JBHS
College & Career Center
Newsletter
November 1, 2025
November 1, 2025
UPCOMING NEWS AND EVENTS
Seniors!
November 1st is the last day to apply to UCONN for FREE! You will find this waiver In the common app, under the "General" questions for UCONN. You will see a question stating, "Do you intend to use one of these UCONN-specific fee waivers?" Then select, "Application Fee waiver for CT Residents or those attending CT High Schools; submitted between Oct.15th and Nov. 1, 2025"
To register for the SAT, please visit: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration
To register for the ACT, please visit: https://www.act.org/
Be sure to follow the College and Career Center on Instagram here for important information regarding college, scholarship, employment, and volunteer opportunities!
Financial Aid Application Information for Seniors and Parents:
The 2026-2027 FAFSA is expected to open on December 1st! FAFSA information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
The CSS Profile portal opened on October 1st! If you are planning to apply to schools(s) that require the CSS Profile, you and your parent(s) can complete this form by visiting: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ .
Financial Aid Application Workshops
Western Connecticut State University’s Office of Financial Aid is hosting
FAFSA nights!
Wednesday, November 5th
Scan the QR Code to register to receive one-on-one assistance in completing the FAFSA for the 2026-2027 school year.
ECMC Learning is a financial wellness center that will teach students all about personal finance. If you are in need of individual support or help troubleshooting the FAFSA, ECMC is offering assistance to students and families. Use the appointment link: https://calendly.com/tcpconnecticut/30min to schedule an appointment! To find out more about ECMC, please visit: https://www.ecmc.org/studentseducators/college-access-centers/the-college-place-connecticut
A Representative from the United States Air Force is visiting on
Wednesday, November 12th!
A representative from the United States Air Force is visiting JBHS on Wednesday, November 12th. Interested students may speak with the representative outside the cafeteria during your lunch period.
A Representative from the United States Navy is visiting on
Thursday, November 13th!
A representative from the United States Navy is visiting JBHS on Thursday, November 13th. Interested students may speak with the representative outside the cafeteria during your lunch period.
High School Diplomat Program for Students
High School Diplomats Program U.S: is an eight-day program providing 20 American students the opportunity to engage in academic and social pursuits, and forge lifelong friendships with 20 Japanese students of the same age. During the eight-day program hosted at the University of Virginia, each American student is paired with a Japanese roommate. The program is sponsored each summer by AIG General Insurance Co., Ltd., along with the Freeman Foundation. Students from Japan and America spend eight days living and socializing with each other on the historic grounds of the University of Virginia. The program exposes students to both cultures through daily themes and academic and social activities, guided by a dedicated staff made up of recent program alumni. The High School Diplomats program is devoted to bringing students from both American and Japanese cultures the most informative and engaging cultural exchange possible. In addition to the daily activities, both groups of students attend daily language classes ranging from beginner to advanced and taught by native speakers. Every student is also given the opportunity to present a unique part of their culture. Topics assigned each year vary but often include history, leisure, social issues, and education. The HSD U.S. academic curriculum provides students with small, seminar-style learning opportunities that animate the cultural exchange.
2025 Program Details:
Dates: July 23 - August 1, 2026.
Location: University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Number of Students: 20 American, 20 Japanese
Eligibility: All high school sophomores and juniors may apply. Children of AIG employees and their agents may not apply. We afford equal opportunity to students of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Cost: Room, board, and all activity costs are paid in full by the program scholarship. Transportation costs to and from the program are not covered but financial assistance is available if needed.
Application Period: October 1, 2025 - January 19, 2026
Application Requirements: Students must complete an online application and also arrange for a teacher or counselor to submit a recommendation from an official school email address. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.highschooldiplomats.com/america
Research Opportunity for Juniors
CT STATE OPEN HOUSE- Wednesday, November 5th!
CT State Community College - Gateway Campus
is holding an Open House on
November 5th from 4:00-7:00pm
If you are considering enrolling in a CT State Community College, attending an open house is a great way to learn more about
Academic Programs
Vibrant Campus Life
Financial Aid
Free Tuition.
Scan the QR code to see a list of all upcoming open houses!
NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo- Bridgeport:
Youth Volunteer Opportunities at the Beardsley Zoo:
Zoo Career Explorers:
Investigate Zoo Careers from animal care to development and marketing, from visitor services and maintenance to Zoo director. Teens, 14 – 18 interested in learning more about Zoos and Zoo careers are welcome to join Zoo Career Explorers. Explorer members attend career workshops with hands-on activities, take part in job shadows, develop a public presentation and create a year-end project. This program is a hybrid of on-line and in person fun and learning. The program fee of $120 covers all project materials, t-shirt and other costs.
Conservation Discovery Corps:
Get involved with local conservation education and field work. Qualified high school students will have the opportunity to work side by side with field biologists, study the role of zoos in conservation and help educate the zoo’s visitors. This is a year-long program with the opportunity for greatest involvement during the summer months. Applications accepted through January 12th each calendar year – Training starts in February.
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please visit: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/volunteer.html
Mark Twain Library- Redding:
The Library’s successful operation each year depends on the commitment and generosity of hundreds of volunteers! All our volunteers are a valued part of our library family. Want to help? The Library welcomes Redding residents of any age who would like to assist the library staff with short-or-long-term projects. Please contact Erin Shea Dummeyer, the Library Director, directly, at (203)-938-2545, if you are interested in this on-site volunteer work.
Danbury Animal Welfare Society- Bethel:
There are a variety of Volunteering opportunities at Danbury Animal Welfare Society. Those who are at least 13 years old and have parental permission can make a difference in the lives of animals through a number of projects and activities. You must have attended a Volunteer Orientation session in order to work with the animals in our shelter. For more information, please visit: https://daws.org/youth-volunteering/
Stepping Stones Museum for Children- Norwalk:
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to apply for the Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones (YES2) program. These hands-on experiences are tailored to help youth build confidence, enhance communication skills and gain valuable insights into the workings of a cultural institution. Participation in the Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones (YES2) program sets a strong foundation for future personal and professional growth while fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement. Through this dynamic program, participants provide essential support for the museum's mission while developing essential work readiness and leadership skills. YES2 offers a variety of volunteer opportunities and enrichment that allow young people to actively contribute to the museum’s community. Volunteer roles range from assisting with educational programs and special events to leading interactive exhibits and guiding visitors. Social activities such as movie and karaoke nights allow youth to build strong connections with peers outside of a school environment. YES2 volunteers represent a pivotal part of the museum's commitment to nurturing young talent and inspiring the next generation of leaders, as well as being an integral part of the vibrant team at Stepping Stones. For more information, please visit: https://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/about-us/volunteers
NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES
Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Department
Carraluzzi’s Market- Bethel & Georgetown:
Caraluzzi’s Market is hiring! Caraluzzi’s is looking for positive customer service oriented people to join their team. Applicants should have a desire to learn and enjoy working in a fast paced environment. For more information and application, please visit: https://caraluzzis.com/jobs/
Meadow Ridge- Redding:
Meadow Ridge is known for the exceptional people who live here — and also for the exceptional people who work here. As a member of our staff, you will play an integral role in helping us provide the highest level of hospitality and service available at any senior living community in the country. We’re looking for people who share our passion and commitment to making Meadow Ridge the best. We offer competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits plan. If you think you have the personal drive and dedication to work at Meadow Ridge, we want to hear from you.
SERVERS
4:30 pm– 8:30 pm Weekdays
Weekend Hours too!
Job Summary: Responsible for providing the finest possible services to the residents in an efficient, professional, and hospitable manner by working with the dining room and kitchen.
Job Requirements: Ability to interpret and explain menu, provide answers to questions, coordinate meal service process and understand requests. Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions, meal tickets, short correspondence, memos and instruction/safety manuals in English and communicate. Ability to work in close cooperation with residents, guests, visitors, families, peers and supervisors. Requires courtesy, tact and graciousness. Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate skills for communicating with individuals of all ages, especially the geriatric population.
If you are interested in learning more about opportunities at Meadow Ridge, please contact Heidi Goodhart, Director of Human Resources through email (hgoodhart@meadowridge.com) or by phone at 203-544-1000 extension 521. Meadow Ridge will send you an application.
COLLEGE VISITS
Many college/technical school/military admissions representatives will visit Joel Barlow High School to meet with interested juniors and seniors. If you are interested in a particular college (or colleges!), you can sign up in advance on Scoir to attend a presentation and ask any questions that you might have about the school. This is a great opportunity to show demonstrated interest and to get questions answered!
Accessing the College Visit Schedule and Signing Up:
Log onto your Scoir student account using your email address and password you created.
On the bottom right section of your Scoir account, you will see a list of upcoming visits.
Click "Register" for the college visit you wish to attend
Students are to obtain a pass from your teacher prior to arriving at the College & Career Center for the scheduled visit.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Qualifying criteria varies for each scholarship. While most scholarships/awards are only available to seniors, some may include juniors and underclassmen as well. Pay close attention to deadline dates when applying.
Navy ROTC Scholarship Program available for interested students
For more information, please visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/NROTC/