior Survey

Attention Seniors! Each spring RRISD requests that ALL seniors complete the district Senior Survey. Senior feedback can directly impact the experience for lowerclassmen. Although we hope that students have found fulfillment in their academic journey and enjoyed their school experience, we know there is always room for improvement. Please help RRISD and McNeil High School serve our students best by completing the RRISD Senior Survey today! Click HERE for the Senior Survey.

MexAustin Scholarship Deadline April 30th!

Students are encouraged to check out mexaustin.com for more info. They can access the application here.

Eligibility for the scholarship:

A senior who is a first or second-generation Latinx student.
The applicant is planning to attend college in Fall 2021.
Their GPA should be a minimum of 2.5 (we aim to give the scholarship to students with a range of GPAs, not only those at the top of their class).
The applicant needs support with paying for tuition or living expenses while in college (priority will be given to students with the lowest EFCs, TASFA applicants, or those experiencing COVID-related financial impacts)

Additional info:

The scholarship is undocu-friendly! The application is open to US citizens, permanent residents, DACA-holders, and undocumented students.
While titled "MexAustin", the scholarship is open to Latinx students of any nationality. The Mexican Consulate raises our scholarship funds so the scholarship is named in honor of Mexico.

Jacob Rebecek Memorial Scholarship for McNeil High School Students ONLY

This fund was established in memory of Jake Rebecek by his parents. Jake was killed in a car accident on a trip when he was a student at Texas A&M University. The scholarship will be offered to a graduating senior from McNeil High School that demonstrates community involvement and will be attending Texas A&M University. It is a four year scholarship, and the winner will receive $1000 each year. Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Austin Community College Scholarships: May 1st Deadline

Students that want to attend Austin Community College in the fall are encouraged to apply for the ACC scholarship program. Students can link to the online application at www.austincc.edu/scholarships and use their ACCeID and password to log in. Students who have not done so will have to apply for admissions before they can access the application.

After completing a short scholarship application and providing a personal statement, those that qualify will be reviewed for all scholarships for which they meet the criteria. The scholarships listed reward students who have successfully mixed academics with extra-curricular, community involvement, and/or employment.

Trans Student Educational Resources Scholarship Deadline April 12th

Exciting News: TSER is extending our 2021 Scholarship deadline until Monday, April 12th! If you haven't applied yet, now is your chance! Submitting a scholarship application is simple, just click here to apply via Google Forms! Scholarship finalists will still be notified on a rolling basis by May 10, 2021. We encourage you to submit your application ASAP since this is the only national scholarship program exclusively for trans students!

Job Opportunities for Students

Olive Garden, 100 Sundance PKWY Round Rock 512-341-8433. They are currently hiring for all positions. Click HERE for the flyer.

Jimmy John’s:

Inshop up to $15/hour; Drivers $10/hour plus tips

Text JJFRESH to 242424 or apply online at www.nowhiring.com/jjfresh or call 512-600-0381

Building Resilience: A Session for Parents and Teens

April 12 at 6 pm: Building Resiliency Part 2- Local Resilient Wilco presenters are hosting a two-part online series for parents and teens. This is the second session from Resilient Wilco, which focuses on the science of Resilience and the importance of building strong, healthy relationships with ourselves and others, especially during challenging times. You can view the first session of this two-part series by going to Counseling Services

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95021840613?pwd=R3FYM3FUeVB4allsZTE3b3ZzR2Z5Zz09

Individual Sessions, Groups, and Parent Consultations from Wonders and Worries

Wonders & Worries' support is always free and offered in English & Spanish to children ages 2-18.
Virtual sessions provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Service areas include: Greater Austin, Georgetown, San Antonio, and Houston.
For more information, visit our website, or call 512-329-5757.

April 2, 2021

Student Job Opportunities:

Little Princess Spa Round Rock

A magical spa environment for kids. Pay rate is $10/hour plus tips. Click HERE for an informational flyer.

FDs Grillhouse Pflugerville

Fun, family-owned restaurant with flexible scheduling and competitive pay. Click HERE for an informational flyer.

Chaparral Ice Summer Camp Counselor

These students love kids, are experienced in either field or ice sports, and desire to grow in leadership skills. Click HERE for a job description. Click HERE for a recruiting flyer.

RRISD Annual Senior Survey

Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarship

Apply for the Mike Rowe Works Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship. Seniors going into approved trade-related programs at an accredited two-year college or technical school are eligible. Click HERE for details. The application is due May 6th.

Williamson County Fair and Rodeo Scholarship

The Williamson County Fair and Rodeo is going to offer our inaugural scholarship program this year. For this first year, we will be awarding 4 scholarships of $1,000 each. Two of the scholarships will be “ag” scholarships and two will be “general” scholarships.

Applications can be found here:

https://www.wilcofair.com/p/participate/scholarship-fund?fbclid=IwAR0B3Wj8KcQMcDoFkc2TZkYPU8hrOTWsqi9apgsNNvKnKhPEwxpNCoByHA8

Applications must be postmarked by April 15.

March 25, 2021

Conversations with a School Counselor: Gender 101

The Round Rock ISD Counseling Department will host a series of live, online conversations designed to give students and families another way to communicate directly with District counselors on a wide range of topics.

Each session is expected to last approximately one hour. Recordings will be available the following day on the Counseling Services website.

March 30th Conversation with a School Counselor: Gender 101 – Guest speaker Charles Williams, a counselor in Dallas ISD a contributing writer for the American School Counselor Association, will review contemporary gender considerations. In his words, “We have been taught that things are either black or white, boy or girl, masculine or feminine. Now we know that there is gray between the black and white, and the gray terms students – and adults – use to describe gender is ever-changing and evolving.”

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95021840613?pwd=R3FYM3FUeVB4allsZTE3b3ZzR2Z5Zz09

$3500 Summer Internship for Rising Juniors, Seniors, and Class of 2021 Grads at the Round Rock Public Library

There is a really amazing opportunity for a PAID internship for an incoming high school junior or senior or a recent high school grad to work at the Round Rock Public Library this summer! This internship is a grant from the Public Library Association and Round Rock Public Library is the only library in Texas to receive this grant. The purpose is to promote diversity in librarianship. It pays $3500.00 and I am hoping someone from our own RRISD receives this opportunity. It is a nice chunk of money for a young person and a great national opportunity. Applications for the summer internship are due by April 12th!

Click HERE for more information.

Click HERE to apply.

Student Job Opportunities at Typhoon Texas

Come meet the Typhoon Texas team! Typhoon Texas Waterpark is hiring! Plan to attend their job fair at Typhoon Texas Pflugerville. There will be onsite interviews, prizes, and swag. Learn more about each department as you walk through the park and learn what it’s like to work at Typhoon Texas. Departments will be set up outside in a social distancing setting. Masks are required.

Whent: April 10th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Student Job Opportunity at Hensley Wellness Center

Hensley Wellness Center is looking to hire an ambitious student to help out with their growing practice. Applicants should be at least 17 years old, Microsoft efficient, customer service experience, possible interest in a healthcare career, attention to detail, and professional appearance.

Hensley Wellness Center

13740 N. Hwy 183, Suite U-1

Austin, TX 78750

Ph: 512.335.5426

Email: info@hensleywellness.com

Miraval Austin Employment Opportunities

Click HERE for the Miraval Austin job flyer with open positions and some of the wonderful benefits they offer. Miraval Austin is a luxury wellness resort that focuses on using mindfulness and wellbeing to help our guests create a life in balance. The minimum age for applicants should be 16.

Interested in a Career in the Texas Air National Guard?

The Texas Air National Guard is establishing a new recruiting team in Austin, and they are very excited for spreading the news. Many juniors and seniors are looking for opportunities outside of HS. The Texas Air National Guard is a great alternative to Active Duty Air Force for students who are interested in the military but want to stay in TX, go to school, and want to serve part time/one weekend a month.

Click HERE for information about benefits and recruitment.

Click HERE for a slideshow presentation about the Texas Air National Guard.

Interested in a Career in Cosmetology?

Interested in a career in beauty? Then you need to check out the Austin Beauty Student’s Resource Guide for helpful information.It includes salary and job growth information, top employers, popular specialties, and more -- all specific to the Austin-area. Additionally, research was completed to create the list of local beauty supply stores that provide student discounts. Click HERE for the information guide.

Texas A&M College Application Workshop for Juniors

Texas A&M University will be hosting virtual application workshops for Juniors interested in applying. Sessions will be April 13th, May 18th, May 19th, and May 20th.

Click HERE for the informational flyer.

Click HERE to register.

Wichita State University Admit Events

1:1 Student Meetings: Students and parents/guardians can schedule a 1:1 meeting with an admissions representative HERE to discuss any and all things Wichita State University!

W-S-YOU Admit Event: Wichita State has an exciting opportunity for students who are admitted to Wichita State for Fall 2021. Admitted students and their guests are invited to join staff and students to discover the many opportunities at WSU. There are two dates to choose from with a morning or afternoon session. Students may choose the date and session time that works best for them: 9:30 a.m. to noon or 2p.m. to 4:30p.m. central time on Friday, April 23 or Friday, April 30. Reserve your spot and learn more about W-S-YOU day activities, by visiting wichita.edu/wsyou.

Woman's Transportation Seminar Scholarship

12th Grade Females interested in Transportation or STEM fields should apply for the WTS Scholarship HERE. Recipients are selected based on their interest in STEM related fields, academic achievement and demonstrated financial need. The application deadline is April 25th.

CREATEatUT and WEatUT Virtual Summer Camp for Rising 11th and 12th Grade Girls

CREATE at The University of Texas at Austin (CREATEatUT) is a virtual summer camp designed for young women going into their junior year of high school who have an interest in math, technology, science or engineering.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Women Engineers at The University of Texas at Austin (WEatUT) is a virtual summer camp designed for young women going into their senior year of high school who have an interest in math, technology, science or engineering.

Learn more and apply HERE.

There is zero cost for these summer programs. The deadline to apply is April 30th.

Scholarship for FAFSA Completion

Complete your FAFSA application and create a short video (30 seconds to 1 minute) encouraging others to complete the FAFSA and enter to win a $2,500 scholarship! The more creative, the better! The deadline is May 21st.

Click HERE for the FAFSA video scholarship flyer.

Click HERE for the entry criteria, terms, and conditions of the scholarship contest.

Chaparral Scholarship

Chaparral Women’s Club is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring two (2) scholarships for Williamson County high school seniors graduating in 2021. Eligible school districts include Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, and Taylor Independent School Districts. The deadline is April 9th. Click HERE for the informational flyer and application.

Bill of Rights Institute Scholarship

The deadline to enter this year's We the Students essay contest is April 15, 2021, less than a month away. This essay prompt this year is: What is the relationship between equality and justice? The sixteen student winners will receive a total of $20,000 in scholarship prizes. More details including rules and regulations can be found on our website.

Austin Contractors and Engineers Association Scholarship

The Austin Contractors & Engineers Association (ACEA) has been providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors since 2004. This year, the ACEA Board of Directors elected to make some important changes to the program. These changes should be quite attractive to students seeking a career in the civil engineering and construction industry. Here is a summary of those changes:

1. Applications can now be submitted online.

2. Three scholarships will be awarded each year.

3. Scholarships will only be awarded to those pursuing a career in civil engineering-related studies or construction/construction management.

4. Trade and vocational schools are eligible.

5. General scholarship is now awarding $2,000 per year, up to four years, as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit proof of enrollment and status each year.

6. The Jim Brewer Memorial Scholarship will be awarded if they attend Texas A&M College Station and join the Corps. This scholarship recipient will get $3,000 per year, for up to four years, if they maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit proof of enrollment and status each year.

7. Each recipient receives a free association membership, free registration to our annual Symposium on construction & design, and if requested, will receive assistance in finding internship opportunities in Central Texas.

The online application is available now, and students are encouraged to apply. The deadline is April 2, 2021. Apply HERE.

Digital Responsibility Scholarship Program (Available to all current 9th-12th Graders)

E-waste Scholarship ($1000)

Deadline: April 30, 2021 to coincide with Earth Day

To highlight the impact of e-waste and what can be done to reduce e-waste. You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college student. Home schooled students are also eligible. Complete the application and answer the short essay prompt about the problem of e-waste. www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships/

Digital Privacy Scholarship ($1000)

Deadline: June 30, 2021

To highlight why you should be cautious about what you post on the Internet. You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college student. Home schooled students are also eligible. Complete the application and answer the short essay prompt about digital privacy. www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships/

Don't Text and Drive Scholarship ($1000)

Deadline: September 30, 2021 to coincide with September's No Texting while Driving Day

To highlight the risks of texting while driving. You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college student. Home schooled students are also eligible. Complete the application and answer the short essay prompt about the dangers of texting while driving. www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships/

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship ($1000)

Deadline: January 30, 2022

To highlight the negative effects of too much screen time. You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college student. Home schooled students are also eligible. Complete the application and answer the short essay prompt about technology addiction. www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships/

Sorority Recruitment Event

The Austin Alumnae Panhellenic Association is holding a free virtual forum for senior ladies and their parents so they can learn about sorority recruitment and sorority life. They will have a brief presentation followed by a panel discussion with collegiate sorority directors from several universities. Senior ladies who are interested in attending the virtual forum should sign up HERE. The event is Sunday, March 28th at 3:00 pm.

March 19, 2021 (Spring Break Week)

Princeton Review Inclusion and Equity Panel Discussion

The Inclusion and Equity Panel Discussion will be hosted by The Princeton Review's Editor-in-Chief, Rob Franek. On Thursday, March 25th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, they will host “Inclusion and Equity in College Admissions,” a roundtable panel with experts ready to discuss Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, LGBTQ friendly campuses, and other aspects of belonging in the college process. Students often have many questions about the college application process, especially when they will be first-generation college students or may not see themselves represented on college campuses, and we want to offer them the opportunity to have some of these answered. After hearing from their panel of experts, students will be able to ask questions and express concerns about the admissions process. Students should register using the following link: https://www.princetonreview.com/product/offerings/479830?z=10017

Inclusion and Equity in College Admissions Flyer

The Princeton Review March 2021 Calendar of Events

March 12, 2021

Northwest Austin Rotary Club Scholarship- 4 winners guaranteed from MHS

The Northwest Austin chapter of the Rotary Club has a very generous scholarship program for participating high schools.

The deadline for the application below is MARCH 24TH, so start working on this application TODAY:

https://forms.gle/6B7gfu3ktmmjW9nRA

The Rotary Scholarship takes place in two parts. First, four winners will be selected from each participating school. That means, McNeil will have a guaranteed four winners! These winners will each be awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

The second part is the essay contest. Participation in the essay contest is mandatory for all scholarship winners. Each participating school will have one essay winner from the pool of scholarship winners. Each essay winner will be awarded an extra $1,500- a total of $3,000 for the campus essay winner! The awards are sent out in the Fall, upon receipt of proof of enrollment.

Applications are due March 24, 2021. We will notify winners on April 8, 2021 and begin the essay contest. Essays will be due on April 19, 2021. The Zoom award ceremony will take place on May 7, 2021 at 7:00 AM, family and guests are welcome. Essay winners will be asked to read their submissions.

Complete your application over Spring Break!

Chandler Oaks PTA Scholarship

The Chandler Oaks Elementary School PTA will be awarding a one-time scholarship that is up to $500. We will be accepting applications through April 16, 2021.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must have attended Chandler Oaks Elementary School.
Applicants must be graduating in May 2021 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a RRISD high school.
Applicants must be accepted to (and plan to attend as a full-time student) an accredited college or university, or technical/vocational institute for the summer or fall semester immediately following high school graduation.

Information about the scholarship and the application can be found here: http://chandleroakspta.my-pta.org/content.asp?PageID=38

Great Oaks PTA Scholarship

1. Student must be a member of your current High School PTSA

2. Attended Great Oaks Elementary School for at least 1 year

3. Student must be a Senior at RRHS or McNeil HS and eligible for graduation by the end of the Spring semester

4. Recipient must be enrolled as a student at an institute of higher learning no later than the Spring term of the year following graduation, otherwise the scholarship will revert back to the GOE PTA.

5. Responses are due no later than Friday, April 2 at 10PM.

Deadline is Fri, April 2nd at 10pm.

https://forms.gle/MY17uNHBdFVN3iKGA

Austin Community College Scholarships for Students Enrolling AFTER Graduation

Students that want to attend Austin Community College in the fall should consider applying to their scholarship program. Students can link to the online application at www.austincc.edu/scholarships and use their ACCeID and password to log in. Students who have not done so will have to apply for admissions before they can access the application.

After completing a short scholarship application and providing a personal statement, those that qualify will be reviewed for all scholarships for which they meet the criteria. The deadline is April 1, 2021. An unofficial high school transcript will also need to be uploaded into the application.

Available Scholarships

ACC Scholarship Flyer

Apprenticeships: How They Work and How You Find One

This student/parent seminar is for GRADUATING SENIORS. Students and their parents should attend the FREE virtual seminar about apprenticeships after high school. The event will be at 6:00 pm on March 23. Register and get more information HERE.

Cumulative GPA and FINAL Rank for SENIORS Coming Soon

Attention SENIORS. Cumulative GPA and the FINAL class rank will be calculated through the end of the third marking period. Seniors need to be sure to have all of their assignments and any grade repair completed before the close of the third marking period, which ends on March 23rd. Once cumulative GPA and final rank are calculated, there will be no changes.

Senior Recognition Information Needed

Please complete this Google Form by MAY 1st to be included in the senior presentation slideshow. The slideshow will be posted on our website and shared in MavMail.

Let us honor YOU; complete this Google Form today!

Course Verification in HAC Opens March 8th; Requests for Class Changes Deadline is Sunday, March 21st

Students in grades 9-11 should check Home Access Center (HAC) on March 8th to verify their courses for the next school year. Students who need to request a change to their course verification should complete THIS FORM by Sunday, March 21st.

This form is for students who have an ERROR on their course verification only! The requests will be processed in the order they are received. This is the LAST opportunity to make a change before your schedule is set for the upcoming school year. Student choices are the foundation for the master schedule, teaching assignments, and staffing. Thus, it is important that all student courses are entered into our master schedule correctly. Use THIS FORM to make any changes to your course verification in HAC by MARCH 21ST.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Girls in grades 9-11 who are interested in a career in computer science should register for a FREE summer immersion program offered by Girls Who Code. Details and registration information can be found HERE. Registration is due by March 19th!

March 5, 2021

Cumulative GPA and FINAL Rank for SENIORS Coming Soon

Senior Recognition Information Needed

Please complete this Google Form by MAY 1st to be included in the senior presentation slideshow. The slideshow will be posted on our website and shared in MavMail.

Let us honor YOU; complete this Google Form today!

Savannah College of Art and Design

Students interested in learning more about SCAD can contact Mary Claire Angle, Assistant Director of Admissions, with questions or schedule a SCAD virtual one-on-one appointment here: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/43qleeke/. They may also sign-up to be on SCAD's mailing list

Here is our 2020-2021 digital SCAD catalog, and here is the SCAD digital travel brochure, which gives information about the university, academic programs and application process.

Students are also invited to the upcoming SCAD Info Session in Austin, TX on Saturday, March 20! At this event, there will be a general admission presentation to learn about SCAD's innovative academic programs, art and design career options, and admission requirements, followed by Q&A. For additional event details and registration, please visit our website, here.

2021 MexAustin Scholarship

The 2021 MexAustin Scholarship is open for applications! The deadline to submit is April 30th.

Students should check out mexaustin.com for more info. They can access the application here.

Eligibility for the scholarship:

A senior who is a first or second-generation Latinx student.
The applicant is planning to attend college in Fall 2021.
Their GPA should be a minimum of 2.5 (we aim to give the scholarship to students with a range of GPAs, not only those at the top of their class).
The applicant needs support with paying for tuition or living expenses while in college (priority will be given to students with the lowest EFCs, TASFA applicants, or those experiencing COVID-related financial impacts)
The applicant must reside in Central Texas. This includes any of the following 23 counties: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Comanche, Coleman, Falls, Fayett, Hamilton, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Limestone, Llano, McLennan, Milam, Mills, San Saba, Travis and Williamson.

Additional info:

The scholarship is undocu-friendly! The application is open to US citizens, permanent residents, DACA-holders, and undocumented students.
While titled "MexAustin", the scholarship is open to Latinx students of any nationality. The Mexican Consulate raises our scholarship funds so the scholarship is named in honor of Mexico.

There will be a virtual open hours to answer students' questions and generally chat about the scholarship. The next Q&A will be:

Wednesday, Mar 24, 2021, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89059253292

Meeting ID: 890 5925 3292

UAF Scholarships

Students training to become automotive, heavy duty or collision repair technicians, as well as those studying IT/cybersecurity, engineering, accounting, business or other courses of study should apply HERE for a variety of scholarships. Each completed application is considered for all scholarships where the student meets the qualifications.

Deerpark Middle School Scholarships for McNeil Seniors

The Deerpark Middle School (DMS) PTA will award a $500 scholarship to two McNeil High

School seniors aspiring to higher education. Applicants must have attended DMS during

each year of middle school.

Download the 2020-2021 application at http://deerpark.my-pta.org/. Completed applications must be received by Monday, May 3, 2021, and must be submitted via email to kellykaelin1016@hotmail.com. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Kaelin, DMS PTA, at (512) 496-0089.

Williamson County Republican Women Scholarship

The Williamson County Republican Women Scholarship is for graduating, Williamson County

female students who have an interest in and an awareness of the need to become involved in the political process. The Application Packet must be postmarked and/or emailed no later than Thursday, April 1, 2021. No late applications will be accepted. Click HERE for the application.

Career and Technical Association of Texas Scholarship

Apply for the CTAT (Career & Technical Association of Texas) Area IV Scholarship! Click HERE for details. NOTE: Area IV includes many Central Texas school districts, so don’t be surprised when you see that the application should be mailed to Hutto. The scholarship committee chair is housed there. The deadline is April 30th.

Scholarships4HighSchool.org

This website resource is made for high school students to access many scholarship opportunities/extracurricular competitions before entering college. What sets this website differently from other scholarship resources is that each resource on this website has been validated, and is a comprehensive resource. This website is safe, secure, and user friendly. The link is here: https://www.scholarships4highschool.org/

TACAC Virtual College Fairs Rescheduled for March 8 and 9, 2021

Due to the effects of the winter storm, the Virtual College Fairs sponsored by TACAC have been postponed until Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9 from 5:00 – 7:45 pm CST. College knowledge sessions on “The College Search” and “Paying for College” will also be available from 4:00 – 4:45 pm CST before each fair. College fair registration remains open for students, families, and counseling professionals! Click here to access the college fair registration site.

Texas A&M University Veterinary Enrichment Camp Summer 2021

The always popular TAMU Veterinary Enrichment Camp application is now live! This year’s camp will be a virtual event and 100 students will be chosen. The camp is open to current high school sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. The camp website can be found here: https://bims.tamu.edu/future/veterinary-enrichment-camp/

The deadline to apply for the virtual veterinary enrichment camp is March 12 at 5 pm.

Understanding Highly Selective Admissions

The complexities of selective college admission can make the prospect of even considering a competitive college intimidating. How many colleges are 'highly selective'? How much more complicated is the application for such institutions, and how is the review process different? What role can early application programs (e.g. Early Decision) and other factors like special talents and legacy play? How can students gauge their competitiveness for entrance at these institutions? Join this panel of college counselors and admissions officers for a discussion of these questions and more. Watch this webinar on demand HERE.

Career Happenings

Free online guide “How to Become a NICU (Neonatal) Nurse” from NurseJournal.org
Virtual Career Connection with Building Trades Professionals, March 13 at 11:00 am: behind the scenes visit lead by industry professionals in Building Trades. Register HERE.
Students interested in Entrepreneurship: Texas HS Ideas Challenge at Texas A&M - Apply by March 31

‘Angst’ Virtual Screening & Panel Hosted By Round Rock ISD Counseling Services

Join us Tuesday, March 9th @ 6pm CST for a virtual screening and panel discussion for the film ‘Angst!’ Angst is a film-based education program designed to raise awareness around anxiety, with an emphasis on youth and families. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, experts, and parents. Our goal is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help. We will be showing the film, which will promptly be followed by a panel discussion and include access to further resources and materials.

Learn more at www.angstmovie.com

Central Texas/Round Rock ISD “Out of the Darkness” Suicide Prevention Walk

Each yea,r Round Rock ISD hosts a Suicide Prevention Walk. This year the event will be at Stony Point HS on April 24th. Registrants can participate either via the drive-thru experience or walking in their neighborhood or local park. Please consider joining this event and sharing the information with your community; money raised from this event directly impacts the students and community of Round Rock ISD. You can register to participate by going to afsp.org/roundorckisd. Click HERE for the infographic and more information.

Course Verification in HAC Opens March 8th; Requests for Class Changes Deadline is Sunday, March 21st

February 26, 2021 Update

Congratulations to the following National Merit Finalists!

A total of 10 McNeil Mavericks have been named finalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

More than 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 were named finalists.

To become a National Merit finalist, each semifinalist submitted a detailed scholarship application, which includes their academic record, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards. They were also endorsed by their school counselor and our campus Principal and submitted an essay.

Congratulations to:

Aaryn Amin

Archita Amudhan

Lyssa Frank

Benjamin Li

Dana McCoy

Aashi Rastogi

Maanas Shah

Myra Stickney

Evelyn Tjoa

Samuel Zhou

Applying for Assistance for Disaster Relief

We hope you are all doing well after the winter storms that struck Texas last week. As people start to take stock of any damage that may have occurred to their homes, we wanted to offer some resources for any repairs or housing assistance that may need to be done. Please feel free to share this page with friends, family, or others who may benefit. This document is also available in Spanish.

UVA School of Architecture Virtual Events

Information sessions provide prospective students with a chance to learn more about the School of Architecture and their programs of interest.

Friday, March 19 and Friday, April 16th

All Information Sessions will be held from 10AM – 11AM (CST).LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

EXPLORE DESIGN FUTURES Join alumni and Student Ambassadors in virtual interactive sessions to collaboratively solve problems that impact the built environment.

Tuesday, April 20 and Thursday, April 22

Explore Design Futures will be held from 4PM – 5:15PM (CST). LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

VIRTUAL FINAL REVIEWS Attending final reviews gives prospective students a chance to see students exhibit, present and discuss their work with faculty and visiting reviewers. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

VIRTUAL STUDENT-LED TOURS Schedule an individual appointment with one of our Student Ambassadors for a personalized tour of our space, to learn about the work they are conducting, and have specific questions about our programs answered by current students. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

McNeil Soccer Booster Scholarship

Application Deadline: 4/2/2021

Amount: $500

The McNeil Soccer Booster Club is thrilled to offer scholarships to McNeil High School seniors. This scholarship is for Varsity soccer players. Two male and two female athletes will be rewarded. Recipients must exhibit a strong scholastic record and leadership qualities. For more information or to apply, please contact the Scholarship Chair, Rose Borra, at rborra@prodigy.net.

Round Rock Area Aggie Moms Club Scholarship

The Round Rock Area Aggie Moms Club has two annual scholarships for high school seniors attending Texas A&M in the fall. Eligible students should complete this application by April 1st.

Shop Texas Electricity Scholarship

Shop Texas Electricity is excited to offer two $1,000 scholarships to current high school seniors that plan to attend a two- or four-year college/university in Fall 2021.

I've attached a flyer to this e-mail containing details about the scholarship. Students can register for the scholarship at https://www.shoptexaselectricity.com/scholarship.

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.

The Rotary Scholarship

The Rotary Scholarship takes place in two parts. First four winners will be selected from each participating school. These winners will each be awarded a $1,500 scholarship. The second part is the essay contest. Participation in the essay contest is mandatory for all scholarship winners. Each participating school will have one essay winner from the pool of scholarship winners. Each essay winner will be awarded an extra $1,000. The awards are sent out in the Fall, upon receipt of proof of enrolment.

Applications are due March 24, 2021. We will notify winners on April 8, 2021 and begin the essay contest. Essays will be due on April 19, 2021. The Zoom award ceremony will take place on May 7, 2021 at 7:00 AM, family and guests are welcome. Essay winners will be asked to read their submissions.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/6B7gfu3ktmmjW9nRA

Upcoming Virtual College Fair Opportunities

College Board Big Future Days

BigFuture Days is a free regional series of virtual college fairs to help connect students with hundreds of colleges, admissions officers, and current college students. BigFuture Days are designed to give students a tailored experience so that they can establish connections with colleges and take action on important college planning tasks, like building a college list and identifying scholarships to apply for.

BigFuture Days will begin March 7 to April 29. Students can attend each four hour event during the times that work for them. They can attend any event as well as attend more than one event. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to join with their students by registering here. For more details, check out the FAQs.

BigFuture Days Northeast Sunday, March 7, 4:00-8:00 PM ET/1:00-5:00 PM PT

BigFuture Days West + Southwest Tuesday, March 30, 5:00-9:00 PM ET / 2:00-6:00 PM PT

BigFuture Days Midwest Sunday, April 18, 4:00-8:00 PM ET / 1:00-5:00 PT

BigFuture Days Southeast Thursday, April 29, 5:00-9:00 PM ET / 2:00-6:00 PM PT

Sign Me Up Now

College Board Real Talk: HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Conference

Join us for a special, two-night Real Talk: HBCU Edition on Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4. Students will have an opportunity to connect with admissions representatives from the best HBCUs in the country and get questions answered in real time. We'll cover topics such as financial aid, scholarships, academic offerings, career paths, student organizations, Greek life, housing, and more!

Date: Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4

Time: 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

RSVP: Register Now

The following HBCUs will be featured during this two-night event:

Alabama A&M University

Claflin University

Dillard University

Florida A&M University

Hampton University

Howard University

Jackson State University

Kentucky State University

Lincoln University

Morehouse University

Morgan State University

North Carolina A&T University

North Carolina Central University

Shaw University

Southern University

Spelman University

Texas Southern University

Tuskegee University

Xavier University

Job Opportunity for Students at Local Golden Corral

The local business owners of the Golden Corral franchise off of I-35 at the Parmer exit are hiring. They have many part-time opportunities available such as server, cashier, cook, and baker, and they provide excellent training, a great team environment, and are able to work with the student’s virtual or on-line school schedule.

In light of Covid 19, they have taken many steps to ensure a safe environment for our guests and co-workers. They are members of Ecolab Science Certified Program, which helps stop the spread of pathogens and infections in this Covid-19 environment.

Interested applicants may apply in person at Golden Corral, 12509 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753, or on-line at www.goldencorral.com.

February 12, 2021 Update

JUNIORS AND SENIORS Interested in a Career in the Military Need to Register for the ASVAB

The next ASVAB test date is March 3, 2021. SENIORS can choose to take the ASVAB on this date. The ASVAB assessment determines which military occupational specialty (military job) a person is eligible for. All people who enlist in the military will first need to take the ASVAB exam. The registration form can be found here.

Ladders for Leaders Summer Internships

Don't miss out! If you are a Williamson County high school student age 16-18 (including graduating seniors) and meet our requirements, you should apply. We have two programs: Rise Up and Soar High. Each are designed to serve our Wilco students and help them gain professional, paid work experience before they enter college, trade school or the workplace. Applications close Feb. 19.

Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute Summer Program

2021 Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute Summer Science Program

IMPORTANT NOTE: This program is currently scheduled to be virtual. HOWEVER, if health regulations and COVID restrictions allow by summer, the intent is to have in-person activities. The in-person activities would be held in Pennsylvania. This would be a student/family expense.

Graduating Seniors Interested in Being an Austin Fire Fighter

High school graduates can now apply for the AFD! This flyer will inform you about how to apply to the Austin Fire Department.

Ladders for Leaders University

Ladders for Leaders is offering FREE training for high school students via our new LL University Program. The training includes resume writing, LinkedIn account creation, Interviewing 101, and Internship Etiquette. Details and registration. Register by February 19.

Student Leadership Opportunity for Sophomores and Juniors- LifeSteps “Say What- Stand Up, Speak Up, and Be Tobacco Free”

Click on these links to learn more about the tobacco prevention youth group and to apply to be a student ambassador. Flyer 1, Flyer 2

Girl Day at UT

Girl Day at UT Austin, including Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and the Girl Day STEM Festival, will be held virtually Saturday, February 20, 2021 through Monday, March 1, 2021.Details and registration

High School Girls Interested in STEM

Join us for special #UTGirlDay sessions and events from partnering organizations designed for high school students. With all of Girl Day at UT Austin virtual this year, we're inviting high school students to join us to explore STEM college majors and careers. February 20 - March 1, 2021. Details

Students Interested In Learning More about Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Inspirit AI, is an experiential program that exposes high school students to the foundations of artificial intelligence. Students are invited to join our upcoming webinar: “Preparing HS Students for an AI-Powered Future.” Attendees will get to hear from some of our instructors from MIT, Stanford, Cambridge, and Amazon about how high school students can combine their passions with AI and lead innovative and impactful careers in the fields of their choice. Our event will feature the following talks:

Daniela Ganelin (MIT): AI for All High School Students: From Biologists to Artists
Anna Sappington (Marshall Scholar at Cambridge): AI and the Life Sciences
Akshay Jagadeesh and Aansh Shah (Stanford and Amazon): Prepare for Applying AI in College, Research, and Careers

The webinar will take place on Saturday, February 20th from 2 to 3pm PST on Zoom. Please register here if you'd like to attend or receive a recording of the event.

National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship

Applicant must be accepted into a construction-related program at a post-secondary school in the US. Details

Essay Scholarship Contest for JUNIORS and SENIORS

“You Will be Found” Scholarship Essay Contest 2021. We invite 11th-grade and 12th-grade students to write a college-application style essay (no longer than 650-words) that describes how you have managed to ensure those around you were a little less alone in recent months – or, alternatively, a moment where you yourself have found comfort in connection.Check out more about this opportunity on this website.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative Scholarship

On Feb. 1, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) opened the online application for its 2021 scholarship program. PEC will award $100,000 in scholarships to high school seniors whose parents or legal guardians are PEC members in good standing. Scholarships will be awarded to attend an accredited college, university, junior college, technical or trade school.

Details, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, are available on our website at pec.coop/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 22, at 11:59 p.m.