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Sophomore Welcome
Sophomore Welcome
Welcome to your sophomore year at Frederick Douglass High School/Carter G. Woodson Academy! This year is a pivotal point in your college and career journey, and by utilizing the available resources and staying focused and organized, you can set yourself up for strong success. Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly pay off.
As the College and Career Readiness Coach, Monica Jones, SHRM-CP, is available to assist you in the CCR Center (E207). You are encouraged to stop by for assistance or to schedule an individual college/career planning or advising meeting. You can also schedule an appointment with the Student Support Team at bit.ly/fdhsrequestcounselor.
Get In Touch
Get In Touch
I encourage you to stop by my office in E207 for assistance or to simply say hello. You can schedule an individual college/career planning or advising meeting with me by clicking the link below.
I look forward to working with you!
Monica Jones, SHRM-CP FDHS College and Career Coach
CCR Resources
CCR Resources
Below are a few resources you should become familiar with to assist you on your postsecondary journey.
ACT My Journey: Free Virtual Events for College and Career Planning
August 27, 2025 - College Knowledge Night for Parents of 9th - 11th Graders
September 9, 2025 - College for Students with Learning Differences
September 16, 2025 - College Options for Fine and Performing Arts
September 17, 2025 - College Pathways for Athletes
October 15, 2025 - College Admissions 101: Your Ultimate College Roadmap for Success
Big Future
College Planning: College Search, Connect with Colleges, Stand Out in High School, and more.
FDHS/CGWA Sophomore Counseling, College & Career Canvas Course: Students are strongly encouraged to accept their Canvas Course invitation. This course is a self-paced resource guide for postsecondary planning, offering modules on college planning, career exploration, student opportunities, and scholarship/financial aid. It also includes grade-level meeting presentations and announcements.
Elevate: Take your postsecondary planning to the next level with Elevate, your "one-stop shop" for capturing critical moments and experiences that align your plans with the Fayette County Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate. Be sure to take advantage of Pathful Explore (which is accessible on your Elevate Menu) and has postsecondary education and career features to help you explore your options. Students may access Elevate at elevate.fcps.net or from their FCPS Google Waffle.
Detailed instructions on how to use Pathful Explore for postsecondary and career exploration are included in your FDHS/CGWA Sophomore Counseling, College & Career Canvas Course.
The College Tour: Learn about the college experience from college students by watching episodes or tours from The College Tour.
CCR Service Delivery Poster.pdf10th Grade College and Career Timeline
10th Grade College and Career Timeline
Fall Semester
August/September:
Explore your interests by continuing to take electives that align with your passions.
Challenge yourself by considering honors, AP, or dual credit courses to boost your academic profile.
Reflect on any summer program experiences and consider how they relate to your interests, capturing these moments in Elevate.
Ensure you have a professional email address for college and career communication.
Register for upcoming College & Career Readiness (CCR) events, workshops, and campus/industry tours atgo.fcps.net/FDHSCCREvents.
Begin exploring career options on Elevate's Pathful Explore and utilize Career Central to think about potential career paths.
October:
Get involved by continuing to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs that interest you.
Track achievements by maintaining a record of your activities, volunteer work, and academic accomplishments.
Participate in College Application Week events and start researching colleges that align with your academic interests and goals, considering factors like location, size, and cost.
Attend the FCPS College & Career Fair and talk to representatives from various institutions.
November:
Analyze your PSAT scores and identify areas for improvement on the SAT or ACT.
Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and potential career path.
Spring Semester
January:
Start researching summer enrichment programs, internships, or jobs.
Schedule campus visits to get a firsthand feel for colleges you're interested in.
Begin financial aid research, learning about scholarships, grants, and other options.
Review postsecondary options to determine the right path for you (e.g., postsecondary education, employment, military enlistment, or a combination).
Create your college wishlist.
Meet with military recruiters.
Learn about employment opportunities, including apprenticeships and high-paying entry-level positions.
February:
Start preparing for the SAT or ACT if you plan to take them in the spring or fall of junior year.
March:
Continue career exploration using Elevate's resources.
Review and complete all requirements for your 10th-grade Elevate badge.
Meet with your counselor to discuss and finalize your course selections for 11th grade.
April/May:
Based on your research, create your list of colleges you are considering.
Reflect and celebrate your accomplishments from the year and set goals for the upcoming year.
Additional Tips
Additional Tips
Get in the habit of checking your email on a regular basis.
Develop strong time management and organizational skills.
Build positive relationships with teachers and student support staff.
Schedule an appointment with the Student Support Team at bit.ly/fdhsrequestcounselor.
Take advantage of academic support resources such as tutoring.
Challenge yourself academically, but also prioritize your mental and physical health.
Don't forget about KHEAA
Don't forget about KHEAA
KHEAA is the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. KHEAA is probably best known for the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), but KHEAA has several resources available to students and families. Check them out below.
The College Circuit: Quick Reference College Planning Guide for High School Students and Families
High School Timeline
College Planning
Paying for College: Scholarships, Federal & State Aid
Getting In: Overview of the college admission process. This document also includes pertinent information for all Kentucky colleges and universities.
KEES (Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship): The KEES program provides scholarships to Kentucky students who earn at least a 2.5 GPA each and 5 credits each year they attend a Kentucky high school. The higher the GPA the more you earn toward college. Earn additional scholarship bonuses for eligible ACT/SAT scores and Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores.
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship: The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) helps Kentuckians who have not yet earned an associate's degree afford an industry‐recognized certificate or diploma. The WRKS program is available to college students and certain high school students who are enrolled in college coursework.
Qualifying Areas: Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP), Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Logistics, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Scholarships/Financial Aid
Scholarships/Financial Aid
Navigating the Scholarship/Financial Aid process can seem overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Use the following resources as a guide. Be sure to register for upcoming Scholarship/Financial Aid Workshops at and review additional resources and links in your FDHS/CGWA Counseling, College and Career Canvas Course Scholarship/Financial Aid Module.
Check out the Fayette County Public Schools Scholarship Site to learn Scholarship/Financial Aid basics including types of financial aid, frequently asked questions, and resources at https://www.fcps.net/families/postsecondary-resources/scholarships.
School Resources:
FDHS/CGWA Senior Counseling, College & Career Canvas Course Scholarship Module.
KHEAA (Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship - KEES): Provides scholarships to students earning at least a 2.5 GPA each year they attend a certified Kentucky High School. Students must be enrolled in a Kentucky High School for a minimum of 140 days per year and carry a full academic load (5 credits) to receive KEES money. Visit kheaa.com to create or check an account.
KHEAA also offers resources like Work Ready Kentucky, Dual Credit Scholarships, and the College Planning & Financial Aid Guide.
National Scholarship Sites: Utilize platforms like Big Future, College Raptor, Fastweb, Going Merry, Scholarship360, Scholly, and Scholarship Owl. Some offer custom scholarship dashboards.
Local Scholarships: Look for opportunities from employers, banks, churches, community organizations, PTAs, sororities, and fraternities.
Specialty Scholarships:
First-Generation College Students: Resources include Sallie Mae Top Scholarships for First-Gen College Students, Scholarships.com First Gen Scholarships, The Scholarship System First-Gen Scholarships, and Scholarships360.org Frist-Gen Scholarships (updates monthly). Many colleges also offer specific first-generation scholarships.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs): Thurgood Marshall College Fund, UNCF, Jackie Robinson Foundation, and USDA 1890 National Scholars Program.
Undocumented Students: TheDream.US and Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Scholarship Finder.
Foster/Adopted Students: Tuition Waivers/Tuition Waiver Schools.
Veterans: VA Education and Training Benefits, GI Bill, and other education benefits.
Apprenticeship Programs: Offer benefits like "Earn & Learn," reduced tuition costs, and debt-free career pathways.
FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List
FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List
Check out current scholarship opportunities at go.fcps.net/2526FDHSCGWAScholarshipList. Please note that the scholarships provided vary and include local, state, and national scholarships that may pertain reference to but are not limited to race, national origin, disability, age, religion, ethnicity, gender identity etc. It is best practice to review the school scholarship list at least twice a month (beginning and middle) to ensure that new scholarships are not missed as scholarships are added on a regular basis.
Check out current scholarship opportunities at go.fcps.net/2526FDHSCGWAScholarshipList. Please note that the scholarships provided vary and include local, state, and national scholarships that may pertain reference to but are not limited to race, national origin, disability, age, religion, ethnicity, gender identity etc. It is best practice to review the school scholarship list at least twice a month (beginning and middle) to ensure that new scholarships are not missed as scholarships are added on a regular basis.
ACT Test Prep Resources
ACT Test Prep Resources
Students may register for the ACT at myact.org. Current juniors and seniors who are eligible for free/reduced meals are eligible for four ACT waivers throughout high school. Waivers may be requested by reaching out to your counselor or College and Career Coach.
Visit the following sites for free additional ACT Test Prep.
Lexington Public Library Test Prep - Will need Library Card
YouTube link - Homemade Math ACT Video Link also found at https://youtu.be/vCHR3IdLe8k
ACT Math Choice Board! → https://Bit.ly/FEESEACT
PSAT/NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized practice test for the SAT. The test is offered to Sophomores and Juniors and helps to identify National Merit Scholars. Click here to learn more about the PSAT, which is offered to interested sophomores and juniors. Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT with Khan Academy for free.
The PSAT will be administered at FDHS on the following dates:
October 22, 2025
This is an optional test, students must sign up by Tuesday, September 16th at bit.ly/FallPSAT2025.
Prepare for the PSAT:
Preparing for the SAT
Preparing for the SAT
From free test prep to a checklist of what to bring on test day, College Board provides everything you need to prepare for the SAT. Visit https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/ to access official SAT Practice on Khan Academy, register, and learn more about the ACT. Our school code is 180011.
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