Embedded Files
Check out the Virtual Calming Room!
Senior Welcome
Senior Welcome
Welcome to your senior year, Class of 2026! This is an incredibly important time, and I'm excited to partner with you and your families as you navigate the journey toward graduation and beyond. This year is all about finalizing your postsecondary plans. Whether your path leads to a two-year or four-year college, a technical or trade school, military enlistment, or employment, our goal is to ensure you have the resources and support you need to succeed.
As the College and Career Readiness Coach, I have high expectations for our Douglass Scholars. I challenge you to take advantage of the many resources and opportunities available on this site and throughout the school year. Individual senior meetings will begin after the Fall Senior Class Meeting on August 28th. During the meeting you will meet with your counselor for a walkthrough of your senior list. As you complete your senior list be sure to check your email and FDHS/CGWA Senior Counseling, College and Career Canvas Course on a regular basis to ensure that you do not miss important information and opportunities.
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 Senior 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 Senior 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.pdf12th Grade College and Career Timeline
12th Grade College and Career Timeline
Fall Semester
Finalize Postsecondary Plans:
Narrow your college list. schedule final campus visits if possible, and submit your college applications. If you can't visit in person, complete a virtual college tour and connect with admission representatives.
Plan to submit college applications before Thanksgiving note that early action and early decision deadlines are typically in October/November.
Check your FDHS/CGWA Counseling, College and Career Canvas Course College Planning Module for additional resources.
Consider retaking the ACT or SAT in September or October if needed. Check you FDHS/CGWA Counseling, College and Career Canvas Course College Planning Module for additional resources.
Review KHEAA's "Getting In" and "The College Circuit" publications for helpful tipis.
Continue to research and apply for scholarships.
Meet with your military recruiter if you plan to enlist. Mrs. Jones and Mr. Meade can connect you with military recruiters.
For students planning to join the workforce, update your resume (use the Pathful Explore Resume Builder) and take advantage of FDHS Get Hired Initiatives throughout the year. These events will be posted on the FDHS CCR Event Registration Form at https://go.fcps.net/FDHSCCREvents.
Take advantage of the College Application and FSA ID Help Sessions offered during College Application Week (September 22nd - 26th).
Be sure to network with admissions representatives, employers, and military recruiters at the Closing the Deal College and Career Fair on September 25th.
Register for sessions at go.fcps.net/FDHSCCREvents.
Recommendations and Transcripts:
Complete your Senior Brag Form and request letters from teachers, counselors, and your CCR Coach at least two weeks before the deadline.
Register for your Parchment account after attending the September Senior Class Meeting. Creation links will be sent via email.
Spring Semester
College Decisions and Enrollment:
Review college acceptance letters and financial aid offers.
Check your KEES Award amount.
If you haven't already, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov or sign-up for a FAFSA Frenzy Help Session.
Register for college orientations and submit housing applications early.
Review KHEAA's "Thriving in College" publication for helpful tips.
Continue to apply for scholarships especially local scholarships, which are always included on the FDHS/CGWA Scholarship List.
Surveys and Employment:
Complete all requirements for your 12th grade Elevate badges.
Submit your FDHS/CGWA Senior Surveys (Senior Transition Survey, College and Scholarship Survey, and Senior Signing Day Survey). These will be discussed and accessible at the February Senior Meeting, with links available in your Canvas Course.
If seeking employment, attend FDHS Get Hired and FCPS Senior Career Kick-Start events. Register at go.fcps.net/FDHSCCREvents.
Request final transcripts through Parchment to be sent to your college of choice after graduating.
If you have taken dual credit courses, you will need to submit the dual credit college transcripts to the college of your choice as well.
Additional Tips
Additional Tips
Check your email regularly for important updates and opportunities.
Prioritize time management and organization
Maintain strong academic performance throughout your senior year.
Take advantage of academic support resources including tutoring.
Continue to build positive relationships with teachers, student support staff, and community partners.
Challenge yourself academically, but always prioritize your mental and physical health. Check out the Student Support Resources for self-care and wellness tips and suggestions.
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.
FDHS FAFSA Frenzy
FDHS FAFSA Frenzy
High school seniors planning to attend college or technical school should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also called the FAFSA, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). The information on the FAFSA determines if students qualify for federal grants and student loans. It is also required to apply for state grants and scholarships. In addition, many colleges use the information to award their own grants and scholarships.
The FAFSA asks for information about income, assets, and expenses. A formula set by Congress determines eligibility for federal and state aid. If the student is considered a dependent under federal guidelines, both the student and parents/guardians must provide financial information. Nearly all students going directly to college from high school are considered dependent.
Some student aid programs have limited money and provide funds on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible! (The application will be available in December) Even if they don’t think they will qualify for financial aid, seniors should submit the FAFSA. They might be surprised because student aid rules change all the time.
All seniors are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA Frenzy Help Sessions will be held throughout the Winter/Spring and individual help sessions may be scheduled throughout the year as needed. Families may contact Mrs. Jones (monica.jones@fayette.kyschools.us) for further assistance.
Seniors may visit go.fcps.net/FDHSCCREvents to register for our FDHS FAFSA Frenzy Help Sessions.
College Application Week FSA ID Help Sessions: September 22, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Additional Dates Coming Soon!
Page updated
Report abuse