Welcome to Burrell High School Guidance! Make an appointment with us any way you choose - in person, phone, or Google meet.
Welcome to the Burrell High School Guidance Department Site! Here you will be able to find useful information to help navigate you through your high school career and beyond. Contact the guidance office if you have any questions.
No school for students on Oct. 27th
1st Marking Period Ends Nov. 3rd
Report cards will be posted after 2pm on Nov. 5th!
Parent- Teacher Conferences are Nov. 10th 12 - 3:30 PM & 4:30 - 7:30 PM (No school for students)
No school for students on Nov. 11th
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 26 - Dec. 1st!
Christmas Break Dec. 24 - Jan. 2!
Westinghouse North American Young Generation in Nuclear: Engineer Your Future - December 4th, 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Address: Westinghouse Waltz Mill; 680 Waltz Mill RD, Ruffs Dale, PA
Sophomores and Juniors are invited to learn about careers in engineering and other technical fields, engineering disciplines, hear from a career panel Q&A, and engaged in hands-on activities.
Register here: Registration Link
2nd Annual Young Ethicist Essay Competition - Submit by, December 12, 2025
How do we stay human in the age of AI? High School students are invited to submit essays responding to one or more prompts regarding AI.
For eligibility and rules click here: Young Ethicist Essay Competition Eligibility & Rules
Reach out to grefenstettecenter@duq.edu for any questions
2026 PA Legion 91th Annual Essay Contest
For students 9-12th grade, up to $3,500 scholarship
Submit essay before JANUARY 7th, 2026 to a local American Legion Post
Visit PA Legion Essay Program to learn more!
PennDOT Annual Innovation Challenge - Submit by January 30th, 2025
The PennDOT Innovations Challenge is a statewide competition that challenges teams of students in ninth through 12th grades to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges.
Visit the website to learn more and apply: PennDOT Innovation Challenge
Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship - Deadline to apply is February 28th, 2026
Must be 18 and start by June 01, 2026
Interest related to: plumbing, pipefitting, welding or HVAC-R Techs
See flyer for more information: Apprenticeship Flyer
ASSE International Student Exchange Programs 🌍
ASSE provides life changing experiences through well-supported programs that are both flexible and affordable. There are 30+ countries to explore, Semester, year, and summer language programs are offered, no prior knowledge of the host county's language is required, fees are the lowest among high school exchange programs, and minimum GPA is 2.7.
Visit ASSE.com or reach out to outbound@asse.com to explore destinations and/or begin application.
Laurel Highlands Workforce & Opportunities (LHWOC) 🩺
At LHWOC, their mission is to remove the barriers for individuals who are under & unemployed or in a transition of employment, by providing high-quality Medical Training and a Career Opportunity in that field. LHWOC offers a 7-month Clinical Medical Assistant program and a 3-month Patient Services Associate program. Click the title to learn more!
AMDA College of Performing Arts 🎭
AMDA is a home for emerging performers and creatives - singers, actors, dancers, and storytellers who dream of a career in the entertainment industry.
AMDA is a regionally accredited institution (WASC) and offers over 20 specialized degree and conservatory programs.
Visit AMDA.edu to learn more!
Lackawanna College Greensburg Location
Lackawanna opened a center in Greensburg! They will begin teaching Welding and Fabrication Technology starting Spring 2026 and Electrical Technology in Fall 2026
Click the links for more information: Lackawanna College New Satellite Centers | Lackawanna College Homepage | Manufacturing Career Pathways
College Fair at Westmorland County Community College in Youngwood - September 24th @ 6:00PM - 7:30 PM 📚
There will be about 70 schools and businesses representing and is a great way for students to meet face to face with admissions counselors.
Students in 11 and 12th grade are recommended to attend.
Financial aid discussion is at 5:30 PM
PennDOT High School Internship Opportunity
PennDOT is offering paid high school internships at $17.31/hour
Must be 16 years by start date, a junior or senior in 25-26 school year, AND include a letter of recommendation from co-op coordinator, school counselor, or designated school professional
Applications close September, 25th 2025, apply here: PennDOT Application
SAT Boot Camp - September 28th @ 12 PM - 5 PM; Fox Chapel Area High School
SAT Boot Camp is a 5-hour intensive workshop focused on test taking, time-management, grammar, usage, math, and critical reading skills and strategies. This is a great opportunity, whether you are just getting started in SAT preparation or if you want a final boost of confidence before taking the exam.
Register here -> Registration Flyer
Indiana/ Westmoreland County Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Open House - Monday, Sept. 29th 7:00 - 9:00 PM; 2510 Warren Rd. Indiana, PA 15701 ✈️
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force and a nonprofit organization with three primary missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.
Reach out to Tech. Sgt. Joshua Zimmerman (jzimmerman@pawg.cap.gov) for questions or more information!
Website Link: gocivilairpatrol.com
Fly Like a Girl: Drone Academy (FREE)
Open to all high school GIRLS ages 16 or older
Deadline to apply Tuesday, September 30th
Fill out application HERE !
Virtual Financial Aid Night Webinars!! 💵
Virtual financial aid nights for September 18 and 30th. Events run from 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM. Jonathan Warner will present information on the financial application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about in order to gain affordable access to higher education.
September 18th Link: PHEAA Virtual Financial Aid Night Webinar | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
September 30th Link: PHEAA Virtual Financial Aid Night Webinar | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
October 9th (6-7:30 PM) Link: PHEAA Virtual Financial Aid Night Webinar | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams (NEW!!)
Rosedale Technical College Open House 🧑🔧 - Saturday October 18th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Address: 215 Beecham Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15205
If you're looking to pursue a trade or still exploring post-secondary options, register for the upcoming Open House! During Open House guests have the opportunity to tour the school, ask questions, meet the people who’ll help them build their future.
Veterans of Foreign War "Voice of Democracy" Audio Essay Contest
Open to students in 9-12th grade
Cash awards at the local, county, state, and national level
Complete application and submit audio essay by OCTOBER 21, 2025
Visit the website for more information and application: youthscholarships@vfw.org
PennWest Student for a Day Program - OCT. 3rd or OCT.22
Students are invited to PennWest's Student for a Day program on Oct. 3rd or Oct. 22nd. These days allow students to be immersed in campus life, attend a real class, and connect with current students and faculty.
Students can choose from classes in popular introductory areas such as psychology, algebra, criminal justice, college composition, speech and language development, biology, chemistry, sports nutrition, engineering technology, and more.
They will be paired up with a peer mentor to guide them through the day. Parents, guardians, and teachers are welcome to accompany students throughout the experience or relax in our lounge.
Sign up link: Student for a Day registration
Chatham Health Science 3+2 Academic Visit Day - October 22nd, 2025, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Health Science Academic Visit Day offers an inside look at their Integrated Degree Pathways program which allow students to earn both their bachelor's and have a guaranteed seat to their graduate health science program.
Students & parents will meet with faculty and current students in the sciences at Chatham, explore their Integrated Degree Pathways, and learn about admission, scholarships, and hands-on learning opportunities.
RSVP link: HERE!
West Point Service Academy Information Day 🪖
Pennsylvania Service Academy info session discussing West Point and other service opportunities. This info session invites students with an open admissions file, students interested in applying to West Point and ROTC in the future, School Counselors, and ROTC/JROTC Staff.4 .
When: 6 PM – 9 PM (Doors open at 5:30pm) on Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Where: Robert Morris University, UPMC Events Center, 6001 University Blvd Moon Twp, PA 15108
Rsvp link: HERE!
Community College of Allegheny County Free Financial Aid Workshop - Saturday, November 1st; 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join CCAC Allegheny Campus for a FREE financial aid workshop were representatives will be able to answer any questions, and help with the FAFSA application process.
View flyer to register: CCAC Financial Aid Workshop
Holiday Grief Support Event Hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice - Saturday, Nov. 8th, 10:00 AM
Good Samaritan Hospice (GSH), a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will host a free grief workshop for all ages titled “Unwrapping the Holidays with Hope!” on Saturday, Nov. 8. The group will be held at its location in Middlesex Twp. (116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059) from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., with registration opening at 9:30 a.m.
Registration is recommended for this event by Oct. 24. 1-800-720-2557
Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center Open House
Thursday, November 6, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
705 Stevenson Blvd. New Kensington, PA 15068
Come visit their 13 programs!
PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski Job Fair - Thursday, November 6, 2025; 10:00AM - 1:00 PM
VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Rd, Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Westinghouse Women In Nuclear: Introduce a Girl to Engineering - November 12th & 13th 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM 🥼
Address: Westinghouse Waltz Mill; 680 Waltz Mill RD, Ruffs Dale, PA
Sophomores & Juniors are invited to discover engineering disciplines, hear from a career panel Q&A, and engage in hands-on activities
Register here: Registration Link
UPMC Pathway for Students Educational Career Event - Thursday, November 20th, 2025; 9AM - 1PM
Students have the opportunity to learn about more than 40 career areas with the region's largest employer, UPMC
Located at the David L. Lawerence Convention Center
Register here: Registration Link or to join waitlist, please email Andrew Glover, glovera10@upmc.edu
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest - National Society Sons of the American Revolution
The Knight Essay Contest gives students, 9-12th grade the opportunity to showcase their researching and writing skills. The topic of the essay must be an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the constitution.
Award up to $500
Complete application form, and entire essay package by NOVEMBER 30th, 2025
Visit sar.org to apply/learn more!
2026 High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A Constitutional Speech Contest"
Student must be under the age of 20 years, 9-12th grade student, and live in or attend a school in Pennsylvania
Submit an application to any PA Post for sponsorship by NOVEMBER 30th, 2025!
Visit www.legion.org/oratorical to learn more
Junior Interviews will begin ____________. Click on your school counselor's name below to reserve your appointment slot. Keep in mind the following:
Remember to pick only one slot
Do not schedule if you have an exam that period
Check in with your teacher prior to coming down
All missed work is your responsibility
Mr. Pham's appointment calendar (Last names A - L) - Click HERE
Mrs. Oskin's appointment calendar (Last names M - Z) - Click HERE
Empowering Students to Learn, Create, Lead, and Succeed.
Core Curriculum: Evaluate school and student data and outcomes. Develop core curriculum to address student competencies. Collaborate with classroom teachers to deliver classroom lessons.
Individual Student Planning: Help students evaluate their own interests, abilities, and skills. Help students develop personal goals and create plans for their futures.
Responsive Services: Individual counseling, small group counseling, CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES.
Indirect Services: Make referrals for outside counseling or assistance. Consult with parents and teachers to share effective strategies that support students. Collaborate with parents, professionals, and community members to support student success.
Step 1 - In order for Burrell High School to send your transcript to ANY organization (employer, college, university, scholarship, recruiter) the transcript release form must be completed first. Click HERE for the Transcript Release Form.
Step 2 - Students must complete this Google Form for EACH transcript needed sent to any organization. Click HERE for Transcript Request Form.
Current available scholarships 2025 - 2026
Scholarships will be added as we receive them
Please make note of the additional tab on the Google sheet for a listing of national scholarship websites
Guidance Scholarship 25-26 Link
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Click HERE to see the calendar of post high school and college recruiters coming to Burrell High School.
School Counselor
Students M to Z
meizhen.green@burrell.k12.pa.us
Being a teenager has its ups and downs. Stress can effect your mind and body in many ways. All too often we see teenagers deal with stress in manners that have lasting negative effects on themselves and those around them. If things become overwhelming to where you can't seem to make life easier for yourself, seek out help. Talk to your parents, trusted friend, and or teacher/school counselor. Staying healthy mentally makes you a stronger and more confident individual.
The Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 to provide assistance for individuals in crisis or for individuals seeking assistance for another person in crisis.
Student Assistance Program
SAP is a systematic collaborative team process between counselors, school staff, administrators, local program liaisons and student family involvement that helps identify and address any barrier to a student's learning and success. The primary goal of SAP is to help students overcome these barriers to be able to achieve, advance, and remain in school. SAP is confidential, completely voluntary with parent permission, and data driven.
Free virtual tutoring services
HOTLINES
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
All calls are answered 24/7 by a mental health counselor.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is similar to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other hotlines, but allows those in crisis to text rather than call.
Text “HOME” to 741741
Resolve Crisis Network
All calls are answered 24/7 by a mental health counselor.
1-888-7-YOU CAN (1-888-796-8226)
Safe2Say
This program operates 24/7 and allows individuals to report a secure and anonymous safety concern to help identify and intervene upon at-risk individuals before they hurt themselves and/or others.
1-844-SAF2SAY
What is financial aid?
Click HERE for PDF info.
FAFSA Checklist - What you need before creating an account
PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) - Where to start information
Salli Mae financial aid resource site - Click HERE